This quiet ascent of Pen y Fan begins at the enchanting Taf Fechan Forest, rising beyond the now-empty Upper Neuadd Reservoir to meet the summit from the south. It's a long day, but a highly rewarding one.
For anyone who doesn’t fancy to entire 10.5-mile hike, stop at the empty reservoir and appreciate the peak from the valley. A string of trees runs alongside Neuadd, offering shade in the warmer months and shelter in the cold.
Looking for more great walking routes in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park? Check out our trail guides to Cribyn, Craig-Cerrig-gleisiad and the Four Waterfalls Walk.
Where is Pen y Fan?
Pen y Fan is in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park in Wales. The peak is sandwiched between the slightly smaller summits of Cribyn and Corn Du.
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How high is Pen y Fan?
At 886 metres (2,907 ft) above sea-level, Pen y Fan is South Wales' highest peak.
How long does it take to walk up Pen y Fan?
Taking the easier route starting at the Storey Arms, allow two hours to comfortably walk to the peak of Pen y Fan (four hours to walk up and down). You need a reasonable level of fitness but many families with young children regularly walk this route. It is a great introduction to hill walking and a rewarding peak to climb.
For a longer walk of about six hours, start at Owl’s Grove car park and cross the road into Taf Fechan Forest before climbing to the Pen y Fan summit – see below.
Pen y Fan walk
10.3 miles / 16.7km | 6 hours | challenging | 634m ascent
1. Taf Fechan Forest
Leave the car at Owl’s Grove car park and cross the road into Taf Fechan Forest. A small wooden bridge leads across a stream. Turn left and followed the tree-sheltered trail alongside the river Taf Fechan. After heavy rainfall, the water flows with zeal – it’s a great place for photographers to practice their long exposures, or simply to sit and absorb the roaring cascades.
2. Taff Trail
After about 1km the path emerges onto a road at a stone bridge, offering another chance to listen to the river’s might. Head to the right of the bridge and follow the single-track road steadily uphill for 1km. Not long after passing a parking area (leave the car here if you like the idea of a slightly shorter walk) the roadway splits in two. Branch right up the rougher of the two tracks, merging with the Taff Trail.
3. Neuadd Reservoir
The way climbs gradually, first through scattered trees and then into open moorland. Now out of the woods, the views are vast: to your left is Upper and Lower Neuadd Reservoir – its dam walls, encircling conifers and apparent abandonment evoking a sense of Lord of the Rings. Towering above the glacial valley on three sides is the Brecon Beacons horseshoe ridgeline, the highest point of which sits to the north-west: Pen y Fan.
Roughly 2.5km after joining the Taff Trail you’ll meet a crossroads, shouldered on either side by Fan y Big and Cribyn. Turn left behind Cribyn (or climb it if you have the energy), sticking with the Taff Trail as it contours the ridge before ascending steeply to the 886m summit of Pen y Fan.
4. Pen y Fan
Regardless of the season, and indeed the hour of the day, Pen y Fan tends to attract large volumes of walkers thanks to its relative accessibility from the west and the A470. On a clear day the views are immense, making the stiff climb well worth the effort. In bad weather, it’s best to avoid the ridgeline altogether.
5. Back into the valley
As the path draws level with the lower half of Nueadd Reservoir, look out for a cairn and a steep path to the left. Follow the braided tracks east for about 1km back into the bowl of the valley, keeping the large expanse of half-felled forest on your right-hand side.
Bannau Brycheiniog walks
From spectacular hills and mountains to glistening waterfalls, rivers and lakes, the Bannau Brycheiniog in South Wales has something for everyone. Our guide reveals the best walks in the Bannau Brycheiniog – all with an OS Map and route description.
6. A moment to yourself
The way enters a line of trees, emerging moments later on to the shores of the lower reservoir. It’s a rather special sight, and one you will often have to yourself. Cross the embankment and walk behind a small building to meet a second much larger building. Pass in front of this through a gate and take the single-track road south for a little under 1km to reunite with the Taff Trail.
Return to the stone bridge and waterfalls. You’ll recognise the forest from your outbound route, but instead of dropping beneath its conifer canopy, stay on the roadway, bending left after the bridge. A little over 1km later, the road forks – take the left-hand option, merging with another road that descends to a left-hand bend.
The Old Barn Tea Room at the bottom of the hill – fit with a small garden and beautiful little café – offers tired walkers a chance to refuel (check opening times). From here, it’s a simple case of sticking to the road for some 500m back to the car park.
Pen y Fan map
Pen y Fan walking route and map
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