The Brecon Beacons National Park

Speaker: Rachel Roberts (Standard British accent)

The Brecon Beacons National Park, which begins on the border with England, is almost  1,500  square kilometres of spectacular natural beauty.

NANSI

The best way for me to enjoy this enormous area would be on a guided trek. I climbed up into the saddle of an attractive pure-bred Welsh Cob mare, Nansi. Cobs are one of the world’s oldest breeds and there are herds of them living wild in the National Park. It was nearly 20 years since I had ridden a horse.

SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN

We passed some stunning scenery; the riding centre had arranged the route to pass as many lovely views as possible, including the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain. When we stopped for a picnic, I slid out of the saddle and onto the ground. My legs were like jelly; I wished I had been more truthful about my riding experience.

IN CONTROL

We went on through the quiet forest, until we saw light ahead. As we reached the edge of the trees, I realized we were heading down a rather steep and rocky path. I needn’t have worried, though; Nansi was in complete control. We found ourselves on open ground, and we raced over the grass. We flew along, both of us loving the speed.

LOOKING AFTER THE HORSES AND OURSELVES

When we reached the pub where we were staying, we brushed the horses, who certainly deserved to be looked after, before going into the pub on shaking legs. We were very hungry and had an excellent dinner, before climbing into white cotton sheets.

A GREAT PLACE

If, like me, you haven’t been riding for a long time, or if you’ve never been riding in your life, you can go on a short trek after a lesson; you don’t have to get as sore as I did. You can take part in almost every possible outdoor activity in the Brecon Beacons. This National Park offers a way into Wales from England which shows the country at its most spectacular.

(Find out more at: www.breconbeacons.org)