The Brecon Beacons Park Society

The Beacons have existed for many thousands of years. Humans have lived here for over four thousand. The area was given National Park status 60 years ago. The Brecon Beacons Park Society (BBPS) was formed 25 years ago. Some of its founder members are still active with the Society. Chris Barber edits the six monthly publication The Beacon and has published over 30 books many about walking the Beacons.

Many visitors to Tall John’s will have come for the walking. There is a good walk up Fan y Big where you can pose on the Diving Board which was named by Chris.

The Society has become best known for its walks programme but also represents the views of its members to the Park’s Authority and to local, regional and national Government. It works jointly with sibling organisations in Snowdonia and the Pembroke Coast, the Alliance for National Parks (Cymru) and the Campaign for National Parks. BBPS often works with the National Parks Authority and others on matters of joint concern like restoring the Gunpowder Works and establishing the area’s International Dark Sky status.

Though not way-marked on the tops the Beacons Way is to be found on maps. BBPS are proud to have established it and it passes close to Tall John’s House as it climbs between Cefn Moel and Mynydd Llangorse. The full 95 miles might take 8 days as it passes through the entire Beacons.

Details of the Society’s walks - and much more - can be found on their website. There are generally 4 walks a week: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Wednesday ones are usually shorter and easier. Over the course of the year walks occur throughout the Park and occasionally further afield. The leaders are experienced walkers, often qualified mountain leaders, with first aid training and kit. Walks are for members only but membership is reasonable at £15 for an individual or £22 for a family currently. Many members live some distance away but keep coming back to the Mountains.

Nic Groombridge is the publicity officer of BBPS.
Follow them on @walkthebeacons or on Facebook
He also volunteers with the BB National Park and will be writing about that in the future.