Wild, sweeping, breathtaking landscapes. Vertical escarpments plunging from mountain tops into pools hundreds of metres below.Bare, shapely summits with spectacular views that stretch for miles.

For many of us, when we think of walking in the Brecon Beacons National Park, these are the images that come to mind. And while the region does indeed have all the above, part of its joy is in its variety.

To the east is a series of very accessible summits and ridges known as the Black Mountains, which sit above scenic towns such as Abergavenny, Crickhowell and Hay-on-Wye. They’re not to be confused with the Black Mountain on the western side of the park (and just to further make the mind ache, there’s actually a hill called Black Mountain within the Black Mountains).

In between the two ranges on the southern side of the park is what’s known as Waterfall Country, where one small area is awash with stunning cascades. This region’s also characterised by limestone pavements on open land and impressive cave systems below the surface.

ROUTE 1 – Enjoy stunning views from the Beacons’ highest point

ROUTE 2 – One walk, four waterfalls