10 Things to do in the Brecon Beacons.

1) Hit the capital Visit the charming market town of Brecon, with its castle ruins and Georgian architecture. Walk the promenade along the River Usk where you can hire a pedalo or rowing boat. You can also take a boat trip (07831 685222) from the canal basin. The Regimental Museum (01874 613310) commemorates more than 300 years of military history, including Rorkes Drift of Zulu fame. Surprisingly for a town of modest size, there's an impressive cathedral (01874 623857), an art gallery (01874 624121), a theatre (01874 611622) and a cinema (01874 622501). The cathedral is home to the largest font in Britain and the 17th century tithe barn next door is now a heritage centre and craft shop with restaurant. There's a monthly farmers' market, a monthly craft market and a monthly antiques and collectors' fair. With a wide choice of accommodation, Brecon is the perfect place from which to explore the rest of the national park.

2) Ramble or scramble The variety of the landscape means there's something for eve- ryonefrom canalside strolls to treks to the top of the imposing 886m summit of Pen Y Fan in the centre of the Brecon Beacons. In the east of the park, towards the Herefordshire border, are the Black Mountains with a high point of 811m at Waun Fach. There are guided walks or you can pick up laminated guides from information centres. A good place to plan your walks is The Mountain Centre (01874 623366), high on an upland common, six miles from Brecon. The centre boasts views to the highest mountain in southern Britain, which you can enjoy over a locallysourced snack or meal in the tea room / restaurant.

3) Get on your bike Five leisurely routes start from the canal basin in Brecon while there are 16 graded mountain bike routes in the Beacons catering for both novices and experienced bikers. Six traffic-free routes have been developed and you can also cycle all the way to Cardiff in one day along the Taff Trail. Bring your own bike or hire one.

4) Take the plunge Waterfalls abound between the villages of Pontneddfechan and Ystradfellte where the Rivers Mellte, Hepste and Nedd Fechan plunge their way down steepsided, tree-lined gorges. To walk behind the curtain of water at Sgwd yr Eira (Waterfall of the Snow) is an exhilarating experience. The newly-refurbished Waterfalls Centre in Pontneddfechan provides a great starting point to explore this beautiful area. There is also a spectacular cascade at Blaen y Glyn, nr Talybont.

5) Go with the flow You can hire canoes from Glasbury or Hay and drift gently down the River Wye with your lunch stowed safely away. The canoes are designed for beginners and you will be picked up downstream and returned to base. Langors Lake (01874 658226) is also perfect for messing about in boats, which can be hired there.

6) Cast your net wider Anglers are in heaven in the Beacons. The River Usk is renowned for wild brown trout and Llangors Lake is a popular venue for fly fishing for pike.

7) Get in a hole The Beacons boasts one of Britain's third longest caves, Ogof Ffynnon Ddu. OFD, as it is known, is also has Porth yr Ogof - the largest cave entrance in Wales and one of the largest anywhere in the country. This spectacular entrance can be admired by anyone but you should not be tempted in without an experienced guide.

8) Saddle up Riding on horseback is a good way to appreciate the natural beauty of the Brecon Beacons. There are no fewer than 11 trekking and riding stables in the area offering half/ one-day treks or 2-6-day riding holidays.

9) Get a ticket to ride Catch the Brecon Mountain Railway (01685 722988) from Merthyr into the Beacons.

10) Watch the wildlife Otters inhabit the rivers while red kites and peregrines wheel above.

UsefulWebsites www.breconbeaconstourism.co.uk www.visitbreconbeacons.com www.visitbrecon.com www.getactive-beacons.co.uk www.horseridingbreconbeacons.com www.mtbbreconbeacons.com www.cyclebreconbeacons.com www.wyevalleycanoes.co.uk www.llangorselake.co.uk

Brecon Jazz Festival takes place from August 7-9 with 50 concerts at five venues across the town. On the Saturday, there's a jazz parade through the streets of Brecon. Tickets and full concert listings are available at www.breconjazz.org and on 0870 990 1299.

CAPTION(S):

Exhilarating: Walking behind Sgwd yr Eira waterfall and (top) climbing Pen Y Fan. Leisurely: Take a trip along the Brecon and Monmouth Canal.