Saturday 6 June 2025
Talybont-on-Usk
Full marathon, half marathon and 10K
Image by Patrick Harrison
Explore the beauty of Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park on this hiking adventure. Starting in Talybont-on-Usk, you'll walk along trails, towpaths and forests on a fully signposted route. Find more details about the route in the Event details below.
Depending on your pace, we estimate the routes will take:
10k (6 miles): 1.5 - 3 hours
Half marathon: 3.5 - 6 hours
Full marathon: 7 - 12 hours
Image by Patrick Harrison
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Whether you're new to hiking or a regular walker, it's important to prepare. Get your training plan and tips on nutrition for the big day.
Share support, photos, training tips and fundraising inspiration with your fellow Big Hikers! This is a great way to connect with other hikers before the big day.
Once you sign up for your Big Hike event, you'll receive a welcome pack with all the need-to-know details to help you feel fully prepared for the day.
The start and finish point is via Station Road. Access to the main event site and parking is NOT through the farm/campsite in the village. The exact location you need for arrival is eminent.purses.carriage. Please download the what3words app, use these words and click ‘navigate’ to take you there. At this turning on Station Road, you will see Cancer Research UK flags.
Please head to the event site 45 minutes before your start time; we'll email you a reminder of your time as soon as you've signed up.
All routes are fully signposted and our marshals and volunteers will be there to assist you along the way.
This full marathon hike takes you along the Taff Trail and the Usk Valley Walk. You'll head through the Taf Fechan Forest, past waterfalls and surrounded by mountains. The hike will follow a circular, anti-clockwise route climbing ≈ 2,500 ft. It has three support points where you'll find hot drinks, a selection of snacks and fruit, water, medics, ample bench seating, music and toilets.
Maps: See the route map* and elevation map(PNG, 120 KB).
This half marathon hike takes you along the remarkable Taff Trail, Talybont Forest and its Reservoir before climbing Tor Y Foel for stunning views. The hike will follow a circular, anti-clockwise route climbing ≈ 1,500 ft. It has one support point where you'll find hot drinks, a selection of snacks and fruit, water, medics, ample bench seating, music and toilets.
Maps: See the route map* and elevation map(PNG, 126 KB).
This 10k hike takes you along the Taff Trail and through the beautiful village of Pencelli and Talybont Forest with stunning views to the east. The hike will follow a circular, anti-clockwise route climbing ≈ 750 ft. There will be a water refill station along the route.
Maps: See the route map* and elevation map.
*Please note that the routes are subject to change.
Free parking is available for all Big Hike participants at the event site. Please download the what3words app and use the words eminent.purses.carriage to direct you there. You'll be able to park your car at the start venue for the duration of your Big Hike.
Please note access to parking and start area is NOT through the farm/campsite in the village. Access is via Station Road
The closest mainline railway station to the start/finish venue is Abergavenny. Please visit the National Rail website for full timetables.
Several bus lines stop at Talybont Farm. Visit Traws Cymru for bus timetables.
Toilet facilities will be available at the start and finish areas and at support points along the route.
Water refill points, hot drinks and snacks will be provided at the start area and at support points along the route.
Full marathon hikers will receive lunch at the second support point, followed by a hot meal at the finish area. Half marathon and 10k participants will receive a hot meal at the finish area.
Dietary requirements will be catered for on the day. We'll send you an email around one month before your event to ask for your dietary requirements - please complete this as soon as possible.
The start/finish venue is wheelchair-friendly, but the course is not. If you're taking part in the Big Hike and wish to bring a carer with you, please ask your carer to call 0300 123 2424 and we can talk them through the process.
Dogs are not allowed, except for service dogs.
Free parking is available for all Big Hike participants at the start/finish venue.
No bag drop is available.
Interested in hiking but can't make this location or date? Whether you're looking for coastal views or rolling hills, we have a Big Hike for you. Discover our seven hikes taking place across the UK so you can find your perfect adventure.
From guiding our hikers on the route, to helping out at support points, there are lots of opportunities to get involved, while enjoying breathtaking views.
