Highlight • Summit
Pen y Fan
Hiking
5.0
(868)
Running
5.0
(26)
Mountaineering
5.0
(7)
Mountain biking
5.0
(1)
Hiking trails to Pen y Fan are not only easily accessible by road, with car parks dotted about the mountain’s majestic base, but you can choose from a range of trails to suit your time and ability too.
Views, glorious views
Pen y Fan is the queen of her own horseshoe ridge and, to the south, you can look over the Upper Neuadd Reservoir and the dense, coniferous Taf Fechan forest. Casting your eyes further, on a clear day you can see across South Wales to the glimmering Bristol Channel. Look northwards and undulating patchwork fields flow to the horizon on their way to Snowdonia.
During spring and summer school holidays, Pen y Fan’s shortest routes can become extremely busy, particularly on sunny days. If you can only hike at these times, you’ll find quieter car parks and paths on the longer routes, avoiding the A470.
This beloved mountain is very exposed and is no stranger to languishing in cloud or chilly winds. Snowfall can occur in winter but varies from year to year. Exceptional care should always be taken though, as conditions can change quickly. Don’t underestimate the heat and sunshine in summer and remember to take adequate water and sunscreen.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
December 13, 2019
Hiking
May 3, 2017
Hiking
While it might not be high, the SAS use the area as a training ground for a reason. Be careful on windy days and wear sensible footwear in the wet. Also, consider walking up from Corn Du. It's the slightly tougher route but is well worth the walk.
July 17, 2021
Hiking
Sign up for a free komoot account to get 36 more insider tips and takes.
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Pen y Fan
4.8
(502)
4,753
hikers
7.56km
02:44
450m
460m
Embark on the Pen y Fan and Corn Du Circular Walk, a moderate hike that takes you through the heart of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. As you ascend, you will experience well-trodden upland footpaths that give way to uneven surfaces and steep steps near the summits. This 4.7-mile (7.6 km) route, with an elevation gain of 1491 feet (454 metres), offers a true mountain experience, typically completed in about 2 hours and 43 minutes, surrounded by grassy hills and heather.
Before you set out, remember that weather conditions on these peaks can change quickly; always check the forecast and pack waterproof clothing, a map, and a compass. You can find parking for the Pen y Fan circular walk at the popular Pont ar Daf car park, which serves as a convenient starting point. Be aware that a section of the route might be closed for forestry work between December 2025 and March 2026, so plan your visit accordingly.
This trail is renowned for its spectacular panoramic views from the Pen y Fan and Corn Du summits. On a clear day, you can see far-reaching vistas that include the Black Mountains, the Bristol Channel, and even the distant Cambrian Mountains. The route provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the rugged beauty and expansive landscapes that define this iconic Welsh national park.
4.8
(301)
1,826
hikers
Embark on a challenging 15.5-mile (25.0 km) hike through the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, tackling the iconic peaks of Pen y Fan, Cribyn, and Fan y Big. This difficult route involves a significant 3658 feet (1115 metres) of elevation gain, with rocky paths and multiple steep climbs and descents, including the famous "Jacob's Ladder." You will experience dramatic panoramic views from the summits, especially from Cribyn, looking out towards Pen y Fan's steep eastern flank and the distant Bristol Channel on clear days. The distinctive "diving board" at Fan y Big offers a memorable photo opportunity.
This loop typically takes around 8 hours and 16 minutes to complete, requiring very good fitness and sure-footedness. The trail starts from Storey Arms, a well-known access point for the central Brecon Beacons. Be prepared for varied terrain that can be muddy after rain, and ensure you wear sturdy shoes. While the main path to Pen y Fan can be busy, extending your hike to include Cribyn and Fan y Big often provides a less crowded experience on these sections.
The Pen y Fan, Cribyn & Fan y Big loop is a classic component of the
4.8
(276)
1,788
hikers
The Pen y Fan Horseshoe Ridge offers a challenging and rewarding hike through Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. This classic circular route covers 11.5 miles (18.5 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2370 feet (722 metres), typically taking around 5 hours and 55 minutes to complete. You will traverse well-worn mountain trails, rocky sections, and grassy ridges, encountering numerous steep ascents and descents, including pitched stone staircases. From the summits of Corn Du, Pen y Fan, and Cribyn, you can enjoy magnificent 360-degree views across the Brecon Beacons and towards the Neuadd Reservoirs below.
Rated as difficult, this route demands good fitness and sturdy footwear. The trail can be a mixture of mud, rock, and stony paths, with some sections becoming boggy, especially in winter. The ridge sections are exposed, so be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather and potential wind. Starting your hike early is often recommended to secure parking and experience quieter sections of this popular trail.
This route is celebrated as one of the best ridge walks in southern Britain, forming a distinctive U-shape around the Taf Fechan glacial valley. It includes Pen y Fan, the highest mountain in South Wales, along with Corn Du and Cribyn, all featuring Bronze Age burial cairns. The challenging conditions and varied terrain also make it a famous training ground, notably used by UK Special Forces for their selection process.
Details
Informations
Elevation 890 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Monday 11 May
11°C
-1°C
26 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 27.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December