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Why you should join us in the beautiful Brecon Beacons: Great Strides™ 2023

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With free weekend camping available to participants, Great Strides is a great excuse to take a staycation this summer

The Brecon Beacons National Park is one of only 18 places in the world with dark sky reserve status.

1. Stunning skies

The Brecon Beacons are one of only seven International Dark Sky Reserves in the UK. That means they’re truly dark – not affected by the light pollution you’ll get in urban areas that prevent you from being able to see the natural beauty of the skies. With a truly dark sky overhead, you’ll be able to see far-off stars and galaxies in the same way our ancestors did.

Check out the top 10 spots for stargazing in the Brecon Beacons

Brecon is known for its outstanding mountain lamb and local cheeses like Y Fenni and Pwll Mawr cheddar.

2. Food for thought

Clean air, open countryside, and fresh water in abundance mean one thing: amazing produce! From delicious Welsh breakfasts to local lamb roasts, Brecon can keep you well-fed from morning to night.

Find the best places to eat and drink in the Brecon Beacons

Wales is known for its spectacular castles. Nearby you can find Hay, Crickhowell or Abergavenny Castles.

3. Explore Welsh heritage

Fun fact: Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country in Europe - so if you’re ready to get your history on you’ve come to the right place! From Iron Age hillforts to Norman castles, take an adventure to one of the nearby castles and walk in the footsteps of the people of the past.

Take a castle adventure in the Brecon Beacons

Get a glimpse of a peaceful way of life in the villages and hamlets dotted along the rivers and canal and around Llangorse Lake.

4. Visit peaceful towns and villages

The bustling market towns and tranquil villages dotted around the Brecon Beacons are full of character, charm and things to do. Whichever town or village you visit you’re guaranteed to come across plenty of classic Welsh architecture, fascinating museums, buildings and churches.

Discover places to explore in the Brecon Beacons

At 886 metres (2,907 ft) above sea-level, Pen Y Fan is the highest mountain in South Wales.

5. Scale the highest mountain in South Wales

Pen Y Fan roughly translates to “Top One” or “Top of the Summit” – and you’ll feel on top of the world when you reach it! Great StridesTM takes you through some of the most stunning countryside in the UK, and the highlight has to be the sensational view from the top of Pen Y Fan, the highest mountain in South Wales.

Sign up to Great StridesTM today


Whether you’re an experienced hiker or lacing up your walking boots for your first ever trek challenge, we’d love to see you at Great Strides™ 2023. Join us in the Brecon Beacons for a 20km or 40km challenge on 3 June 2023 – and help us raise vital funds to make sure everyone with CF can live a life unlimited.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It affects more than 10,800 people in the UK. One in 25 of us carries the faulty gene that causes it, usually without knowing.

Fundraising carried out by our community helps us fund vital research and support those living with CF. Help fund cutting edge research into new therapies and treatments by taking part in Great Strides™!

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Poeple walking for Great Strides

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Help fund cutting edge research into new therapies and treatments by taking part in Great Strides™!