‘The Beacon’ magazine is published twice yearly and is edited by Chris Barber, who welcomes articles, news items, poems, humorous items, readers’ letters etc, that have some relevance to the National Park.
Here we publish a summary of a selection of articles which have appeared in The Beacon over the years to illustrate what is wonderful and fascinating about the Brecon Beacons National Park. Each article can be downloaded in full as a pdf.
If you have an article for consideration or any comments on The Beacon then you may contact Chris by using the form at the bottom of this page.
The Blenheim Bomber Memorial
adapted from an article in the Beacon by
Judy Cox and Ken Clark
On Sunday 22nd September 1940 in the early afternoon, a Bristol Bomber returning to base while on a training flight from RAF Upwood, Huntingdonshire, crashed on the Blorenge Ridge near Garn Clochdy between Goytre Wharf and Abersychan.
Judy Cox and Ken Clark explain the story behind the crash and its aftermath and what is being done now to commemorate those who lost their lives.
Download a pdf of the full article.
Walter Savage Landor
adapted from an article in the Beacon by
John Samson
During the 19th century Walter Savage Landor was a celebrated man of letters. The estate he recklessly purchased at Llanthony remained in his family for a century beyond his death. Today he is little known and very seldom read. To tell the truth he was little read in his own day but was much admired by a discerning circle of friends that included Southey, Dickens and the Brownings.
His contact with Llanthony lasted from 1807 to 1814 during which time he was more often absent. In 1814 he fled the country to escape paying crippling libel damages and to escape his creditors. His family then tended the estate. Despite his short stay his impact on the valley from Llanthony southward is significant and can still be experienced.
Download a pdf of the full article.
Black Mountain Magic
From Summer 2005
Chris Barber examines some of the fascinating history and landscape features to be found on the eastern side of the National Park.
Download a pdf of the article
A Portrait of Pen y Fan
adapted from the Beacon
Chris Barber
Pen y Fan Sunrise
At just under the magic 3,000 feet, it is the highest peak south of Cadair Idris and the tallest Old Red Sandstone summit in Britain. The exact height is 2,907 feet (886 m) which means that it is just 600 feet lower than SnowdonWell-known author Chris Barber tells the story of what is probably the best-known landmark in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Download a pdf of the full aricle