The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Yscir

St. Mary's Church with café in the heart of Brecon

Brecon Castle, located in the town of Brecon in Wales, is a historic site with a rich heritage that dates back to the 11th century. Originally built as a wooden fort by the Normans after their invasion of Wales, it was later rebuilt in stone. Here are some key points about Brecon Castle: Historical Significance: Norman Foundation: The castle was originally constructed around 1093 by Bernard de Neufmarché as part of the Norman conquest of Wales. It served as a strategic military stronghold. Fortifications: Over the centuries, the castle underwent various modifications and expansions, with the addition of stone walls and towers to enhance its defensive capabilities. Role in Conflicts: Brecon Castle played a significant role in various conflicts, including the Welsh Wars and later during the English Civil War, when it was captured and fortified by Royalist forces. Ownership: The castle was granted to different noble families over the years and was used for both military and administrative purposes. Architectural Features: Stone Structure**: The castle features impressive stone walls, towers, and a gatehouse, reflecting medieval military architecture. Ruins**: While parts of the castle are in ruins today, the remaining structures give visitors a glimpse into its historical significance and architectural style. Modern Usage: Tourism**: Brecon Castle is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors interested in history and architecture. The site offers guided tours and information about its storied past. Hotel**: The castle has also been repurposed as a hotel, allowing guests to experience staying in a historic setting. Location: Brecon Castle is situated near the Brecon Beacons National Park, making it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the natural beauty of the area. Brecon Castle serves as a reminder of Wales' turbulent history and is an important heritage site that continues to attract interest for its historical and architectural value.

Beautiful views of Brecon town and the Brecon Beacons from impressive Pen y Crug iron-age hillfort

Amazing views of Brecon town and Brecon Beacons

Amazing views all around

There is a steady climb covering 140m of incline from Maen-du Well to the top of Pen-y-Crug. Grade Moderate. Trails can become slippery due to adverse weather conditions. Please take extra care when walking.

Brecon Castle is a very unique place. It is a castle that is now within the grounds of a private hotel. Though most of the original castle is long gone, there are still the imposing remains of the tower left, and this is visible from many areas of the town. There is a particularly good view of it from the town bridge. Strategically sighted, overlooking the confluence of the Afon Honddu and the River Usk, it dominates this part of the town and is a reminder of the powers of the Normans when they started to build it in 1093. Originally, the castle would have had two entrances as well as a postern gate. There would have been a drawbridge over the River Usk and another over the Afon Honddu. At the time, it was built as the administrative and military headquarters of the Lordship of Brecon and as a reminder to all that they lived among one of the most powerful families of the day.

In days gone by, between AD. 48 — 395, Brecon was an important fulcrum of communication for no less than four Roman roads. One would come in from the east, two from the south, and this one would come in from the west, from the direction of Llandovery. This section runs from The Promenade car park in Brecon to the Gaer Roman Fort in Cradoc. There is nothing left of the original road now, and the only reference on maps is on Harvey Maps. OS maps refer to it as a bridleway. These days, this is a good footpath that joins Brecon to Cradoc, but to get to Cradoc village itself, you will have to walk on the road from the Gaer fort. The footpath is bordered with hedges, and views of the surrounding beautiful countryside are limited at the start and finish of the footpath. I will add a note here that this footpath runs alongside a streambed, so in the winter it becomes a very wet, muddy footpath. In the summer, it is a good footpath, but in the latter stages of the season, it becomes overgrown.