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Pen y Fan, Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons
This short but stunning walking route gives easy access to the summit of Pen y Fan – the highest mountain in the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons and the whole of South Wales.
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Starting from the car park at the Storey Arms, which at 435 metres high cuts out half of the overall ascent, you’ll follow the Beacons Way on a good footpath up the western slopes of Corn Du.
When you reach Corn Du’s plateaued 873m summit, Pen y Fan is just a short walk away across a stretch of wide ridge.
From the summit of Pen y Fan you’ll truly appreciate the beauty of the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park, with an ocean of luscious green valleys, shapely mountains, curved ridgelines and fluted cliffs stretching beneath your feet in every direction. With the exception of neighbouring Cribyn – a stunning 795m pyramid – many of the peaks have distinctive flat tops, a result of the region’s unique geology and weather systems.
You can extend the walk by visiting the summit of Cribyn, but if not return via Corn Du and head back to your start point.
This route was voted 11th in a 2017 ITV poll to find Britain’s Favourite Walk.
IMPORTANT: this is a relatively short and technically simple route, but Pen y Fan is a high mountain so be prepared for strong winds, heavy rain and low visibility. Plan your route carefully and always carry suitable hill walking gear.
TOG VERDICT: A short walk with far-reaching views across one of Britain’s most spectacular mountain regions. Once you’ve visited the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons, you’ll be hooked.
Nearest Train (or tube) Station(s):
Abergavenny
