Girls’ weekend in the Brecon Beacons: Walks, waterfalls & wild swims
Each year, I try to get away with my female friends at least once on a group trip (though ideally twice, thrice or even more…!) It’s the chance for a proper catch up without school runs, work, chores or kids getting in the way. Just time together, good food, lots of wine and plenty of fresh air.
Itinerary for a weekend with friends in the Brecon Beacons
Here, I share a weekend itinerary for a getaway in the Brecon Beacons – where to stay, what to do and places to go…. all you need to do is gather some friends, choose a date and set off for some fun!
As a group, my friends share a love of being outdoors, especially in beautiful places. Some of us are enthusiastic walkers while others take things a bit more slowly so finding the right balance is key. Ultimately, everyone appreciates the chance to explore somewhere new and get away from the everyday.
Group trips usually run smoothly because everyone brings their own strengths. I’m completely useless when it comes to organising, but thankfully others are brilliant at sorting accommodation, locking in dates, planning menus, ordering food online and making sure the wine supply never runs dry. My contribution tends to be plotting walking routes (and then somehow getting everyone lost anyway) and enthusiastically proposing “fun activities” like wild swimming at every possible moment, even when no one else is remotely keen.
Why the Brecon Beacons is perfect for a group weekend away
Wales, especially the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), is perfect for a group weekend away. There’s so much to do, from mountain summits and waterfalls to bike trails and wild swimming, plus it’s easily accessible from our home near Bristol, making it ideal for a quick escape that still feels like a proper adventure.
We always stay in bunkhouses because they are fantastic for larger groups. Easy mass catering, shared bunkrooms, big communal spaces and budget-friendly prices – perfect when you’ve got between 10 – 20 people. Every bunkhouse is different: some have one giant dorm, others smaller rooms sleeping between two and eight, all have big tables and comfy seating areas.
A girls weekend in the Brecon Beacons
Night One: Arrival at Clyngwyn Farm Bunkhouse
We’ve stayed in many bunkhouses over the years. In 2025 we chose Clyngwyn Farm, which has a great location close to the waterfalls at Ystradfellte. It also has an onsite café.
The first evening is always the same rhythm: arrive, unpack, claim bunks, open wine, and tuck into a pre-cooked meal. Everyone gets over-excited, drinks too much and stays up too late…. we’ll never learn.
Day 1: The Big Walk: Fan Nedd and Fan Llia
Wherever we are, we plan a big walk for day one. Get a local OS map (or app) and plot a route that looks interesting – here are some useful tips on route plotting. On this particular trip, the sun was shining and it felt almost warm for March (if you ignored the windchill).
This 13km route starts at Sarn Helen car park (CF44 9JD), just north of Ystradfellte. It was a challenge for many of us, with some hefty inclines, but giving ourselves a full day (and taking a packed lunch) made it feel like a real adventure.
The route climbs Fan Nedd, a rarely visited peak with fantastic views and a great big cairn, before dropping down to Maen Llia, a huge Bronze Age monolith standing tall among the beautifully wild moorland. From there, follow the old Roman road north, past a series of pretty waterfalls and small plunge pools where a few brave souls may want to take a very chilly dip. The route then joins the Beacons Way for the final climbs up Fan Dringarth and Fan Llia.
Open mountains, big views, waterfalls, friends and time away… what more can you ask for!?
You can find the route on OS here.
Back at the bunkhouse: hearty supper, more wine and long chats into the evening with that lovely, soporific feel of a day well spent.
Day 2: Waterfalls & wild swims
The next day we opted to stay even more local and walk around the beautiful Ystradfellte Waterfalls which are accessible from the bunkhouse. There’s a popular, well-marked route called the Four Waterfalls Walks, but really, you can plot your own route on the map which can be longer and visit more waterfalls if you prefer. This is a good one from the Ramblers.
It can get busy here, especially in summer, but staying nearby means you can head out early and avoid the crowds.
There are some lovely swims here along the Afon Mellte and in the numerous waterfall pools. My favourite is Y Pannwr, which requires a bit of a scramble to reach, so tends to be quieter, with a deliciously big pool to swim in.
To be honest, over summer I’d probably choose somewhere less busy (see alternatives below) but lovely as a winter/early spring option.
Other activity options for a girls weekend away
Over the years, we’ve tried plenty of other adventures too:
- The classic ridge walk over Pen y Fan, Corn Du and Cribyn – especially beautiful on a crisp, clear winter day when it’s quieter.
- My favourite walk in the entire Brecon Beacons is Cwm Sere, a glorious and secret valley with waterfalls along Nant Sere, all in the cradle of Pen Y Fan and Cribyn. It’s absolutely beautiful and you won’t see a soul (parking at NT car park Cwm Gwdi, 51.9136, -3.4192. Follow footpath around Allt Du and up Cwm Sere).
- Mountain biking at BikePark Wales (with uplift if you fancy saving your legs). Bike hire available.
- Trails at Cannop Cycle Centre in the Forest of Dean. Bike hire available and free entry.
Other places to stay for groups in the Brecon Beacons
- Ynysmarchog – another fantastic bunkhouse to the north of the Brecon Beacons, with a lovely wild swim spot onsite
- YHA Brecon Beacons – a good option for smaller groups
The magic of a weekend away
These weekends are truly food for the soul – fresh air, beautiful views, great company, lots of wine and endless laughter.
There’s something special about being in the mountains with friends; muddy boots by the door, the smells of cooking on the stove, maps spread across tables and that lovely feeling of nowhere else to be.
And inevitably, we leave already talking about where we’ll go next….
