Brecon maybe a small, sleepy market town nowadays but it served as a major strategic location for the ancient Romans who used it as a base of operations and forward command centre from which they could better co-ordinate and direct their cavalry forces into the rest of Britain. Fiercely defended by the Romans, it was from here a number of important battles and raids were conducted to devastating effect.
The strategic value of the town was also duly noted by the Normans who were quick to capitalize on the presence of rich natural mineral deposits, fertile soil along with the naturally defensive terrain of the region. It seems that all of the violence and fighting have been relegated to the distant annals of time and the region is now more renowned for its picturesque back drops, rolling valleys and tranquil scenery.
An especially popular landmark within Brecon is the Brecon Beacons which is the natural mountain range of the area and the tallest of these (Pen y Fan) stands at an impressive 886 metres tall. The Breacon's Horseshoe which is the popular walking trail for the mountain range is an extremely popular destination for both avid hill walking fans along with those who want to admire the scenery around them. Please note that caution must be taken when walking along the perimeter of the Brecon Beacons because of the weather and strong winds that often blow through them as there have been cases where people have been blown off the trail as a result. Given their unforgiving and grueling nature it is comes as little surprise that the Special Air Services (SAS), the elite unit of the British Army uses the region as a locale for their training exercises. It is here that an especially tough exercise regime is devised to test the endurance and stamina of the applicant who wishes to join the SAS.
The "beacons" component of the name is derived from the historical practice whereby beacons or giant pyres of wood were lit in order to warn clans and villagers of incoming English forces.
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