Autumn Walk at Garwnant in the Brecon Beacons

There are few better places to enjoy the colours and calm of autumn than Garwnant, on the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. With its peaceful woodlands, crisp mountain air, and scenic reservoir views, this corner of Wales feels like a world away from the city. Just a 45-minute drive north of Cardiff, Garwnant is the perfect spot for a dog-friendly walk, a family day out, or simply a chance to reconnect with nature during the most beautiful season of the year.

There are five walking trails here ranging from just 800 metres, up to around 4km for the walk around the reservoir - we did the reservoir walk and animal sculpture trail, but we've included details of all the trails further down the article.

Llwyn-onn Reservoir

One of the three large reservoirs of the Taff Fawr valley just to the north of Merthyr Tydfil, the Llwyn-onn Reservoir is an ideal destination for an autumn walk, with the trees turning shades of gold and amber, and the air is filled with the scent of pine and damp earth.  Garwnant Visitor Centre sits at one end of the reservoir and serves as both a hub for outdoor activities and a welcoming base for visitors of all ages. Nestled among conifer and broadleaf forest, the centre provides information on walking routes, local wildlife, and the history of the area.

Garwnant Visitor Centre

One of the main reasons Garwnant is such a popular spot for families  is its excellent facilities. There’s a spacious visitor centre with maps, souvenirs, information boards, and friendly staff who can advise on walking routes and conditions. The café is a real highlight, offering warm drinks, homemade cakes, and light lunches - perfect for refuelling after a walk.

Families are especially well catered for. There’s an adventure playground, a picnic area with benches overlooking the forest, and the variety of trails is perfect for younger visitors who love to explore the fun sculptures both on the trails as well as dotted around the picnic areas. Toilets are available on site, and the centre is open year-round, though opening hours can vary by season.

Parking at the visitor centre is only £2 for two hours, or £5 all day, you pay on leaving so you don't have to decide in advance how long you need for the walks.

Alternatively, there is free parking in a layby on the A470 just south of the visitor centre, or on the access road at the back of the reservoir.  From both of these options you can join paths that link up with the reservoir or forest trails.

Walks From the Visitor Centre

There are four walking routes that start from Garwnant Visitor Centre, each clearly signposted and suitable for different levels of ability and time available.

1. The Willow Walk (1 km)
   This is a gentle all-ability trail allowing  easy access to explore the forest for visitors with wheelchairs, electric buggies and pushchairs.  It takes in a number of stream crossings, so after crossing three bridges you'll go through a willow tunnel on your way back to the Visitor Centre.
2. The Wern Walk (3.2 km)
   This woodland route combines forest tracks with open views of the Taff Fawr valley. The path climbs gently in places, rewarding you with beautiful views across the water and into the Brecon Beacons beyond.
3. Tree Discovery Trail (800m)
   Ideal for younger visitors, this half-mile walk is located at the Visitor Centre allowing you to discover the trees and wildlife of Garwnant.
4. Animal Sculpture Trail (1.1 km)
   Keep your eyes peeled as you follow clues and a map around the Animal Sculpture Trail as you spot the fantastic sculptures and interesting information boards.

Llwyn-onn Reservoir Walk

This is the longer of the trails, and although it's not managed by Garwnant Visitor Centre it's easily accessible from there, around 200 metres down the hill to get to the reservoir footpath.  If you prefer, you can park in one of the laybys on the A470 which would save you the parking fee.

The path offers changing views - from pine forest and open countryside to calm waters and distant peaks. Autumn brings reflections of gold and red across the reservoir, and it’s common to see herons, ducks, and even the occasional otter. The walk is relatively easy underfoot, with a mixture of gravel paths and minor roads, though some stretches can be muddy after rain.

The footpath isn't marked but you simply follow the edge of the water for most of the way around - there are spots you can get really close down by the water, perfect for a picnic whilst you take in the views, and other sections where it's best to stick to the road.

A Perfect Autumn Walk

Garwnant is one of those places that captures the spirit of autumn in the Brecon Beacons. The combination of colourful woodland, peaceful water, and well-maintained trails makes it a destination that appeals to everyone - from serious walkers and photographers to families and casual visitors.

With its excellent facilities, accessible walks, and easy access from the A470, it’s an amazing place to spend a full day without feeling rushed.

So pack your walking boots and head to Garwant - the Brecon Beacons are waiting to show off their autumn best.