Cribyn Summit – Pen y Fan loop from Cwmcynwyn

Running trails & routes

Cribyn Summit – Pen y Fan loop from Cwmcynwyn

Hard

440

runners

Cribyn Summit – Pen y Fan loop from Cwmcynwyn

02:39

18.7km

970m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 2, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Bannau Brycheiniog National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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2.87 km

Cribyn Summit

Highlight • Summit

At 2,608 feet (795 m), the summit of Cribyn boasts bold and dramatic views over Pen-y-Fan, looking towards the steep cliff that forms its eastern flank. When the weather is clear, the views to the north are especially impressive too, towards Mynydd Epynt, Brecon and the Cambrian mountains beyond.

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2.87 km

Cribyn Summit

Highlight • Natural Monument

At 2,608 feet (795 m), the summit of Cribyn boasts awe-inspiring views over Pen-y-Fan, looking towards the steep cliff that forms its eastern flank. When the weather is clear, views to the north are particularly impressive; towards Mynydd Epynt, Brecon and the Cambrian mountains beyond.

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7.79 km

Twyn Mwyalchod descent

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

We took this section as a descent. It is quite chunky steep rocks in part but there are definitely some sections which you are able to run. It is beautiful and end up at the river.

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11.8 km

Rhiw yr Ysgyfarnog Escarpment

Highlight • Natural Monument

Easier to walk it than it is to say, the Rhiw yr Ysgyfarnog escarpment is an arrow-straight ridge that takes hikers from the high points of the Central Beacons towards the Neuadd Reservoirs and Taf Fechan Forest.

Few paths in Britain's mountains are this straight for so long and the easy gradient only adds to this sense. It seems to go on and on and on. However, the views to the west, down into Cwm Crew and beyond to the Black Mountain are superb.

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13.3 km

View of Bannau Brycheiniog from the Summit Cairn

Highlight • Summit

this is a good spot for a breather and to take in the incredible views

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13.7 km

Corn Du

Highlight • Natural Monument

From the 2,864 feet (873 m) summit of Corn Du, you get spectacular views of Llyn Cwm Llwch directly below and over Wales stretching out below. The trail to this peak is great fun, whether ascending or descending. Pen y Fan is very close to Corn Du, so it can get busy here at peak times. Get up early to beat the crowds.

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13.7 km

Col between Corn Du and Pen y Fan

Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass

This easy col between Pen Y Fan and Corn Du is a gorgeous easy hill section no more than a few hundred metres long with minimal height gain and loss. It is very busy for a good reason, as the views north and south are picture postcard. Being a broad col and a bit lower than the nearby summits, it is a popular rest/picnic area. There is also easy access from Pontardaff car park, which is about a 45-minute walk away. This is high mountain country though, so it would be wise to dress appropriately for the weather.

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14.3 km

Pen y Fan

Highlight • Summit

Chief of the Brecon Beacons and the highest summit in south Wales, Pen y Fan is a hugely popular peak with routes to the top to suit everyone from first time day-trippers to potential SAS commandos. Red sandstone creates its unmistakable layered profile and gives hue to the Bronze Age cairn that tops the summit.

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