Big Hike Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)
Take on Big Hike Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), 5 July 2025
Join us for a one day walking adventure in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park. You'll explore the Taff Trail, forests and beautiful canals, all whist supporting life-saving research.
Choose from a 10k, half marathon or full marathon hike, and sign up with friends and family or go solo and meet new people on the day.
Whether you're new to hiking or a regular walker, we'll support you every big step of the way.
Choose your distance
The Big Hike experience
About Big Hike Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)
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.
Our routes can be challenging but don't worry, experienced hiking leaders will guide and support you along the way, and you'll be rewarded with incredible views!
How long will it take?
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
What you get for your entry fee
Your Cancer Research UK t-shirt and medal
Training and fundraising support
Signposted route, support points and toilets
Water refill points, meals and snacks
When I read about The Big Hike I knew this was the perfect challenge. The day was so poignant and yet brilliant too. Just to be out in breath-taking countryside surrounded by everyone who loved Adrian and June was incredible. I’d thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is thinking of doing it this year.
For those of us who took part, it was the ideal way of honouring them both and to help do our bit to help fund life-saving research.
Catherine and 11 family members took part in Big Hike in 2023, hiking in memory of her husband Adrian and his mother June.
We're with you every big step of the way
Whether you're new to hiking or a regular walker, we'll support you from fundraising to the finish line.
Get fundraising support
Your entry fee covers the cost of your event, but your fundraising helps us save and improve lives.
Get tips, ideas and resources to help you hit your target and raise money for life-saving research.
Prepare for your hike
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.
Join the community
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.
How your support makes a difference
Nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime*. Every pound you raise helps us say yes to more chances of diagnosis, preventing and providing kinder treatments to those living with cancer.
£150 could pay for a day of the clinical trial of the iKnife for breast cancer removal surgery
£200 could fund our team of cancer nurses for an hour, offering confidential support and guidance
£500 could fund a lab technician for a week, bringing us closer to the next cancer research breakthrough
Event details
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.
Meeting point
The start and finish point is Talybont Farm, Station Rd, Talybont-on-Usk, LD3 7YJ. If using what3words enter eminent.purses.carriage in the free app to find the exact starting point.
Please head to the event site at least 45 minutes before your start time; we'll email you a reminder of your time as soon as you've signed up.
About the routes
All routes are fully signposted and our marshals and volunteers will be there to assist you along the way.
Full marathon route
This full marathon hike takes you along the Taff Trail, over the magnificent Torpantau and back through the Talybont Forest. The hike will follow a circular, anticlockwise route climbing ≈3000ft. 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.
Half marathon route:
This half marathon hike takes you along the remarkable Taff Trail, Talybont Forest and its Reservoir before climbing Tor Y Foel for stunning taking views. The hike will follow a circular, anticlockwise route climbing ≈1500ft. 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.
10k (6 mile) route:
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 linear route climbing ≈750ft. There will be water stops along the route to refill your water bottle.
Maps: See the route map* and elevation map.
*Please note that the routes are subject to change.
Travel information
By car:
Free parking is available for all Big Hike participants at Talybont Farm. You'll be able to park your car at the start venue for the duration of your Big Hike.
By public transport:
Train: the closest mainline railway station to the start/finish venue is Abergavenny. Please visit the National Rail website for full timetables.
Bus: several bus lines stop at Talybont Farm. Visit Traws Cymru for bus timetables.
Facilities
Toilets
Toilet facilities will be available at the start and finish areas and at support points along the route.
Refreshments
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.
Full marathon hikers lunch;
(Selection of brown and white sub rolls filled with the following);
- Cheese and pickle (v)
- Cheese and ham
- Chicken mayonnaise and bacon
- Egg mayonnaise and cress (v)
- Tuna mayonnaise and cucumber
- Ham and mustard
- Hummus and falafel with lettuce (ve)
All hikers hot meal;
- Beef chilli
- Veggie chilli
- BBQ chicken in a tomato, pepper and onion sauce
White rice/mixed salad/roll and butter/chocolate brownie and flapjack
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.
Accessibility: 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 0770 and we can talk them through the process.
Dog
Dogs are not allowed, except for service dogs.
Parking
Free parking is available for all Big Hike participants at Talybont Farm, Station Rd, Talybont-on-Usk, LD3 7YJ.
Bag drop
No bag drop is available.
Still have questions?
Other Big Hike locations
Interested in hiking but can't make this location or date? Whether you're looking for coastal views or rolling hills, we have the Big Hike for you.
Discover our five hikes taking place across the UK so you can find your perfect challenge.