Pen Y Fan

There are numerous ways up this mountain,but to get a real feel for the whole range,start from the Blaen y glyn waterfall carpark near Talybont reservoir.The start up to Craig y fan Ddu ridge is a bit of an effort,but once up,follow the Beacons Way to Fan y Big(719m),down the valley and up to Cribyn(795m) then the final steep push up to Penyfan! well done!! Amazing views of the whole Beacons range.From here,either retrace your steps,or carry onto Corn Ddu(873m) and down the path to Storey Arms car park.

(Written by: aldav)

Pen-y-Fan count for the year so far is 14 and the thing I love most about Pen-y-Fan is that every time is different either due to weather, route, time of day or just the people met on the way. My favourite route is in a rather indirect route via the pathless and hard slog of the side of Bryn Teg before the great staircase on the northern edge of Cribyn and then the pull up to Pen-y-Fan really gets the quads burning. Retun down to Camp Gwidi is via the Tommy Jones obelisk, always a moving moment. I would like to warn those who might consider Pen-y-Fan a safe and tame mountain. Is is not. People, including members of the SAS and Mountain Rescue have died on Pen-y-Fan in bad weather. I have even once experienced a total white out in a blizzard on the side of Corn Du which left me wondering where I was for a while despite having been on the side of Corn over a 100 times, so be good boy scouts or girl guides and be prepaired.

(Written by: tjer222)

First time in the Beacons so fully prepared - waterproofs, bodybag, first aid kit, food, map etc. Suprised to see a paved path virtually all the way to the top - felt overdressed compared to those in only trainers and a fleece! I got to the top (in my own time) and it was so worth it - the views were amazing. I did the 'tourist route' from Storey Arms as it was my first time at this height and on my own so a good option as you cant get lost, next time I'll try a more adventurous route.

(Written by: gingernuttter)

A splendid monutain which is easy to climb and forms part of a splendid ridge walk with its neighbours. Uusally packed out in the warmer months of the year. Not for the walker looking for solitude.

(Written by: Jordanesq)

I have walked Pen y Fan numerous times and found the views well worth it.The path from the Storey Arms is the more interesting route (IMHO)

(Written by: gwak)

take the path from the Storey Arms instead of the picnic area for a harder slog up Corn Du (Dee). rest on the ridge before making the last pull up to the rocky top. Some may need to use hands and feet to reach the top, but it's very accesible. From the cairn you head directly over the saddle to reach the slightly higher top of Pen Y Fan. From here the worls is your oyster: head over the Crybin to Fan Y Big, or down and bear right for the reverse horseshoe. Both are tough on the way back but the views are stunning. Recommended in the snow as it's easy to navigate and easy to see where the major features are. I've wild camped on top and sun rise is incredible from up there. Easy first night walk to Corn Du from the Picnic Area if that floats your boat.

(Written by: the jones)

We've done the route shown on the Jarrold guide and had a great time. The views from the summits are fantastic!

(Written by: Twee)

There are at least 5 gorgeous ways up onto Pen y Fan and it's nearly identical twin that is Corn Du. Not ever too strenuous but you know you've had a walk by the time you get back to the car. On a clear day the views across the range of the beacons themselves are brilliant. I vistit & re-visit Pen y Fan time and time again

(Written by: Taffy_Tours)

I was planning a holiday in Brecon and at the same time I read about the Brecon horseshoe in trail. I thought I would give it a bash and was prepared to meet lots of kids during the walk. I was very suprised at the sheer lack of groups out here. Only encountering the odd couple on my way round. The views from Taf Fechan Forest as you approach Cribyn are amazing. Once completing the short but steep climb up you really get to appreciate the views. Each top gives a different aspect of the same view. Watch out for the sheep on top of Pen Y Fan, they are so used to humans that they will try to steal your food. Views to the east of wooded valleys and resevoirs and west of rolling countryside. Truely beautiful on a sunny day. With clear views you can see the sea to the south.

(Written by: barryw)

This is an amazing mountain, I fell in love with when I was 13 and came back here on a regular basis for many years. Eventually it became so intense that I moved to Wales 5 years ago to be beside my beloved hill now only living 20 mins from it. My first and last walk of 2007 was spent on a route around Pen y Fan. You can't beat it for views up into mid wales and beyond and over to the English borderland. Not enough words to describe it, brilliant, wonderful etc.

(Written by: simonchaplin)