2025 Talybont-on-Usk Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

Option one A five-mile circular walk from Talybont Reservoir to the summit of Carn Pica in the Brecon Beacons National Park and for those who enjoy solitude this route offers an escape far from the madding crowd. The highest peaks in the Brecon Beacons are often crowded at this time of year. Autumn is here and Pen y Fan has its regular flow of visitors this time of year. On the contrary, the summit of Carn Pica is by comparison much quieter. Yet it is a challenging hike to the summit and can be hard going in places. Every year in September a challenge walk is held starting in the village of Talybont on Usk. Known as Beat the Beacons. A number of routes are available: a taster 10 mile route, a 15 mile adventure route and an endurance walk of 22 miles. Option 2 Another option is a longer, more challenging 13.2-mile circular route that includes the summit of Waun Rydd, offering stunning views. There's no easy way to get to the summit of this mountain, which rises more than 750m above sea level. I started my walk from Henderson Hall in Talybont on Usk and I made it 21 km from start to finish. The ascent begins in Pencelli village. From Talybont on Usk pick up the canal towpath and walk for about 3km or 2 miles. The route includes a section of high-level walking taking in the summit of Pen y Bryn and involves 727 metres of ascent. It is not recommended for beginners or those who are new to hiking in mountainous terrain. For more information visit the Walking Britain website. Follow mountain safety advice and always check the weather forecast before venturing out on the hills.

With stunning views towards the Black Mountains in the east the skyline includes the summits of Hay Bluff and Lord Hereford's Knob to the northern end of the range and Waun Fach in the middle while further south you can see the Sugar Loaf close to the town of Abergavenny. It's a popular area for walking, hiking and other outdoor activities. Family friendly walks include an amble along the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal or a visit to the Henry Vaughan Garden. The garden can be found on the right-hand side of the Brinore tramroad just after the old railway bridge. For the more experienced walker and as an extension to your walk along the canal you may want to consider the ascent of Tor y Foel. At 551 metres above sea level it may not be the highest peak in the area but the views from the top are amazing and the walk along the tram road reveals a wealth of industrial history. Be prepared for a steep climb to the top and uneven terrain. Stout walking shoes or hiking boots are essential for the ascent of this hill. Walking poles will aid your balance particularly on the steeper sections of the trail. Take plenty of water and a packed lunch especially if you intend to complete the whole route. By starting at the Youth Hostel a shorter version of this walk is possible. I started the walk from Henderson Hall and I recorded a distance of 11.25 miles or 18 km in metric but that is quite far and if pushed for time the walk from the YHA is 6.3 miles (10.2 km). This would make it a half day walk. So you may want to consider this option.

Amazing!! There are hikes for every level. We did the waterfall hike and were so impressed with the natural beauty. It is very dog and family friendly and the pubs around are so delicious for a dinner after a hike well done. I would recommend the waterfall hike as you can even walk behind the waterfall at one point, but there are many for all tastes.