How Long Is the Waterfall Walk in Brecon Beacons? What I Actually Packed for It
Last weekend, I joined my British classmate for a short hike to the Elidir Trail in the Brecon Beacons National Park. It’s not accessible by public transport, so we drove from Cardiff—just under an hour—and found a quiet parking lot with all-day parking for £6.
The trail itself forms a loop and takes around two hours to complete. It’s not technical, but parts of it are muddy and slippery, even on clear days. Most locals came prepared—with proper footwear and waterproof gear. And yes, we even saw someone jumping into the waterfall.
What I Packed (and Actually Used)
For this half-day hike, I packed everything into an outdoor expandable backpack that’s waterproof and compact but expands just enough when needed. Here's what I brought:
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🥪 A packed lunch
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🧃 1L of water
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☔ A lightweight rain jacket
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🧻 Tissues and wet wipes
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🔋 Power bank
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🧴 Sunscreen
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🗺 Offline map (no signal in parts)
Everything fit in perfectly, and I was glad the backpack could expand just enough when I had to peel off a few muddy layers on the way back.
📌 FAQs
What is the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) famous for? It's known for its wild waterfalls, mountain ranges, and deeply preserved trails. It’s also popular for wild swimming and hiking among locals.
Is it worth visiting if you're short on time? Yes—especially if you have half a day and a car. It’s a quick escape from Cardiff or Swansea.
Do I need hiking experience? Not really, but waterproof shoes and an expandable backpack will save your trip—especially in muddy terrain.
🧭 Final Thoughts
If you're craving a break from city buzz and want to feel like you're in on a local secret, Brecon Beacons is it. Just grab a friend, wear proper shoes, and don’t forget a backpack that grows with your day.