SUMMER 2021 A WARM WELCOME TO STEPHANIE EVANS BRECON BUZZ DRINKING IN THE VIEW GEOTOURS APP VISITOR CENTRE RE-OPENS SECRETS OF THE A470 CRIC CENTRE NATIONAL LIDO OF TALYBONT TOURISM FOOD FEST NEW BBT DIGITAL GUIDE MEET & GREET CAR PARK CLOSED CANAL NEWS DARK SKIES FEST WATERFALLS CAR PARK CHARGES INDEPENDENT VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES TOP TENS GRANTS

COVER PICTURE: TIM JONES INTERACTIVE TOURISM NEWS A warm welcome to STEPHANIE EVANS Brecon is set to be BUZZING! As Brecon town begins to emerge from the Covid restrictions Brecon Buzz has their sights set on positivity and enthusiasm.

There are a good number of new business opening in the town and there is a sense of excitement about the large Visit Brecon parasols that have been sourced by Brecon Town Council to enable an improved outdoor café culture. To add to the vibrant street scene Buzz members have also been working with The Chamber of Trade to put in a funding application to source 140 flowering hanging baskets to Stephanie started on March 8th as Transition Director brighten up the high street and shop following the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Julian frontages. Atkins. Stephanie is taking the reins of the Authority until newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Catherine The Buzz team are working on Mealing-Jones takes up post on 18th July. Following an indie guide for visitors which Catherine’s appointment the decision to delay recruitment highlights twenty or so small of the Head of Landscape and Nature Recovery and businesses that are the best places Head of People and Communities was taken to allow a for a coffee, a piece of local art review of the structure of the senior leadership team at the and craft, a beautiful book or gift. National Park Authority, to enable Catherine to deliver the The map includes the main town Authority’s ambitions. attractions. Much of the marketing copy for Brecon has been very Stephanie says, “I am delighted to be joining the Brecon outdated, Buzz has been in touch Beacons National Park Authority for the next few months with colleagues at and as the Transition Director. I’m being seconded from my Visit Wales to refresh how the town permanent role as Head of Placemaking, Design and is talked about on destination Specialist Advice for the National Trust where I have websites. The Brecon Story project worked for the last 19 years; ever since, in fact, I left my is doing much to help build a great role as the Head of Development Control for the Authority profile of the town’s cultural assets in 2003. I’ve lived with my family just to the south of the and is involving many people from Beacons or within the Park for 32 years. There will be across the community – from 26 more change and challenges ahead but as we begin to year olds to 80 year olds! emerge into the sunshine this summer, I’m confident the Brecon Beacons will have renewed meaning for people in a changed world. With the beauty and grandeur of the landscape offering real benefits to the health and wellbeing of communities in the Park, South Wales and beyond. I will be working closely with Authority staff, partners, stakeholders, residents and visitors for the benefit of this wonderful place and its communities.” DRINKING IN THE VIEW Visitors to Craig y nos Country Park can now delve into the stories that have shaped the surrounding landscape as they enjoy their al fresco lunch on the new interpretation tables. Craig y nos Country Park is in the heart of the ‘Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark’ and a great place to start exploration of this exciting destination. The tables are the latest development in the creation of a Geopark Discovery Point where you can find out more about our Geopark, what makes it special and where to go.

There are three tables to enjoy. You can journey from the Big Bang to present day at the timeline game table where you will encounter millions of years of adventure! If that’s too exciting you can enjoy the stunning reconstruction illustrations explaining how the local hill, Cribarth, was reshaped by industry. The third table explores how people have explored, lived and worked in the Swansea Valley over time.

These are the first interpretation tables in the National Park and we hope they will prove popular however we would like to remind visitors to keep a 2m distance between each other whilst on the site. GEOTOURS APP GOES LIVE!

A new Geotours app, featuring four walking Fforest Fawr Geopark, which covers the western half of tours in Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark, the Brecon Beacons National Park, has 470 million years is now available for download from Google Play of stories to tell. Discover Cribarth and Penwyllt to see how exploitation of rocks has shaped the landscape, Garn and the App Store. The App is being launched as Goch, an Iron Age Hill Fort and Mynydd Iltud, where you’ll part of European Geoparks Week celebrations, experience panoramic views of both the Geopark and 22 May - 6 June, and users can choose from National Park. Each tour was written by Alan Bowring, Cribarth, Garn Goch, Mynydd Illtud or Penwyllt Geopark Development Officer, and there are plans to add before heading out on a self-led discovery tour of more Geopark tours at a later date. the Geopark. The Geotours, aimed at families with older children and adults looking for an introduction to the Geopark, lead you on walks that each take around 2-3hours to complete. All four Fforest Fawr Geotours are available in Welsh too and feature spectacular aerial imagery, photography, and videos by Neil Mansfield of Landscapes Uncovered and Huw James of James Media.

The Geotours App was created using funding through Atlantic Geoparks, an EU Interreg project that Fforest Fawr participated in. The App has another 10 collections of Atlantic Area Geoparks tours which gives an opportunity for virtual visits and together they make up the European Atlantic Geotourism Route.

*Please visit the Geopark safely: Be Adventure Smart and keep within the latest Welsh Government restrictions* shop will also be open. The craft shop run by Platform One BRECON BEACONS Crafts cooperative will also be open with 12 local craftspeople NATIONAL PARK selling and displaying their products within the shop. VISITOR CENTRE RE-OPENS The Brecon Beacons National Park Visitor Centre is looking forward to reopening after the latest round of lockdowns. The Visitor Centre has taken the opportunity of lockdown to refurbish and improve the accessibility of its building, and has welcomed visitors again from Monday April 26th 2021.

Visitors will find the information centre, the craft shop, and the tea rooms will all be open from Monday the 26th. There will of course be full COVID-19 precautions in place. The tea rooms will be open for outdoor seating only, but we do have plenty of outdoor seating available, and we are awaiting the installation of a new covered area to enable visitors to sit outside, whatever the weather. Our toilet facilities will be open The Information Centre will also have its new digital wall in as usual. operation, where visitors can see an interactive map of the Our Information Assistants are ready to welcome back National Park, along with other interpretive features. visitors, and to give them all the advice they need to enjoy The Centre will be open from 9.30am till 4.30pm their stay within the Brecon Beacons National Park. The craft seven days a week.

REVEALING THE SECRETS OF THE A470 As we slowly emerge from winter hibernation and the latest lockdown more and more of us will be exploring the Park. Before long we hope to reacquaint ourselves with favourite haunts and discover new ones, some of which can be accessed from the A470. As you venture on that familiar road trip south to Cardiff you may notice new interpretation panels along the way. There will shortly be 7 new panels at various locations telling those who stop off a little about the local heritage and landscape and a walk they can go on from that spot. These panels are the culmination of the Wales Way project which has also seen 4 poetry stones installed at other roadside locations and the kinetic Red Kite sculpture, which adorns the outside of the National Park Visitor Centre. The Centre is a natural place from where to start a visit to CRICKHOWELL the area. It is not only well placed to provide information on what to do, where to stay, eat or visit, but is a destination in its own right. Celebrating its fifteenth anniversary this year, RESOURCE & it offers a true taste of Wales and Crickhowell in a carefully INFORMATION selected range of guides, maps, books, cards and gifts. The oriel CRiC gallery upstairs has resumed its exhibition CENTRE programme with an exhibition that pays homage to the eternal joys of spring. Colour, light and variety all “Independent visitor information centres like CRiC contribute to an uplifting exhibition which includes painting, (Crickhowell Resource & Information Centre) operating in the printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and jewellery. The heart of a tourist area, Crickhowell and the Brecon Beacons enjoyment and appeal of art and beautifully crafted items have alongside other Tourism businesses been hit hard by for the home has been more evident than ever since the re- local lockdowns and other restrictions. Once restrictions were opening of the gallery. gradually lifted, we were very grateful that the support of volunteers enabled us to reopen the Centre safely Monday For those planning their staycations, CRiC has invested to Saturday 10am till 4pm. Fulfilling various roles, the significantly in a new town website www.visitcrickhowell. volunteers relish promoting all that Crickhowell has to offer, wales which offers a wealth of information, as well as an the enjoyment of the natural beauty of the Brecon Beacons online shop for art, books, guides and gifts – it’s a great place and the creativity it inspires”. for a bit of armchair exploring.

“Unfortunately, some planned events such as the Following Government advice on reopening, social Crickhowell Walking Festival and the Crickhowell Open distancing measures are in place and numbers of visitors to Studios weekend have had to be cancelled in 2021, but the centre are limited at any given time. the CRiC team is positive about recovering and facing the Crickhowell Resource & Information Centre, Beaufort Street, challenges ahead. We look forward to supporting tourism Crickhowell, NP8 1BN and independent businesses, welcoming visitors warmly and encouraging them to discover the area through unique 01873 813666 | [email protected] outdoor experiences, events and its many attractions, while www.visitcrickhowell.wales reminding all throughout the season to keep Wales safe,” Jan Morgan, Centre Manager. #talybontphotocomp

TALYBONT ON USK TOURISM PHOTO COMPETITION 2021. Following a very successful first year of#talybontphotocomp in 2019 with lots of fantastic entries of photos of Talybont and surroundings, Talybont Tourism group decided to turn NATIONAL these into a calendar for 2020. This was available online via our website, at local retailers, and was also available LIDO on pre-order at the Talybont show. As the calendar proved so popular, we ran the competition for a second year in 2020. Despite some obvious difficulties (no Talybont show, for OF WALES example!) we received lots of brilliant entries and were able to produce another really popular calendar for 2021 that sold out in record time.

Now in its third year, entry to the 2021 competition is through Instagram using the hashtag #talybontphotocomp, or by The National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty, opened email to [email protected]. It’s completely free on May 1st – book your swim online now. to enter, and open to anyone, visitor or resident, of any age or skill level. Each month our judging panel chooses a winning This stunning attraction has three heated outdoor pools, image to be featured on our social media, and in the 2022 offering lane swimming, casual swimming, an inflatable calendar. obstacle course and toddler splash pool in the heart of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd.

Caffi Lido opens at the end of May, offering delicious food and drink to enjoy poolside or in the wider surroundings of the park, including salad boxes, gourmet burgers, afternoon teas, wood-fired pizza, smoothies, coffee and more.

Visitors are assured Covid-19 safety measures are in place. Fewer swimmers per session will be admitted, with cleaning taking place between sessions. Sun loungers will be poolside but, again, there are less of them to enable social distancing.

Lido Ponty has outdoor showers and outdoor changing booths that are actually the original ones from 1927! Guests will be allocated a changing room upon arrival to secure their safety.

Take time to enjoy your wider surroundings during your visit The overall winner will win the choice of a hand-crafted gift to Lido Ponty. Ynysangharad War Memorial Park is a Valleys from one of our many talented local artisans (see Regional Gateway site, meaning it is a perfect “stepping- talybontonusk.com/store for some examples), a meal stone” for wider adventures. for two at a village pub or a professionally framed and mounted print of your winning photographic image. See the sunken gardens and the statue commemorating Evan and James James, who composed the Welsh National If you have a favourite photo of Talybont or the surrounding Anthem as they strolled in the park. area that you have already taken, why not consider entering it? Or perhaps venture out for some post-lockdown fresh air, Kids will love the huge industrial-themed Lido Play adventure and get snapping! playground and historic Pontypridd has great places to eat, drink and shop, as well as circular walks and heritage trails. Accompanying photo was the winning entry for March 2021, is a view of the Talybont Reservoir and was taken by Find out more and book a session: www.lidoponty.co.uk Meredith Jones BACK TO FUN & FEASTING AT ABERGAVENNY FOOD FESTIVAL 2021 The weekend of 18 and 19 September sees the return of the award-winning Abergavenny Food Festival, once dubbed ‘The Glastonbury of Food Festivals’. Founded in 1999 by two local farmers, the event has grown in size and reach but remains true to its roots, promoting food, farming, and great hospitality, with an emphasis on celebrating the very best on offer from Wales and The Marches.

Visitors will have a wide choice of top-notch producers and exhibitors, as well as a chance to enjoy all the drama of live performances and demonstrations from some of the brightest lights of the food world.

Many local businesses get involved. Some are sponsors, some provide hospitality or services, while others choose to participate in the Festival Fringe - a great promotional opportunity which is all about getting creative and finding clever ways to intersect with the food world. Festival organisers are open to new ideas, so if you would like to contribute then do please get in touch at [email protected]

More line-up details will be announced mid May and box office goes live on 1 June.This time round, attendance will be limited to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. One- day entry wristbands costing £10 can only be purchased in advance online (no walk-up on the day) or through a pop-up shop in Abergavenny. Free entry for children under 16 as usual. Keep up-to-date with all the latest at www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com BRECON BEACONS TOURISM LAUNCH A DIGITAL GUIDE TO THE NATIONAL PARK! MEET AND GREET STAFF The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority have secured Please find the link below to our new digital guide to the additional Welsh Government funding for Waterfall Country Brecon Beacons National Park, which complements the and other areas across the National Park this year. Some of destination website www.breconbeacons.org. Our these funds will go towards contracting additional seasonal new guide is downloadable and available offline. With an Meet and Greet staff on the ground. The extra Meet and interactive map, visitors can be sure to find the best places Greet staff proved very successful last year. They will be to visit, things to do, great walks and places to eat & drink. working in Cwm Porth and Gwaun Hepste as well as out and We are continuing to populate this, as more businesses about in the area ensuring that traffic is moving and visitors join BBT and re-open, any feedback would be welcomed. know where they can park responsibly.

If you are able help promote the guide to your guests by directing them to it in welcome emails, social media and by adding the link to your own website, we would be grateful. hub.touchstay.com

We are also getting some leaflet holders with a QR code to the digital guide printed, please let us know where you would want one and we will let you know when they are ready.

We will be printing a small run of our guide to the Brecon Beacons later in the year, once we know who will be open. There is still time to join BBT to get your business included in the printed guide (as well as a listing on the destination website and new digital guide) as part of your membership fee. Find out more here CLOSURE OF CAR PARK breconbeaconstourism.org Car Park Closed Due to the high traffic and the issues at Pont or drop us an email Melin Fach car park in recent years, especially during 2020, [email protected] Natural Resources Wales has taken the difficult decision to close this car park from Easter - September 2021. The narrow GUIDE LINK road has been damaged due to the high volume of traffic and residents on this road have had issues with accessing their properties. This is a temporary closure and will be reviewed at the end of the season. 15 MINUTE HERITAGE STEP BY SMOOTHING THE STEP WALKS AT BRECON AND WAY ALONG THE TOWPATH GOYTRE WHARF The Canal and River Trust and Brecon Beacons Two new linear walks along the scenic Monmouthshire & National Park Authority have been working Brecon Canal start from Brecon basin and Goytre Wharf. They are together to improve the Monmouthshire and available to download from the Canal and River Trust’s website and Brecon Canal towpath, with work completed in from local information centres in Brecon, Abergavenny, the National late March, just in time for the return of visitors. Park and Goytre Wharf. The routes take in the stunning landscape, Funded by the Trust and organised by Brecon explore fascinating heritage and enjoy the sights and sounds of Beacons National Park Authority and the Trust, local wildlife. With the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal adding the the resurfacing work was carried out by JPL feelgood factor that being by the water can bring. Groundwork and Civil Engineering of Builth Wells. It has resolved areas of puddling, erosion The bilingual trails have been designed to be followed in short and narrowing over several sections between measured sections, with the option of doing as little or as much as you Brynich Lock and Llangynidr, totalling 9km. like. You can go further on return visits as energy or time allows. The This has made it smoother and safer to walk or routes are surfaced for ease of use. There’s also a chance to sample cycle in all weathers, with more surfaced width the trails in advance with the virtual video walks available for passing. It is hoped to do further similar on the Trust’s website. works later in 2021. During May and June, for eight weeks May 5th to 23rd June, you are Clare Parsons welcome to join a gentle led walk every Wednesday, in the morning Enterprise Manager, Wales & South West from Goytre Wharf or in the afternoon from Brecon Canal Basin. Canal & River Trust Prebooking is essential to manage group sizes – maximum 12 people. Eventbrite links below. Welbeing Walk - GOYTRE Welbeing Walk - Brecon Canal Basin We are running an online survey with a prize of a group dayboat trip on the Canal. Please join the SNAP survey below. Closes 23rd June. Survey The Goytre and Brecon Basin trails have been made possible thanks to funding from Cronfa Dreftadaeth, National Lottery Heritage Fund. WATERFALLS, NEW DARK VISITOR SURVEY SKY FEST FOR Visitor Survey 2021 - 2022 When restrictions permit you THE BRECON may see staff from Strategic Research and Insight (SRI) out in the hotspots of Waterfall Country. Commissioned BEACONS by the Ystradfellte and Penderyn Community Council Celebrating the fact that the Brecon Beacons and the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, SRI National Park is only one of 18 Dark sky reserves are undertaking a survey that will be essential to get in the world, Dark Sky Fest is being organised for data on what improvements to the environment and 24th-26th September. facilities both visitors and residents feel are needed. This is a chance for you to have your say and the Most of the talks will be conducted virtually, but results of this will be the evidence needed for to go for depending on covid restrictions at the time, we the necessary funding to implement these changes. are hoping that some events such as a dark sky SRI will also be working with local businesses to walk might be possible encourage their customers to complete the online If you would like to be part of this and have version of the survey either during or after their stay. ideas for an event please contact Carol Williams. CAR PARK CHARGES New Car Park Charges From the 1st April 2021 the car parking charges at Cwm Porth and Gwaun Hepste will be £5 between the hours of 8am and 4pm. Outside of these hours the charge will be £4. Charges for minibuses will remain at £7 regardless of the time.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES OPENING DAYS

Abergavenny Information Centre Crickhowell Information & Talgarth Information Centre The Town hall, Cross Street, Resource Centre The Tower Shop, Talgarth, LD3 0BW Abergavenny NP7 5HD Beaufort Street, Crickhowell, NP8 1BN 01874 712226 01873 853254 01873 811970 Open April-October Monday – Open Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm Open Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm Saturday 10am-4pm Closed Sundays Closed Sundays November-March Monday – Saturday 10.30-3.30 Blaenavon World Heritage Centre National Park visitor Centre Sundays 10.30-1pm Church Road, Blaenavon NP4 9AS Libanus, Brecon, LD3 8ER 01495 742333 01874 623366 Open Tuesdays-Saturdays 10am-5pm Open Monday-Sunday 9.30-4.30

Hay on Wye Information Centre Visit Brecon Chapel Cottage, Oxford Road, Hay on Lion Yard, Brecon LD3 7BA Wye HR3 5DG Open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm 01497 820144 Sundays & Bank holidays 10am-4pm Open Monday – Saturday 11am-2pm Closed Sundays

UNFORGETTABLE SUNSET EXPERIENCES Early evening is a magical time of day. As the sun disappears beneath the horizon, the beauty of the changing sky can inspire wonder, awe and a sense of calm. Come to the park and experience dusk over epic mountainscapes, glacial valleys and glassy lakes. Immerse yourself in nature as the scarlet skies turn indigo blue and fi nish each day with an unforgettable sunset experience. There are so many remarkable backdrops in our park, off ering some of the most dramatic sunset scenery you’ll see anywhere in the world. We’ve picked out just a few to inspire you to come and stay, and create memories that will Top Tens last a lifetime.

10. Blaen Onneu viewpoint The views from here are so panoramic, it almost feels like being in a plane. Blaen Onneu, meaning ‘head of the ash stream’, has a fl at summit area with wonderful views to the east, west and north. At about 450 metres, the elevation is quite high and so it’s possible to look down and see hilltops appearing like islands from a sea of clouds. At sunset, this is an incredibly atmospheric place, where the homely valley below juxtaposes with the grandeur of the austere, craggy mountain scarps above. We recommend that you stay close to the parking spot. The views here are spectacular and safe, and it can be fun to perch on nearby boulders. There is so much to see and do in the Brecon Beacons National Park with plenty of places to stay, go to: www.breconbeacons.org/cy

GREAT FOR: NEAREST VILLAGE: COORDINATES: There are already top ten places to star gaze in unbroken panoramas Llangynidr SO 156170 that stretch for miles the National Park, we have now added the top UNFORGETTABLE Day2Stay ten sunset locations and the top five nocturnal SUNSET EXPERIENCES Early evening is a magical time of day. As the sun disappears beneath the horizon, the beauty of the changing sky can inspire wonder, awe and a sense of calm. Come to the park and experience dusk over epic mountainscapes, glacial valleys and glassy lakes. Immerse yourself in nature as the scarlet skies turn indigo blue and fi nish each day wildlife locations to the stable. This is part of with an unforgettable sunset experience. There are so many remarkable backdrops in our park, off ering some of the most dramatic sunset scenery you’ll see anywhere in the world. We’ve picked out just a few to inspire you to come and stay, and create memories that will the day2stay project which aims to encourage last a lifetime. visitors to stay and enjoy the natural beauty of 4. Brecon Beacons National Park visitor centre At 330 metres above sea level, right in the centre of the park, our visitor centre is an excellent location for watching the sun go down. It off ers easy access to the countryside, great parking and plenty of space to fi nd the best sunset the night. spot. There’s even a 24-hour webcam that looks out towards Pen y Fan and Corn Du, so you can see what the weather’s doing at any time. Just a few minutes’ walk across working common land, you’ll fi nd ancient standing stones that open up to distant panoramas. Gaze out over Hay Bluff and the Black Mountains to the east, Mynydd Epynt to the north, the Black Mountain to the west and the rolling hills of Fforest Fawr to the south. There is new photography, videos and Animals graze the common, so to avoid disturbing them (and the people who live nearby) our advice is to stay close to the visitor centre at dusk. downloadable information sheets. There is so much to see and do in the Brecon Beacons National Park with plenty of places to stay, go to: Visitor centre webcam ww.beacons-npa.gov.uk/livewebcams

GREAT FOR: NEAREST VILLAGE: COORDINATES: distant panoramas carved Brecon SN 978264 Tourism businesses can use the videos which are by ancient glaciers

hosted on the Brecon Beacons National Park “You UNFORGETTABLEDay2Stay Tube channel,” these are inspirational videos, SUNSET EXPERIENCES Early evening is a magical time of day. As the sun disappears beneath the horizon, the beauty of the changing sky can inspire wonder, awe and a sense of calm. Come to the park and experience dusk over epic mountainscapes, please do share them far and wide. glacial valleys and glassy lakes. Immerse yourself in nature as the scarlet skies turn indigo blue and fi nish each day with an unforgettable sunset experience. There are so many remarkable backdrops in our park, off ering some of the most dramatic sunset scenery you’ll see anywhere in the world. We’ve picked out just a few to inspire you to come and stay, and create memories that will One is aimed at families and the other at couples. last a lifetime.

3. Hay Bluff Sunset couple Family Dominating the skyline above the famous book town of Hay-on-Wye is Hay Bluff , a prominent hill that straddles the border between Wales and England. Follow the gentle path uphill to the summit along the north-western scarp and you’ll be treated to magnifi cent sunsets over the Wye Valley and Black Mountains. Hay Bluff can be quite windy and exposed so take along a warm fl ask and blankets for maximum comfort The photography and information sheets are on when the day’s warmth fades away. Look west and you’ll see the next peak along – the Twmpa – bathed in rose-gold light as dusk falls. There is so much to see and do in the Brecon Beacons National Park with plenty of places to stay, go to: the Brecon Beacons Brand bank. www.breconbeacons.org

GREAT FOR: NEAREST VILLAGE: COORDINATES: expansive views over the Hay-on-Wye SO 239373 If you have not signed up to the Brand Bank it is beautiful Wye Valley very simple to do, go to: UNFORGETTABLE Day2Stay SUNSET EXPERIENCES Early evening is a magical time of day. As the sun disappears beneath the horizon, the beauty of the changing sky BRAND BANK can inspire wonder, awe and a sense of calm. Come to the park and experience dusk over epic mountainscapes, glacial valleys and glassy lakes. Immerse yourself in nature as the scarlet skies turn indigo blue and fi nish each day with an unforgettable sunset experience. There are so many remarkable backdrops in our park, off ering some of the most dramatic sunset scenery you’ll see anywhere in the world. We’ve picked out just a few to inspire you to come and stay, and create memories that For information about this project contact: will last a lifetime. [email protected] 7. South Wales’s largest natural lake provides an important habitat for water-based wildlife and is a marvellous place to explore as the day draws in. Keep your eyes peeled for a rich variety of birds, insects, otters, frogs, toads and newts, and as the sun sets you might even see a bat or owl. There’s a bird hide on the south shore and a crannog (a waterside dwelling) on the north side, both of which provide interesting photo opportunities. And if you’re up for a legendary quest, go forth from the crannog in search of the sword in the stone. Whoever pulls it out is said to be the true king or queen of England. The lake’s bowl shape was carved out of sandstone by moving glaciers in the Ice Age, and it sometimes freezes over in winter, creating a distinctive icy blue focal point. High mountains to the east and Allt yr Esgair peak to the south provide breathtaking views at dusk. Coupled with refl ections in the lake of illuminated skies, dazzling changing colours and the surrounding landscape, this is a truly spectacular sunset spot. There is so much to see and do in the Brecon Beacons National Park with plenty of places to stay, go to: www.breconbeacons.org

GREAT FOR: NEAREST VILLAGE: COORDINATES: total immersion in the sounds Llangorse SO 127270 and sights of nature at dusk Day2Stay Day2Stay Need A Grant? Can we help? Cronfa Datblygu Cynaliadwy Funding is available through the Sustainable Development Sustainable Fund, Our Heritage Fund, Green Energy for Community Development Fund Facilities Fund or Community Nature Recovery Fund Sustainable Development Fund

Cronfa Datblygu We are offering funding towards projects which develop and test ways of achieving Cynaliadwy a more sustainable way of living across the National Park. We can help develop and Sustainable support projects which have social, environmental, economic and cultural benefits Development Fund for the community.

Community Decarbonisation Fund/Green Energy Fund

Funding of up to £5,000 to install energy saving measures or renewable energy in your community facilities.

Heritage Grant Fund

We are offering individuals and community groups grants of up to £5,000 to undertake works to conserve and enhance the Heritage assets of our towns and villages.This is a conservation scheme, which seeks to promote the appropriate and timely repair of buildings or structures of architectural or historic importance, or improvements in interpretation of historic assets located within the towns and villages of the National Park.

Community Nature Recovery Fund

If you have a project idea that is about helping nature recover, we would love to hear about it and we may be able to provide the funding to take it forward. Thanks to the Local Nature Partnership we can provide 100% of the funding if necessary - anywhere from £50 to £500. We will need to know how it is helping nature recover or people within your community connect to nature, and ideally you will have volunteers.

For more information on any of these grants or to discuss your idea please contact [email protected] or helen.roderick@beacons- npa.gov.uk CONTACTS Carol Williams Tourism Growth Area Officer Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Cambrian Way, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7HP. 07854 997559 [email protected] Alan Bowring Fforest Fawr Geopark Officer Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Cambrian Way, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7HP. 07854 997557 [email protected] Clarissa Price Sustainable Tourism Officer Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Cambrian Way, Brecon, [email protected] 07854 997539 James Lawrence Visitor Management Officer Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Cambrian Way, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7HP. 07854 997558 [email protected] Laura Thomas Executive Director, Brecon Beacons Tourism 07983 635640 [email protected]