Beat the Beacons
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Beat the Beacons : Challenge walk in the Brecon Beacons
Beat the Beacons is the annual fundraising challenge for Brecon Mountain Rescue Team, taking place in October 2026 in the Brecon Beacons. The event starts and finishes at the Community Hall, Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon LD3 7YQ (GR 113 229). Off road parking is available as shown on the event map and showers are provided at the finish. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead.
There are three route options:
- 22 miles Endurance route visits the highest points in the Brecon Beacons.
- 15 miles Adventure route follows a similar path but avoids the highest points.
- 10 miles Taster route uses lower elevation footpaths for less experienced walkers.
All entrants must carry essential mountain kit for safety: full waterproofs jacket and trousers, hat and gloves, and boots or fell shoes. Additional required equipment includes a map and compass with competence in their use, torch, simple first aid kit, survival bag and whistle. Food and drink are recommended. For group Taster entries, additional equipment may be shared within the group under a responsible individual but personal outdoor clothing and footwear remain necessary. The routes are not marked on the ground and require map reading skills.
Entrants receive a wristband used to register at checkpoints; retirees must surrender their wristband at a checkpoint. For the Endurance and Adventure routes, participants must meet a published cut off checkpoint or may be asked to retire. The Brecon Mountain Rescue Team will decide on safety in adverse weather and the organisers accept no liability for losses if the event is amended or cancelled. Operating costs for the rescue team are approximately £65,000 per year and the event raises funds to support this volunteer service. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
