SN9388 : Bryn Y Fan

Bryn y Fan

482m Elevation
175m Prominence
Wales Country
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SN9388 : Bryn Y Fan

William Pugh Photo source

Explore routes near Bryn y Fan

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

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9 km ~3h Hard

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Lightspout Waterfall via Carding Mill Valley Circular

4.3 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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Carding Mill Valley and The Long Mynd walk

15.3 km ~5h 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.

Bryn y Fan to Llyn y Fan Fach

A scenic circular route leading from the car park at the end of the road to the stunning Llyn y Fan Fach, with a gentle ascent to the summit of Bryn y Fan.

7.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill

Elevation

482m

1,581 ft

Prominence

175m

Coordinates

52.4839, -3.5753

SN931884

OS Map

136

Explorer: 214W

At the Summit

The summit is crowned by a large rocky outcrop and offers a modest cairn; it's the perfect spot to stop for a well-earned snack or consider the meaning of life—or at least why you forgot to pack that extra sandwich.

Terrain & Geology

Rugged rocky paths with some grassy areas. Be prepared for squelchy bogs in the wetter months!

Bryn y Fan is primarily composed of mudstone and sandstone, typical of the South Wales geology. The striking escarpment formed during the Carboniferous period provides a glimpse into the area's ancient history.

Views & Scenery

Views of the Black Mountain range, Llyn y Fan Fach, and the sweeping valleys of the Brecon Beacons.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Bryn y Fan' translates to 'Hill of the Beacon' in Welsh, reflecting its prominent position in the landscape.

Historical Significance

This area is steeped in Welsh folklore, with tales of fairies and ancient warriors, making it a magnet for both hikers and history lovers.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

A small car park located at the end of the road near Llyn y Fan Fach, though it does fill up quickly on weekends. Arrive early to nab a spot!

Public Transport

Limited public transport options; the nearest bus services run to the village of Ffairfach, approximately 8 miles away, so a car is recommended.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities on the hill itself; however, the town of Brecon offers cafes, shops, and public toilets for pre- or post-hike refreshment.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for sudden weather changes, which can occur even on sunny days. Slippery rocks and muddy patches are common, so tread carefully!

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 Bryn y Fan?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Bryn y Fan through the maps

Are there other walkers around Bryn y Fan?

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 Bryn y Fan search or of course create your own walk for Bryn y Fan

Can I organise a walk to Bryn y Fan?

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 Bryn y Fan.

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 Bryn y Fan?

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 Bryn y Fan 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: SN931884

View on OpenStreetMap

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