Pen y Fan from Cwm Gwdi

The highest peak in Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons, Pen y Fan (886 m) is a straightforward climb (quite literally!) that offers panoramic views over southern Wales and the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park.

The path that follows the Cefn Cwm Llwch ridge from Cwm Gwdi requires more climbing and is less established than the popular path from Storey Arms, attracting fewer people. Winter is a great time to go to avoid the crowds and, as the trail follows the ridge, only the very bottom of the trail gets boggy. Make sure you bring warm layers, though - there is often a cold, relentless side-wind up high!

From the Cwm Gwdi car park, follow the footpath that leaves the southern head of the car park. Follow this through woodland, until it opens out into farmland. The trail is less clear here, but you should be able to see the trail in the distance cutting up the hill ahead on a diagonal left. Once you start climbing, the path is fairly obvious and straightforward. Once you get onto the ridge, it’s straight upwards to the top!

Near to the top, the path becomes steeper and rockier - keep climbing upwards, the summit is near. During the summer, people will be queuing to get their photo with the trig point on top - even in the fog! Stop to enjoy the views, then it’s down down down back the way you came. The top of the climb, in particular, provides a fast, fun and rocky descent.