Brecon Beacons Mountain Centre
Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. The Brecon Beacons Mountain Centre is the popular name for the National Park Visitor Centre managed by the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority. It is also known simply as the Mountain Centre, and also as the Libanus Visitor Centre. It is situated near the village of Libanus some 8 km / 5 mi south-west of Brecon in the county of Powys, south Wales. The Centre provides information and interpretation for visitors to the area and offers a shop, food and drink and toilet facilities.
History
The Centre was opened in 1966 and funded by the Carnegie Trust and was overseen by the local council and the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority. Its aim was to provide an information centre for the growing numbers of tourists and visitors to the National Park regarding the mountains, the local towns and the countryside and enable them all to better interpret the area. It is still today an ideal stop off point for the first time visitor to the area. The facility is now wholly owned and managed by the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.
Facilities
There is a pay and display car park though admission to the centre itself is free. The shop sells maps and guides and items of walking equipment. Staff are always on hand to assist with enquiries about the National Park. A popular cafeteria provides food and drinks throughout the year. The Centre hosts a variety of events both large and small during the year. These include guided walks, some of which explore the common of Mynydd Illtud beside which the Centre is situated. From the grounds and in particular from the terrace, striking views of the two highest peaks in the Brecon Beacons can be enjoyed in comfort. A simple interpretive panel explains this view of Pen y Fan and Corn Du.
A three-dimensional relief map of the entire National Park has long been one of the most popular exhibits. A geological display featuring the various rock types of the area has recently been improved as a means of promoting and interpreting Fforest Fawr Geopark which constitutes the western half of the National Park. Short films about the National Park and the Geopark can be viewed in the Centre.
A grassed area in front of the building is available for children to play games and for picknicking.
External links
- The 'Mountain Centre' on the official National Park website
- Brecon Beacons Mountain Centre
- Brecon Beacons.com
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