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Explore the Beautiful Brecon Beacons Area of Wales
Key points to consider

 

 

Plan your route in advance

Experience of your group

Equipment required

Weather and ground Conditions

What to do in an Emergency

 

Web site small print

Route Accuracy The routes were believed to be accurate and navigable when published, but things do change over time and we would be grateful to be advised of any inaccuracies or necessary diversions you encounter on a route. Nevertheless Bootsbikesbunkhouses.com cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions in these routes, or for any adverse consequences resulting from any reliance on the route descriptions.

Liability Bootsbikesbunkhouses.com has taken all reasonable steps to ensure these routes are safe and achievable by people with fitness levels commensurate with the grading of each route. However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk and Bootsbikesbunkhouses.com accepts no liability for death or injury to any persons undertaking these routes, nor for loss or damage to personal property or equipment.

Safety

The Terrain

For those who enjoy walking and cycling the Brecon Beacons offers a superb variety of routes. They range from low level routes along the valley bottoms, often following rivers and/or canals, to fairly strenuous hill walks crossing the main peaks of the Brecon Beacons ranges. Terrain varies from good, easy to follow footpaths to grassy open mountain tops and ridges. In other words there are walks to suit all ages and levels of ability.

The Routes

The Bikes, Boots and Bunkhouses route cards will not only act as your guide to some interesting and sometimes less well known walks and cycle routes, but will explain the terrain to be met on the route, and roughly how long each route is likely to take. OS grid references are given at regular intervals to help you follow the route on your map. This allows you to plan adequately for your day’s safe enjoyment of this beautiful and relatively unspoilt part of the country.

Grading of Routes

Each route is graded in terms of the overall effort needed to enjoy it. Grading is subjective and will depend on your general level of fitness and familiarity with walking/cycling so treat the grading as a guideline only.

Easy - a generally flat route of shorter duration involving very little gradient or exertion.

Moderate - longer duration with some uphill work needed.

Strenuous - longer duration involving ascent and descent of the heights, requiring a fair degree of fitness and experience.

Approximate completion times are given for walking trails, and assume a walking pace of around two miles an hour and accommodate uphill/downhill segments that may slow you down as well as some stops en route.

Before Departure

Be aware that weather in the Brecon Beacons National Park is very changeable and that it can become wet and chilly rapidly even in the summer. Always check the weather forecast before setting off.

Cyclists and Mountain Bikers should ensure your bike is safe by checking tyres, brakes and gears.

Leave a message about your route and expected return time with someone at the bunkhouse (e.g. other residents or the bunkhouse manager/operator).

What to Take

First and foremost walkers will need a comfortable pair of walking boots, or at least comfortable trainers or walking shoes with soles that give you some grip, and wear thick socks. Also useful are gaiters for keeping legs dry and mud free.

Make sure you are prepared for all weather conditions by wearing several layers of clothing that can be adjusted. Carry a waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers, even in fine weather. Padded cycling shorts are a must for Mountain Bikers and the more serious Cyclists, and can be worn under leggings in cold conditions.

Use a daypack, rucksack or cycle panniers to carry your gear in. A rucksack of between 20 and 45 litres capacity should be plenty for all your accoutrements and sustenance. In fact a 45 litre sack would probably be enough for two.

Do take an OS map (Ordnance Survey) and learn how to read it before you go. See the OS website for information on map reading:

http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/education/

Whilst the route cards give some advice on where or where not to go, there is no substitute for having an accurate map to check as you progress your way around the route.

Cyclists and Mountain Bikers should always carry a basic tool kit; a cycling specific multi-tool is best, but if not you will need 4mm, 5mm and 6mm Allen keys, small flat head and Philips screwdrivers. Also make sure you carry a pump, tyre levers, puncture repair kit and some spare inner-tubes, it is easier to replace a tube than to fix a puncture.

You should always carry sufficient food and drink with you, plus some extra supplies in case you are out longer than expected. Drink should include plain water but can also include a flask of tea or coffee (or soup!) or an energy drink. Food can include anything from snacks such as chocolate, crisps, biscuits, nuts etc. to a full blown picnic.

Mobile phones can be useful in emergencies or when running late, but may not get reception in some mountainous areas so please do not rely on them.

Always have a personal first aid kit with you, and consider carrying an inexpensive emergency whistle.

On Return

Ensure all concerned know you have safely returned to the bunkhouse (i.e. those you left your route message with before departure).