Introduction
The Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains are the southernmost group of mountains in the UK that reach over 800m in height. The two groups of mountains are split northeast/southwest by the River Usk. Its proximity to the population centres of Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff make it one of the most popular national parks.

Looking down Cym Banw in the Black Mountains to the Vale of Grwyney

The shapely hill of Mynydd Troed west of the Black Mountains

Pen-y-Fan seen from the Black Mountains

The hills are characteristically big massifs such as Pen-y-Fan and Hay Bluff surrounded by smaller bulky hills such as sugarloaf. All hills are characteristically rounded but some steep escarpments exist - particularly on Pen-Y-Fan.

To the south of the Brecon Beacons, there are many town abound that grew up on coal. They are very industrialised and whilst the pits closed, much of the blight remains. These towns creep in along the valleys separated by hills and bleak moorland.

The Black Mountains
This is an area that I first visited in February 2002. I stayed in a small village called Llanbedr in the Vale of Grwyney. The exact place was halfway up Table mountain to the west of the village in a bunkhouse called Perth-y-Pia - a right slog from the pub. I've got limited walking experience here so the details will be limited.

The principle summit of the Black Mountains, Waun Fach, seen from the south

The eastern arm of the Vale of Grwyney

A lower satellite moor of Mynydd Llangorse
west of the Black Mountains

I walked along a portion of the western arm of a big massif culminating in the summit of Waun Fach (810m). This western ridge is quite wild offering superb views out west to Pen-y-Fan. The ridge itself is quite grassy with occasional rocky terrain. he first significant top is Pen Gerrigach (701m). Northwards the ridge is flattish without significant ups or downs. The going is fairly uneventful. The eastern ridge is much more dreary with a conifer plantation going right up to the ridge.

A worth while satellite hill to climb is to the south - Sugar Loaf. Its profile looks superb when seen from Perth-y-Pia. It can be approached from many directions including the market town of Abergavenny. It's a time filler - a morning, afternoon or tea time walk. Since the weather was horrid when I climbed it, I can't really say much about it.

The Brecon Beacons
Pen Y Fan is the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons at 886m. It's part of a greater massif that throws down steep north facing corries - these are very grassy with steep broken cliffs. The southern slopes are far more gentle and extend away southwards for a much longer distance all the way to the industrial landscape of Merthyr Tydfl. The northern slopes overlook a typical english countryside scene of woodland and field.

The northern corrie of Pen Y Fan

The highest waterfall - Sgwd lsaf Clun-gwyn

Another attraction of the Brecon Beacons are the waterfalls of the Afon Mellte located in the southern area of the Brecon Beacons. They're pretty impressive. One waterfall lies off a tributary and you are able to walk right underneath the fall to the otherside of the river. Wear waterproofs for this though - it can get rather wet!

Sgwd yr Pannwr Waterfall

Behind the Sgwd yr Elra waterfall