Think Wales, think hiking, think Pen-Y-Fan
We recently booked a spontaneous hiking weekend in Wales . Mr THL has long had his eye on conquering Pen-Y-Fan, one of the best known Welsh mountain walks.
About Pen-Y-Fan, Brecon Beacons
A quick bit of background because you should always know what your going up against.
Pen Y Fan is the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons and the highest in South Wales, standing at 886m above sea level. The neighboring peaks of Corn Du, Cribyn and Fan-y-Big are only slightly smaller.
The Brecon Beacons National park is a landscape carved out by glaciers. That created a beautiful but unforgiving landscape of mountains, moors and lakes. When I say unforgiving, I’m not kidding; this area is used to test and train special forces.
They have to complete a 15 mile route in four hours whilst carrying a load of heavy kit.
We don’t have to do that, thankfully; here’s a post telling you everything you ned to know to complete one of the most popular day hikes in the UK and have fun doing it.
Where to Park at Pen-y-Fan.
The most convenient parking is found at Pont Ar Daf carpark off A470, use postcode LD3 8NL. This National Trust owned car park is:
- Free to Blue Badge Holders and National Trust Members
- £7.50 per car, £10 per motorhome, £12 per coach
- Has toilet facilities. There are none on the walking routes and no coverage; this is the last toilet stop.
The Pen-Y-Fan Hiking Routes
There are several route options, varying in length and difficulty.
For a family friendly hike, we chose the National Trust Pen-y-Fan & Corn Du circular walk.
This moderate circular mountain walk mainly uses well marked footpaths to take in the summits of Corn Du and Pen-Y-Fan.
If you want or need to shorten the walk- we did due to changing weather conditions and fading light- you can take a side trail that by-passes Corn Du and allows you to walk straight to the Pen-Y-Fan summit.
both options are dog friendly, handy as we had The Little Wolf with us. He’s a great mountain companion.
There other routes, longer and more challenging. Not for the faint of heart or the beginner, find details here.
Brecon Beacons: The Weather
Very British talking about the weather, but also necessary if you’re going up a mountain.
You can check latest weather conditions with the Met Office.
Be prepared for changing weather conditions as you ascend Pen Y Fan. We had still and cold at the bottom, snow on ascent and high winds over the top.
What to Wear to Hike Pen-Y-Fan
Having checked the weather, time to dress for it.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on high end outdoor gear, just get the basics right so you are comfortable. I’d always go for:
- A wicking base layer that will keep you comfortable and dry, even if you break a bit of a sweat.
- A well fitting backpack, preferably with padded straps for comfort
- Sturdy, supportive footwear and socks.
- A waterproof & windproof top layer
What to Eat & Drink on the Trail
Take supplies, there’s nothing up there.
I can’t get through a hike without snacks and usually carry some sort of protein bar or cookie from My Protein. If you use my link, there’s discounts and free delivery available. Vanilla Protein wafers, highly recommended.
Plenty of water is a must ( for humans and four legged friends). I use a Chilly’s bottle and carry a collapsible bowl for the dog.
Post hike, nothing hits like fast food. It’s a half hour or so drive through some lovely scenery to McDonalds Glynneath. Postcode is SA 11 5NZ if you want to do the same.
Bad food never tasted so good.
Don’t Be Put Off…
If you think you aren’t fit enough. You don’t need to be a die-hard mountain walker to get this one under your belt.
I’m not going to fib. Parts of the walk are hard, I ached a bit the next day. More from tensing my legs coming down on an icy track than going up, I think.
Set out early, allow yourself plenty of light and plenty of time. Stop when you need to; you’ll want to stop often anyway, the views are incredible. As is the sense of achievement when you get back the bottom and look back to see what you’ve just accomplished.
Go on, go and do it.
Note: We hiked Pen-Y-Fan as a family in winter conditions, but only because we knew we are experienced and confident enough to do so. Late Spring through to Early Autumn is a great time for most hikers with less chance of extreme weather or challenging conditions.
Places to Stay near Pen-Y-Fan, Brecon Beacons
Afan Forest Bunkhouse : For a bunkhouse stay with a touch of luxury, book into this beautiful converted chapel in nearby Glyncorrwg. We stayed in dog friendly Vestry, a self contained apartment with private kitchen, bathroom and woodburner.
Read my full review of Afan Forest Bunkhouse here
YHA Brecon Beacons: For a more traditional budget bunkhouse option, YHA Brecon Beacons is nearby. Also dog friendly.
Let me know if you’ve tackled any of the Pen-Y-Fan routes or are planning to. For more hiking inspiration you might enjoy reading about Germany’s most mysterious mountain and a mountain experience near the centre of Belfast.
Helen x
Well, you made memories alright. Well done on pushing yourselves without being reckless. I decided against even a moderate walk to Aysgarth last weekend, but have put some miles in today!
Always good to get out and get some miles in. I enjoyed the walk but I was glad to be tucked up by the fire that evening as well! I think you’ve had it pretty rough up North, stay warm & safe.
It looks beautiful, what an amazing walk 🙂
The weather brought the challenges, but also created some lovely views with a dusting of snow. Definitely one we’ll remember!
Right, so I’ve crossed that one off my list, or future list in case I should think of adding it, on the grounds that I’m not fit enough to do it. But I am glad you did it on my behalf and I was with you every minute of that hard slog.
I’m glad you came along Mari, it was a good old leg stretch! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment, I appreciate your support.
Cold and slippy doesn’t sound like something I would enjoy, Helen, but kudos to you and the kids for doing this. I can’t remember for sure but I think it was another sunny day in the Algarve. Perhaps with a little cloud…overnight rain?
I could definitely go in for some Algarve weather just now, Jo! But mountain tops and snow go together nicely I suppose!
They definitely do, Helen. I’ll make do with the hills around here. 🤗💕
Your photos are stunning Helen and despite it being cold and slippery the hilltops looked so clear.
Thank you Marion, it was very crisp and clear at the summit. I would have liked to have been up there as dusk set in for the views of the sun setting but weren’t equipped to come down in the dark. Next time!
Well done to all of you for managing this! It wouldn’t be for me as I know my knees would protest at the descent even if I got up there 😆 But I can see that for those who make it the views are a great reward – beautiful scenery!
It was a great experience, if a bit of a challenge. Not sure November is the wisest moth for such a carry on but hey-ho!
No such thing as bad weather, I always say this.
Would love to do this hike it looks incredible. Thanks for sharing the tips and advice, hopefully get to experience this. Where there many people around?
Yeah, the route we took was pretty busy. Even on a cold and windy day. The more challenging routes looked pretty quiet.
I was thinking of doing a solo hike there. Thanks for letting me know.
This looks an amazing hike to do, thank you for adding another destination to my DO list and your tips on preparing are great.
Thank you so much, I hope you get there. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment.
Since I am a bad map reader, I ended up doing a combination of two of the difficult routes. A bit of a challenge for my little teddy bear legs, but the views were worth it. Trouspinet.
Oh no! I’m glad it turned out well. The views up there are gorgeous, well worth the climb 😊
Wales is still on my bucket list. I hope it won’t take me too long before I get there.
Little Wolf is an ever so cute puppy. Please give him a nice hug from me.
I will- all pats and belly rubs are happily received!