The Brecon Beacons are a particularly impressive range of mountains just to the north of Swansea and Cardiff and the Welsh Valleys, once famous for their coal mines. The mountains here rise to more than 2,500 feet with breathtaking views all round. For serious walkers there is the Brecon Way, a 100 mile trail that runs the length of the Beacons. The Castle at Carreg Cennen is set high on a limestone crag in one of the most spectacular locations of any British castle, while the Henrhyd Waterfall is equally striking. The bustling town of Brecon is famous for its annual jazz festival. And to experience life down a coal mine, in the company of ex miners, head for the Big Pit near Blaenavon.