Brecon Beacons National Park September's walks, activities and events

A full programme of Brecon Beacons National Park Authority guided walks, children's activities and family events for you to enjoy throughout September 2012.

Sat 1 Sep 10:00 – 13:00
The Naked Ladies of Hay
Join us and guest speaker Jon Saville on this lovely 4 mile moderate walk to see the deadly and at risk naked ladies of Hay, meadow saffron. We will follow Offa's Dyke footpath up to Henallt Common, a Special Site of Scientific Interest positioned on a steep sided, north-west facing sandstone scarp which supports a good population of plant species that are rare and declining in Wales, before returning back to Hay for lunch. Henallt Common is one of the best sites in Britain to see meadow saffron, which should be in full bloom with thousands of rosy-pink flowers on display. Suggested donation £3 per person. In partnership with the Countryside Council for Wales. To book your place please call 01874 623366.

Sun 2 Sep 13:00 – 16:00
12th Century Physicians to 21st Century Graziers
Explore the magical landscape of Mynydd Myddfai, visit the sacred Physician’s Well and learn about the people who have lived and worked in this special place on this enchanting 4.5 mile family friendly walk. Meet: Usk Reservoir (SN 835 286). Walk grade: Easy. Suggested donation: £2 per adult. To book your place please call 01874 623366.

Thu 6 Sep 10:00-16:00
Get your bearings!
Exploring Llangynidr Mountain with map and compass
Are you looking to improve your navigation skills? Perhaps you've never used a map and compass before? This energetic 8.5 mile (13.6km) circular walk exploring Llangynidr Mountain will teach you how. Round off the day at the Red Lion in Llangynidr for a well earned reward and a chance to relax in good company. No dogs please. Total ascent: 475m. Suggested donation: £5 per person. Meet: Llangynidr village car park (SO 155 195). Booking essential on 01874 623366.

Sat 8 Sep
9:00 – 11:00: Horse riding and poetry with Owen Sheers and/or
12:30 – 17:30: Resistance - A walk with Owen Sheers
Join Owen Sheers in an exploration of the Llanthony Valley, with full and half-day options. A horse-trek for beginners in the morning will gently follow valley bridleways for a view of Skirrid Hill; the inspiration for Owen’s second poetry collection and subject of readings and discussion en route. The afternoon will start with a steep strenuous climb and follow a section of Offa’s Dyke Path. Owen will discuss the significance of this boundary between the Olchon and Llanthony valleys in his novel and recent feature film Resistance. You can choose to go on both or just one of these two events. No dogs please. Lunch is not included although pub food is available locally. Ticket prices: £32/£34 (trek only) & £6/£7 (walk only) and £37/£39 (trek and walk) – the cheaper prices are for Welsh Academy Members only. Ticket price includes an optional donation of £1 to the National Park. Booking essential on 029 2047 2266. Meet: Llanthony Priory car park, NP7 7NN (SO 289 278). In partnership with Literature Wales and Cadw.

Sat 15 and Sun 16 Sep 09:45 – 16:00
Safety on the Hills / Bronze NNAS Navigation Course
Ideal for beginners and for refreshing dormant skills; you’ll learn useful navigation and mountain safety techniques. Do day 1 as an introduction or both days to gain the Bronze NNAS award. This NNAS accredited course is run by Manzoku at the Mountain Centre. £60 day 1 only, £110 two days. Booking essential on 01874 623366.

Sat 22 – Sun 23 Sep
Llandovery Sheep Festival
Sheepy fun for all the family as Llandovery celebrates its droving past in the third year of this festival. Includes battle re-enactments, sheep dog trials, arts and crafts market. Details website link

Sun 23 Sep 10:00 - 12:00
Fungal Foray
Come and explore the fascinating world of edible and inedible fungi with local expert, David Mitchel. Wales has the perfect climate for finding a bounty of free food and September is usually a great time of year for mushrooms and toadstools of all sorts of shapes, sizes, colours and textures which spring up in the woodlands and grasslands of the Country Park. This popular event has limited spaces, so please book in advance. Suitable for everyone over 5 years. Children under 5 must be closely supervised by an adult. Please bring a small knife and a basket with you, no plastic bags. Walk grade: Easy. Suggested donation £3 per adult. Booking essential 01874 623366. Meet: Craig-y-nos Country Park SA9 1GL (SN 843 154).

Sun 23 Sep 13:00 - 16:00
Fungi and Lichens
Exquisite, wildly varied and often surprising, fungi and lichen are part of the essential fabric of our countryside upon which all other wildlife depends. Join expert, Ray Woods, on this walk through the Country Park and up into the new Allt Rhongyr nature reserve, to look at the rich variety of fungi and lichens which grow here. Why are they so special, what do they contribute to their habitats and what role do they play in conservation? Find out the answers from Ray who has an excellent understanding of their importance and a bundle of enthusiasm to share with you. Walk grade: moderate. Suggested donation £3 per person. Meet: Craig-y-nos Country Park SA9 1GL (SN 843 154). In partnership with Plantlife Cymru and Brecknock Wildlife Trust. To book your place please call 01874 623366.

Organised by the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority