A Circular Walk for Young Families, taking in 3 Parks and Playgrounds in Brecon
Here’s a suggested walk around Brecon, suitable for a young family with a couple of hours to spare on a sunny afternoon. The route takes in three of Brecon’s great play areas in different parts of the town and offers opportunities to purchase refreshments, along the way or why not bring along a picnic?!

1.The King George Playing Field, Canal Road, Brecon, LD3 7HG
The first playground is near the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal Basin. Head towards Brecon town centre from Visit Brecon (walking away from the carpark). Turn left at the little T-junction onto Lion Street, then take the first right onto Pegasus Lane (which is pedestrianised). After turning left onto the High Street, proceed to the zebra crossing and cross over, walking through the gardens in front of Y Gaer and down the slope onto Harp Terrace. Bear left here following the red asphalt marked path with the small car park on your right along Canal Road until you see Theatr Brycheiniog and the canal basin. Walk past the theatre, with the canal on your left, and you will see the first playground area open up in front of you. This is quite a large area of ground, so there is plenty of scope for children to run around or kick a ball, as well as to have fun playing on the apparatus. There is some seating for adults. As you are by the canal you could also then spend some time walking a little way along the canal watching the boats or looking at the ducks.

2. Llanfaes Park, Brecon, LD3 8EB
To get to the second play area walk back past the theatre and along Canal Road (the road you came down), following this road back to Harp Terrace. This time turn left at the end of this terrace and you will find yourself walking along a path by the River Usk with the large road bridge over the river in front of you. Near the end of the path you will see a poetry plaque with a poem by Owen Sheers on the wall. Take the steps up onto the bridge and turn left to go over the bridge. There are lovely views back down the river from the bridge. There’s no need to cross the road at this point.
You are now in the Llanfaes area of the town, walking along Bridge Street then Orchard Street. You’ll go past the various buildings that make up Christ College. Shortly after Christ College you see a fish and chip shop and car park on the other side of the road and then you will pass The Three Horseshoes Inn on the left-hand side. As the road bears slightly right there is an entrance on the left (just past the pedestrian crossing) into the second playground area. This is a large area of ground for running around in with goalposts, as well as a smaller children’s play area. There is also a skate-boarding area in the far left of the park – useful if you have older children, as well as a newly installed table tennis table (see photo). Don’t forget to bring your own bats and balls! Exit the park the same way you went in and cross the road via the pedestrian crossing, heading back towards the centre of town.

 
3. Newton Green, Llanfaes, Brecon, LD3 8DF
Turn left into Silver Street passing Llanfaes Dairy Ice Cream, on the opposite corner. Continue onto Gwttws Path, passing 2 turnings on your right (vehicular access to Brecon Surgery then Walnut Square) until you see a sign for the playground on the right (immediately before the entrance to Ian Jones Tyres). Cross the road and go through a yellow gate where you will arrive at the third and final area on this suggested route. This is a pretty but smaller area of ground, with apparatus suited to very young children on the right. There is also exercise equipment suited to older children and adults on the left. The river is at the bottom of this play area, so keep a watch on children. Come out of the play area and head back along Silver Street, turning left onto Bridge Street again. It might be time for an ice cream… you can’t miss the shop! Carry on up to The Glass Shop on the corner and straight up the hill back into the centre of town.
Please note there are also several other fantastic play areas in Brecon, including two along the Promenade and one at Pendre Field next door to Priory School (LD3 9EU), Brecon Cathedral and the Groves.