Some paths on the Brecon Beacons route have never been walked

The 100-mile route runs from Abergavenny, through Crickhowell and ends in the village of Bethlehem in Carmarthenshire.

Many of the paths have never been walked before, and it is hoped it will boost tourism.

The walk was developed in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis as a way of helping the local economy.

It has been devised by the Brecon Beacons Park Society in time for new right to roam legislation, known as open access, which comes into force on 28 May.

Chris Gledhill, the authority's chief executive, said: "Although rights of way have always existed in the west, the national park authority has not previously promoted these because of the area's sense of wilderness and its huge ecological importance.

It's primarily aimed at encouraging the tourist trade to return Peter Tyldesley, park authority

"However, with the arrival of open access in Wales on 28 May, and with this new trail guiding walkers along a route which will minimise any impact on the area's ecology, the time is now right to launch the Beacons Way."

Peter Tyldesley, of the park authority, said the concept was developed out of the foot-and-mouth crisis, which devastated the local economy.

"It's primarily aimed at encouraging the tourist trade to return and for giving people a joined up series of walks that they can do," he said.

The park authority said the trail offered walkers a taste of everything the Beacons had to offer, from its lush green valleys in the east, through to its remote wilderness in the west.

"In between, you'll experience a host of contrasting and breathtaking landscapes, ranging from windswept uplands, to reservoirs, ancient woodlands and waterfalls.