Walking Route: Pen y Fan Brecon Beacons
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Taf Fechan > Tor Glas >
Pen y Fan > Corn Du > Taf Fecha
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Distance: 9.1 miles (13.6
km)
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Height Gain: 2306ft (703
m)
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Overview: A circular route up South
Wales' highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons National
Park.
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Maps: Ordnance Survey: Expl OL12/ LR
160
Online: Streetmap
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Strenuousness: 2
Technicality: 1
Photo Grade: 3
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Start Point: SO
037 169
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A circular route up South Wales' highest mountain in the Brecon
Beacons National Park. At 2906 ft Pen y Fan shouldn't be
underestimated; it wouldn't be out of place in Snowdonia and despite
the relatively gentle angle of ascent and descent it's a proper mountain day. In winter, in particular, it makes a fine escape to
true wild country despite the number of people you're likely to meet
along the way.
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Cribyn and Pen y Fan in
the snow - Simon Chaplin from his OM
album
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Section 1 - Taf Fechan to Bwlch Ar y Fan
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Distance: 2.8 miles
(4.5km)
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Height Gain: 838ft
(255m)
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From the
car
park follow the road north west for three quarters of a mile
to the point where it splits into two paths. Take the right hand
branch at the junction, following the course of the old Roman road
alongside Taf fechan Forest.
Leave the woods behind as you slowly ascend Tor
Glas on the signposted path to Bwlch Ar y Fan. Down to your
left lie the Neuadd Reservoirs while ahead the col between Fan y Big
and Cribyn beckons.
From Bwlch Ar y Fan there's the option of a short 350 ft ascent
off to the right to the summit of Fan
y Big for those wanting to add a little extra to the walk.
Bwlch Ar y Fan marks a major crossroads in the paths with routes
heading off in all directions.
Section 2 - Bwlch Ar y Fan to Pen y Fan
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Distance: 1.6 miles
(2.5km)
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Height Gain: 1298ft
(396m)
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From the crossroads at Bwlch Ar y Fan turn west, making sure
to take the higher of the two paths. Follow the path along the edge
of the cliffs as you ascend Cwm Cynwyn to the summit of
Cribyn.
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Cribyn's shapely ridge -
Darrewn Salvage from his OM
album
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From here move west down to the col before climbing again on the
ascent to the summit of Pen y Fan. The 600ft climb takes you
up Craig Cwm Sere to the summit, from where you get extensive views
north to Brecon and the Usk valley. To the south east you get views
back down the valley to your starting point.
Barry Crowe
