SN8121 : Llyn y Fan Fach from Picws Du

Bannau Sir Gaer - Picws Du

749m Elevation
93m Prominence
Wales Country
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SN8121 : Llyn y Fan Fach from Picws Du

Gareth James Photo source

Explore routes near Bannau Sir Gaer - Picws Du

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Aircraft Crash Site - Wellington Bomber and Vampire Jet (Black mountains)

20.6 km ~6h Hard

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Pen y Fan via Corn Du from Storey Arms

7.2 km ~3h Moderate

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Bannau Sir Gaer Circular

A scenic circular route starting from the main car park, offering stunning views of the Brecon Beacons and a chance to explore the ridge.

10 km ~4 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Simm Hewitt Nuttall Subhump

Elevation

749m

2,458 ft

Prominence

93m

Coordinates

51.8826, -3.7278

SN811218

OS Map

160

Explorer: OL12W

At the Summit

The summit boasts a prominent cairn and a trig point that serves as a beacon for tired hikers trying to locate a good spot for a selfie with a breathtaking backdrop.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of rocky outcrops grassy slopes and some boggy patches so keep your eyes peeled for the occasional surprise squelch.

The area is predominantly composed of Old Red Sandstone, which has weathered to form dramatic cliffs, deep gorges, and unique rock formations. There are also interesting features like scree slopes and boulder fields.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the stunning landscapes of the Brecon Beacons National Park, including Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales. On clear days, the Welsh valleys and hills in the distance are simply marvellous.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name Bannau Sir Gaer translates to 'The Peaks of the Land of the Fortress', reflecting its dramatic cliffs and historical significance.

Historical Significance

The area is steeped in history, with ancient burial sites and the remnants of a long-abandoned ironworks, speaking to the rich past of industry and legends of local folklore.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The closest parking area is at the Storey Arms, located off the A470 road. There's ample parking, but it can fill up quickly on sunny weekends, so an early start is advisable!

Public Transport

The nearest train station is in Merthyr Tydfil, with bus services available to Brecon that connect to local routes towards the Storey Arms.

Nearby Facilities

There are minimal facilities at the Storey Arms, but you'll find public toilets and several cafes in Brecon for hearty meals or a cheeky slice of cake after your adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of sudden weather changes, as conditions can deteriorate rapidly. Additionally, some rocky sections may require careful navigation, especially after rain—slips are a definite risk!

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Bannau Sir Gaer - Picws Du?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Bannau Sir Gaer - Picws Du through the maps

Are there other walkers around Bannau Sir Gaer - Picws Du?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Bannau Sir Gaer - Picws Du search or of course create your own walk for Bannau Sir Gaer - Picws Du

Can I organise a walk to Bannau Sir Gaer - Picws Du?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Bannau Sir Gaer - Picws Du.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Bannau Sir Gaer - Picws Du?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Bannau Sir Gaer - Picws Du here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SN811218

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