The Brecon Beacons National Park is a land of soaring emerald hills that tower over dramatic, glacially sculpted cwms. Sparkling llyns sit silent beneath tiered sandstone escarpments, nestled in an expansive and beautiful landscape. Tranquil forests cloak the slopes, offering a haven to wildlife and shelter for the hikers who seek out these wild places. On clear nights, the heavens are ablaze thanks to the lack of light pollution. It’s a wonderful place to explore.

The Beacons Way is a 99-mile (159 km) high level hike that snakes its way across the national park, ascending to its most dramatic summits and visiting many of its most spellbinding spots. Launched in 2005, it has quickly gained a reputation as one of the finest long-distance trails in Britain.

On your journey from the historic market town of Abergavenny to the village of Llangadog, you traverse four distinct regions. Each area flaunts its own charms but still retains the character of the wider landscape as a whole. There’s the wild, broad ridges of the Black Mountains; the glory of the Central Beacons, including Pen y Fan, South Wales’ highest peak; the quiet solitude and limestone moorland of Forest Fawr; and the awesome escarpments of the Black Mountain.

In this Collection, I have split the Way into 8 stages of between 10 and 17 miles (16 and 27 km), with each ending at suitable accommodation. There are no easy days here, with at least 2,000 feet (600 m) of ascent required during each stage apart from the last, between Carreg Cennen Castle and Llangadog.

Officially, the Way ends at the village of Bethlehem, on the western boundary of the national park. However, for practical purposes, it’s usual for hikers to continue to Llangadog, which is what I have plotted here.

Campsites, bunkhouses, B&Bs and hostels are common along the route, so there are plenty of accommodation options, while cafes and pubs provide welcome pit stops. Where food and lodgings are sparse, I name specific options in the Tour descriptions.

This is a challenging long-distance hike that crosses plenty of rough terrain and is often exposed to the elements. Waterproofs, plenty of layers and sturdy footwear are prerequisite, while the warmer months represent the ideal season, with longer days and more colour on the trails. In winter and when blanketed in snow, some of the higher summits may present difficulties without mountaineering experience and equipment. Waymarking is adequate during the valley sections, but is absent for long stints along the hills and moorland.

After Llangynidr, at the end of the third stage, resupply opportunities are few and far between, so self-sufficiency is key. Plenty of water and snacks will keep morale up on the tougher sections, while accommodation and meals should be booked well in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Way is accessible by public transport, beginning and ending at railway stations. The start point of Abergavenny is less than an hour’s train ride from Cardiff and Newport, while the end point of Llangadog is around an hour and a quarter from Swansea. You can also use local bus services in Abergavenny, Crickhowell, Llangynidr and Llangadog.