• There were walks, talks and other events to enjoy organised by the National Park Authority Countryside Service, the Brecon Beacons Park Society and many other organisations. If you enjoyed this year's programme - or iof you missed it -  we hope you will come back in 2011 to help us celebrate some more!

Download a pdf of this events programme.

Here is additional information on the festival programme including LEGAL DISCLAIMER - please read!

Programme for 2010

All events are FREE unless otherwise indicated. Any updates will be posted on this page.

Saturday 22 May & Sunday 23 May

Let it rock!

Family fun at the National Park Visitor Centre over the Geopark Festival opening weekend. Ever tried your hand at gold-panning? Perhaps you'd like to make your own fossil? Join folks from the British Geological Survey in these activities. Displays too inclduing Welsh Stone Forum.

• Location: National Park Visitor Centre, near Libanus, Brecon
• Time: 10am - 4pm, both days
• More info: Lunch can be bought at the Centre. Ring 01874 623366

 Friday 14 May to Sunday 26 June (six weeks)

Mapping Brecknockshire

An exhibition exploring the diverse maps published for this part of the Geopark over the last 500 years. From Speed and Saxton to the Ordnance Survey and beyond.

• Location: Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery, Brecon
• Time: Friday 14th May to Saturday 26th June
• More info: Check out the Museum website or ring 01874 624121

Saturday 22 May

Walking in the Air

From the comfort of the Mountain Centre, enjoy a remarkable virtual tour of the Geopark and wider Wales followed in the afternoon by a walk on Mynydd Illtud looking at the relationship between the local landscape, its geology and the last Ice Age.

• Location: National Park Visitor Centre, near Libanus, Brecon
• Times: indoors 11am - 12noon & walk from 2pm - 4pm
• Walk length/grade: 3km / 2 miles,  EASY
• Leader: Judith Harvey, BBNPA head warden/west
• Interpretive guides: Dr Tony Ramsay & Dr Pete Brabham, Cardiff University
• More info: Lunch can be bought at the centre. Ring 01874 623366
• FREE event
• Dogs: Well-behaved dogs on short leads welcome.

Sunday 23 May

Walk, Talk and Tea - a guided walk

A short, easy circular walk including a mysterious spiritual centre, an industrial site with wonderful views of the National Park's highest peaks, a final resting place, preparing for war, an unsolved mystery and a little known wonder. All this followed by a delicious cream tea at the Visitor Centre Tearooms.

(This event is repeated on Sunday 6th June)

• Location: National Park Visitor Centre (The 'Mountain Centre'), Libanus (OS grid ref SN 977262) Parking charges apply.
• Times: 2pm - 3.30pm
• Walk length/grade: 2.5km / 1.5 miles EASY
• Leaders/interpretive guides: Peter Brock (NP volunteer) and Avril Barnes (NPA officer)
• More info: Please ring 01874 623366 for more details and to let us know you are coming to help us give you a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Charge: £2.50
• Dogs: Welcome if on a short lead.

Sunday 23 May

Lakes, Ladies & Layer-cakes

Join the Brecon Beacons Park Society to take a close look at the Old Red Sandstone and the legacy of the Ice Ages around Bannau Sir Gaer, Fan Brycheiniog, Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr.

• Location: 'Water Board car park', Llanddeusant (OS grid ref SN 799238)
• Times: 10am - 5pm
• Walk length/grade: 16km / 10 miles ENERGETIC (700m ascent)
• Leaders: Clive Eiles (BBPS),
• Interpretive guide: Dr Adrian Humpage (British Geological Survey)
• More info: ring CE on 01550 740188
• Dogs: Well-behaved dogs on a short lead welcome.

Sunday 23 May

Nedd Fechan Field Study Walk

A close look at the geology, botany and zoology along the Nedd Fechan between Pontneddfechan and Pont Melin Fach with experts from Swansea University Department of Adult Continuing Education (DACE). Looking at the area known as Coedydd Nêdd  (waterfalls area), designated a Special Area of Conservation for its very large and diverse example of old sessile oak wood. Interspersed with ash and lowland woodland, the whole site is biologically rich, with a huge variety of woodland plant communities, mosses and lichens. We will see some old silica workings. A shuttle will take drivers back to their vehicles.      

• Location: Pont Melin Fach car park (SN 907106)
• Times: 2pm
• Walk length/grade: 3 miles / 5km, Moderate
• Leader: NP warden, Helen Pye
• Interpretive guides: Drs Michael Isaac, Geraint Owen & Charles Hipkin
• More info: phone 01792 602211
• Charge: £5/person, BOOKING ESSENTIAL  For further details and to book, phone 01792 602211’
• Dogs: Sorry - no dogs.

Tuesday 25th May

Brecon Town - past and present

A town walk visiting sites of distinction, discovering Brecon's fascinating past and residents of renown. (this walk will be repeated on Thursday 3rd June)

• Location: Canal Basin outside Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon (OS grid ref SO 047282)
• Times: 2.15pm - 4.30pm
• Walk length/grade: 3km / 2 miles ACCESS FOR ALL
• Leaders/interpretive guides: Peter Brock and Avril Barnes
• More info: Ring 01874 623366 to let us know you're coming.
• Dogs: Sorry - no dogs.

Wednesday 26th & Thursday 27th May

• no events yet notified on these days

Friday 28th May

Pavements and Plants

Join the Brecon Beacons Park Society for a closer look at gritstone pavements, limestone pavements and their characteristic plantlife around the Ogof Ffynnon Ddu national nature reserve with an expert from the Countryside Council for Wales.

• Location: Penwyllt car park (OS grid ref SN 855155)
• Times: 10am - 4pm
• Walk length/grade: 8km /  5 miles MODERATE (200m ascent). Some rough walking.
• Leaders: Dilys Harlow (BBPS), Francesca Bell, (BBNPA)
• Interpretive guide: Jon Wohlgemuth (CCW reserves manager)
• More info: ring DH on 01454 775731.
• Dogs: Sorry - no dogs on this walk.

Saturday 29th May

The Ground beneath your Feet

Where will you find colliding continents, collapsing mountain-sides and grinding glaciers? Here on this linear walk in the Central Beacons of course! Explore the geology, learn about the natural habitats and uncover the industrial heritage of this unique area.

• Location: Welsh Water car park south of Talybont dam (OS grid ref SO 099197)
• Time: 10am - 2.30pm
• Walk length/grade: 7.5km / 4 miles ENERGETIC (510m ascent)
• Leadersinterpretive guide: Richard Ball (NP access officer)
• Interpretive guide: Alan Bowring (Geopark Dev't officer)
• More info: Please ring us on 01874 623366 for more details and to let us know you are coming to help us give you a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Dogs: Well-behaved dogs on short leads welcome.

Saturday 29th May

Nant Byfre; Blaen Cwm Tawe

A walk to be conducted entirely in the medium of Welsh. Golygfa arall dros Flaen Cwm Tawe ar y daith gerdded hon ar lan nant Byfre gan edrych ar greigiau carbonifferaidd a hen Dywodfaen Goch yr ardal. Dim cwn diolch. DIM TAL. 5km / 3 milltir.

• Cyfarfod: Gwyn Arms, Glyntawe (SN 846165)
• Amserau: 10.30am - 4pm
• Taith cerdded: cymedrol
• Arweinydd: Dr John Davies, Cymdeithas Edward Llwyd, Toby Small (warden APCBB)
• Gwybodaeth: Ffoniwch JD on 01559 362429.

Saturday 29th May

What the Ice left!

Join the Brecon Beacons Park Society on a southern circuit of the central Beacons looking at the legacy of the last Ice Age. We take in Craig y Fan Ddu, Fan y Big, Cribyn, Pen y Fan and Corn Du and return via Graig Fan Ddu and Taf Fechan Forest.

• Location: Blaen-y-glyn upper car park (OS grid ref SO 056176)
• Times: 10am - 5pm
• Walk length/grade: 20km / 12 miles ENERGETIC (670m ascent)
• Leaders: Anthony Furness (BBPS)
• Interpretive guide: Sam Ridge (NPA warden)
• More info: ring AF on 01873 860356
• Dogs: Well-behaved dogs on a short lead welcome.

Sunday 30th May

Fossils, Ferns & Faults at Henrhyd Falls

A walk delving into the history and geology of the wooded ravine into which the waters of the Nant Llech plunge at Henrhyd Falls.

• Location: National Trust car park at Henrhyd Falls (SN 855119). No charge.
• Times: 1pm - 4pm
• Walk length/grade: 3 miles / 4.5km; Easy
• Leader/interpretive guide: Wyn Morgan (BBNPA warden)
• Interpretive guide: Alan Bowring, Fforest Fawr Geopark Dev't Officer
• More info: Please phone us on 01874 623366 for more details and to let us know you are coming to help us give you a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Dogs: Well controlled dogs on lead only please.
  
  

Bank Holiday Monday 31 May

Northern Cwms of Brecon Beacons

Explore the impressive northern flanks of the Brecon Beacons with a National Trust warden. Climb to Pen y Fan and Corn Du via Cwar Mawr. Descent via Pen Milan & its quarries to Cwm Llwch and road walk back to Cwm Gwdi.

• Location: NT car park at Cwm Gwdi (OS grid ref SO 024247)
• Times: 10am - 4.30pm
• Walk length/grade: 11km / 7 miles ENERGETIC (640m ascent)
• Leader/interpretive guide:  Rob Reith, NT warden
• More info: Ring NT on 07771 980123. Dogs welcome if under close control.

Tuesday 1 June

No walks yet notified on this day.

Wednesday 2 June

Sinks and Swallows

Though it's pitted with craters like a battlefield - the 'karst' landscape of the Brecon Beacons is quite natural - and it's unique in Britain. But how did all those holes get there? Find out on a gentle walk up the limestone and gritstone slopes of Cadair Fawr, a small hill but with outstanding views of the higher peaks.

• Location: layby opposite junction of minor road to Ystradfellte with A4059 (OS grid ref SN 945105)
• Times: 10am - 3pm
• Walk length/grade: 11km / 7 miles, MODERATE (225m ascent)
• Leaders: Dave Ing, Judith Harvey (NPA head warden)
• Interpretive guide: Alan Bowring, Fforest Fawr Geopark Development Officer
• More info: phone NPVC on 01874 623366
• Dogs: Well-behaved dogs welcome on a short lead welcome

Wednesday 2nd June

When Britain Baked: climate change - past, present and future.

Patterns and processes of global climate change in Earth's history.

• Location: Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon
• Times: 7pm - 8.30pm
• Speaker: Professor Paul Pearson, Cardiff University
• More info: phone 01874 620415
• Charge: £5/ticket with reduced price of £4 for concessionary groups eg students, unwaged, senior citizens

Thursday 3 June

Brecon Town - past and present

A town walk visiting sites of distinction, discovering Brecon's fascinating past and residents of renown. (repeat of walk on Tuesday 25th May)

• Location: Canal basin outside Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon (OS grid ref SO 047282)
• Times: 2.15pm - 4.30pm
• Walk length/grade: 3km / 2 miles, ACCESS FOR ALL
• Leaders/interpretive guides: Peter Brock and Avril Barnes
• More info: Please ring 01874 623366 to let us know you're coming.
• Dogs: Sorry no dogs.

Thursday 3 June

Colours of the Black Mountain 

A look at the geology, animal and plant life of an especially interesting corner of the Black Mountain. Kilns, quarries and gorges await.

• Location: 'Lookout' car park below Herbert's Quarry off A4069 (OS grid ref SN 730192)
• Times: 10.30pm - 4.30pm
• Walk length/grade: 5km / 3 miles, MODERATE
• Leaders: Judith Harvey, BBNPA head warden/west
• Interpretive guides: Dr Tony Ramsay (Cardiff University) & Dr Michael Isaac (Swansea University)
• More info: Please ring 01874 623366 to let us know you're coming.  Bring a packed lunch. Some rough ground.
• Dogs: Sorry no dogs.

Friday 4 June

A Sacred Mountain: the Bronze Age cairns of Mynydd-y-glog

Join the Brecon Beacons Park Society for a walk over the gritstone moorland of Mynydd-y-glog - home to one of the most impressive groups of cairns in the Brecon Beacons. This walk will visit some of the best-preserved and look at the way in which prehistoric people used the landscape. 

• Location: A4059 lay-by north of Penderyn Welsh Whisky Distillery, (OS grid ref SN 951084)
• Times: 10am - 5.00pm
• Walk length/grade: 8km / 5 miles MODERATE
• Leaders: Soo Turnbull (BBPS)
• Interpretive guides: Edith Evans (Glamorgan -Gwent Archaeological Trust), Alan Bowring (Geo-guide)
• More info: ring Dilys Harlow (BBPS) on 01454 775731. Some rough ground.
• Dogs: Well-behaved dogs on a short lead welcome.

Saturday 5 June

Penderyn Welsh Whisky - talk & walk

Take a free tour of one of the world's smallest distilleries and see how groundwater from the hills and the wash from Brains' Brewery are used in a unique distillation process to make the first commercial whisky produced in Wales since the 19th century. Experience the taste of exceptional single malt whiskies.  The visit to the distillery will be followed by a short linear walk along the northern edge of Moel Penderyn to view the landscape and its geology and to see how rainwater becomes the groundwater that is so important in the production of the world class Penderyn Welsh Whisky.

• Location: Penderyn Welsh Whisky Distillery, (OS grid ref SN 951083)
• Time: talk at 11am - walk finishes 3pm 
• Walk length/grade: 4km / 2.5 miles EASY
• Walk leader: Judith Harvey, BBNPA head warden/west
• Interpretive guides: Walk - Dr Tony Ramsay (Cardiff University), talk - Keith Tench (PWW)
• Further information: Phone 01685 810651
• Dogs: Sorry - no dogs.

In the Footsteps of Wallace

In June 1846, Alfred Russel Wallace and his brother decided to walk from Neath to the Brecon Beacons. They collected beetles and slept rough because Wallace was teaching himself to be a field naturalist, and planning a journey to the Amazon. Later whilst working in the Malay archipelago, Wallace hit upon the concept of natural selection. His letter to Darwin provoked the latter to publish 'On the Origin of Species'.

These two walks will follow their footsteps but the beetles are optional and we will not sleep out in Porth yr Ogof!

Saturday 5 June

In the Footsteps of Wallace (1)

Join Brecon Beacons Park Society tracing a foray from Neath into the hills by the great evolutionary biologist, Alfred Russel Wallace over 150 years ago. See the Vale of Neath and Sgwd Gwladus through his eyes.

Day 1: Aberdulais to Ystradfellte via Resolfen and Pontneddfechan.

• Location: meet at Ystradfellte village car park (OS grid ref SN 929134) for minibus transfer to start of walk at Aberdulais
• Times: 9.30am - 5.30pm
• Walk length/grade: 17km / 11 miles ENERGETIC (310m ascent)
• Leaders: Dilys Harlow (Brecon Beacons Park Society)
• Interpretive guide: Alan Bowring, Fforest Fawr Geopark Dev't Officer
• More info: ring DH on 01454 775731
• Charge: Small charge for minibus, PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL
• Dogs: Well-behaved dogs on a short lead welcome.

Sunday 6 June

In the Footsteps of Wallace (2)

Join Brecon Beacons Park Society tracing a foray from Neath into the hills by the great evolutionary biologist, Alfred Russel Wallace over 150 years ago. 

Day 2: Ystradfellte to Cwm Llwch via Fan Fawr, Pen y Fan and the source of the Taf Fechan.

• Location: meet at Nant Cwm Llwch (OS grid ref SO 006244) for minibus transfer to start of walk at Ystradfellte
• Times: 9.30am - 5.30pm
• Walk length/grade: 20km / 13 miles STRENUOUS (1070m ascent)
• Leaders: Dilys Harlow (Brecon Beacons Park Society), Pavel Vitek (BBPS)
• Interpretive guide: Alan Bowring, Fforest Fawr Geopark Dev't Officer
• More info: ring DH on 01454 775731
• Charge: Small charge for minibus, PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL
• Dogs: Well-behaved dogs on a short lead welcome.

Sunday 6 June

Berthlwyd Farm Field Study Walk

A close look at the geology, botany and zoology of the area with experts from Swansea University Department of Adult Continuing Education (DACE). The farm is owned by the National Trust and is a remnant of the farming system once common in the area, with much unimproved land with hay meadows, rough grazing (mainly for sheep) and marshy grasslands. There is an ash/lime woodland Special Area of Conservation. The farm buildings are excellent examples of vernacular architecture.

• Location: Berthlwyd Farm (SN 913133)
• Times: 2pm
• Walk length/grade: 2.5 miles / 4km, Easy
• Leaders: NP wardens, Jon Pimm, Helen Pye, Jo Daggett (NT)
• Interpretive guides: Drs Michael Isaac, Geraint Owen & Charles Hipkin
• More info: phone 01792 602211
• Charge: £5 / person, BOOKING ESSENTIAL  For further details and to book, phone 01792 602211
• Dogs: Sorry - no dogs.

Sunday 6 June

Walk, Talk and Tea - a guided walk

A short, easy circular walk including a mysterious spiritual centre, an industrial site with wonderful views of the National Park's highest peaks, a final resting place, preparing for war, an unsolved mystery and a little known wonder. All this followed by a delicious cream tea at the Visitor Centre Tearooms.

(This is a repeat of the event held on Sunday 23rd May)

• Location: National Park Visitor Centre (The 'Mountain Centre'), Libanus (OS grid ref SN 977262) Parking charges apply.
• Times: 2pm - 3.30pm
• Walk length/grade: 2.5km / 1.5 miles EASY
• Leaders/interpretive guides: Peter Brock (NP volunteer) and Avril Barnes (NPA officer)
• More info: Please ring 01874 623366 for more details and to let us know you are coming to help us give you a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Charge: £2.50
• Dogs: Welcome if on a short lead.