A great place for both walkers and wildlife watchers, the Brecon Beacons is much more than a nature reserve. It's one of Wales' three National Parks, running from Hay-on-Wye in the east to Llandeilo in the west and covering more than 500 square miles.

The scenery is stunning - taking in moorland and mountains, forests and woodland, waterfalls and lakes, and caves and gorges.

The highest peak in the Beacons - and in southern Britain - is Pen y Fan with its distinctive flat peak. Not surprisingly, it's a popular destination for both walkers and ramblers. With its rough, open terrain, the area is also used regularly for army exercises.

The park's two other mountain peaks are Corn Du

Don't forget to take your binoculars with you and look in particular for birds of prey such as Peregrine Falcons, Red Kites, Sparrow Hawks, Buzzards and Merlins. Other species to watch out for include the Wheatear, Whinchat, the Red Grouse and the Ring Ouzel.

In October 2005, it was announced that the Brecon Beacons National Park would become part of UNESCO's worldwide network of Geoparks. This will be the first geopark and the first National Park in the UK to be designated.

For more information, go to the Brecon Beacons official website or see Hands on Nature on bbc.co.uk..
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