Beacons Way Day 8: Carreg Cennen Castle to Llangadog

This is the eighth and final section of the Beacons Way, a 99-mile (159km) long-distance route across Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons), starting in the town of Abergavenny at the eastern end and ending in the village of Llangadog at the western end of the park. As you traverse the diverse terrain, you'll encounter awe-inspiring peaks, beautiful valleys, cascading waterfalls, and fascinating historical sites. This section takes you from Carreg Cennen Castle to Llangadog just outside the park.

Perched atop an outcrop, Carreg Cennen Castle overlooks the River Cennen. What remains today are the awe-inspiring ruins of what was once a formidable stronghold. The rock formation it rests upon is designated as a Geological Site of Special Scientific Interest and the castle itself is a grade 1 listed building.

Head across the farmland and Carreglwyd wood and down to Carn Goch Hill Fort, perched atop the hill.

The collective fortifications of Y Gaer Fawr and Y Gaer Fach make up the largest Iron Age hill fort in South Wales. There are several Bronze Age burial mounds and other remnants found on the hill and upright stones mark the entrances.

Visit the two hill forts and make your way down past the hamlet of Bethlehem and continue down to Llangadog, where this route ends.

Before setting out, ensure you have thoroughly researched the route, familiarised yourself with the trail's elevation profile, and checked the weather forecast. Come prepared with the appropriate footwear, layering, and the proper gear.

Book accommodation along the trail in advance, as availability can be limited, especially during peak seasons. Some sections may have limited access to shops or facilities, so plan accordingly.