Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

The Easter weekend saw us heading to the Brecon Beacons. We had never explored this part of the country and the long weekend seemed like the perfect time to do it. On our 'must-visit' list was Pen y Fan. At 886 metres it is the highest peak in South Wales and also the highest peak in Southern Britain.

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

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The walk to Pen y Fan is very popular with tourists and locals alike as was evident from the large number of people visiting it (even on an Easter weekend). There are two places to park - Storey Arms and the Pont ar Daf car park. We were lucky enough to find a lone parking space in the busy Pont ar Daf car park. People had parked in a long stretch along both sides of the road outside.

At the southern end of the car park is a footpath which takes you up to the summit of Pen y Fan. You cross a wooden footbridge over the river and then follow the footpath uphill. There are two routes - a 10-mile strenuous walk (Horseshoe ridge walk) and a 5 miles moderate circuit (Pen y Fan circuit). We did the 5 miles circuit.

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

We started the climb at around 10. The weather was lovely when we started. The first part of the climb was a little difficult as we were not fully warmed up. But once we were past the initial slopes, then the climb was comparatively easy. The views all along were beautiful but once we reached Bwlch Duwynt, the views were spectacular. We then went up to Corn Du (873m). From here there were even more stunning views. The last part of the footpath led to the summit of Pen y fan (886m).

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail
On a clear day, you can see for miles. When we reached the top it was very windy and cold. But we were prepared for the cold, windy weather; so it was fine. It took us around 2 hours to reach the summit with a few breaks in between. You can reach quicker depending on your speed and ability. We spent some time at the top, savouring the views. A quick refuel (we had packed our lunch) at the summit and we began our descent. The way down was quicker; took us less than an hour.

Top tip: The Ordnance Survey Map of The Brecon Beacons & Pathfinder Bundle is an excellent item to have while out exploring the Brecon Beacons.

It has 28 circular, graded walks all tried and tested by seasoned walkers with each walk including introductory information, route directions, an extract of the Ordnance Survey map and notes of key features to keep on the lookout for.

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

The beautiful mountain lake, Llyn Cwm Llwch (Above)

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

Looking towards Pen y Fan from Corn Du (Above)

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan and Corn Du Walking Trail

Back at the base, we grabbed some veggie burgers and coffee from the food kiosk in the car park. The food was reasonably priced and tasty. The car park has toilet facilities but they were in a very bad state, so did not use them.

Tips for visiting Pen y Fan

21 comments:

  1. Gosh I forgot how stunning this place is will have to visit soon

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  2. I've never visited the Brecon Beacons before but it looks really lovely. We love hiking & my daughter loves climbing

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  3. I have never been, looks a fab place for a great hike, stunning scenery

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  4. No we have never been, but it does look beautiful such stunning views!

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  5. Wow, looks beautiful! Would love to go some day.

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  6. We love hiking Ive heard it's great here must do the walk

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  7. Never been, not my sort of thing, hiking.

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  8. I have been and would love to take the family there as we love the outdoors.

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  9. We've never been to the Brecons, but its definitely on our to -visit list. We love hiking and walking but never tried climbing

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  10. We went to the Brecon Beacons and had a lovely time hiking there.

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  11. I've never been to the Brecon Beacons but would love to go. My husband and step-son love climbing so I would like to be able to join them

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  12. Went to the Brecon Beacons once a long time ago & I used to enjoy walking but since I had an operation on my knee which didn't go well, I find it difficult to just do the weekly shop! I do miss walking in the country.

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  13. We have not visited yet but hope to in the future

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  14. I've never visited but the views are stunning ! Definitely a place to put on the bucket list.

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  15. Have never been, but there is a trip planned for the summer. Looks beautiful!

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  16. I have never been there but the views are amazing!

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  17. I have never been before. It looks lovely a great place to get out with the kids and dogs as they don't like to use their legs much being teenagers! I live in the Scottish Borders and there are some nice places here but the Brecon Beacons really do look great.

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  18. Never been to the Brecon Beacons but this article has sold it to me

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  19. Lovely pictures. I have never been before but it looks like the perfect place to go hiking! I bet you could take pictures all day here of the views.

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  20. I have never been to the Brecon Beacons but it looks amazing. We do love a good walk.

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  21. I have never been to the Brecon Beacons. It looks an amazing walk. Me and hubby love walking. But unfortunately my hubby's health is not good now. So even short walks are tiring for him

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