The Bannau Brycheiniog National Park has urged tourists to “take the bus” to visit the Welsh beauty spot in a bid to cut harmful car emissions in the area. Footfall in the national park has increased significantly, with around four million people visiting the Bannau Brycheiniog – also known as the Brecon Beacons – annually to hike Pen y Fan – south Wales’ highest peak – or walk the four waterfalls at Ystradfellte, Powys. In January, Bannau Brycheiniog was named by the New York Times as one of the best places in the world to visit in 2024, and tourists have flocked there to recreate the scenic photos seen on social media.
Extra bus services will depart the towns of Brecon and Merthyr Tydfil for the 886m peak this summer to cut emissions and encourage hikers to visit independent local shops. Park sustainable development officer Helen Roderick told the BBC : “It’s about balance, we want people to come and visit the national park but to think about when they come. And can they travel by bus? And can they make sure they benefit the local economy by using our shops, pubs and local restaurants?” Ms Roderick advised prospective visitors to plan their travels in September and October or to visit the Welsh hotspot on weekday mornings in August to “spread the effect of the visitors”.
The authority said that reducing car emissions by encouraging tourists to take the bus to hike Pen y Fan will help the area’s flora and fauna and “reduce congestion” in Brecon .