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Corn Du

872m Elevation
28m Prominence
Wales Country
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Explore routes near Corn Du

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

Pen y Fan via Corn Du from Storey Arms

7.2 km ~3h Moderate

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

20.6 km ~6h Hard

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Lower Failand–Priors wood

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Locking Parklands–Hutton–Christon

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Route planning notes

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

Pen y Fan and Corn Du Circular via Storey Arms

This is one of the most popular routes to Corn Du and Pen y Fan, starting from the Storey Arms Outdoor Centre. The trail ascends steadily along the well-defined path to Corn Du, offering stunning views of the Brecon Beacons. From Corn Du, the route continues to Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales, before descending back to the starting point.

6.4 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Corn Du and Pen y Fan from Pont ar Daf

This is a shorter and slightly easier route to Corn Du, starting from the Pont ar Daf car park. The path follows a clear and steady climb to Corn Du, with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. From Corn Du, walkers can optionally continue on to Pen y Fan before returning via the same route.

4.8 km ~2 hours Moderate

Corn Du via the Cwm Llwch Horseshoe

This scenic horseshoe route begins at Cwm Gwdi car park and takes walkers through the picturesque Cwm Llwch valley. The trail ascends steeply to Corn Du, offering breathtaking views of the glacial lake below. The route can be extended to include Pen y Fan before descending via the ridge to complete the loop.

10.5 km ~4 hours Challenging

Corn Du via the Beacons Way from Neuadd Reservoir

Starting at the Neuadd Reservoir, this stunning route follows the Beacons Way along a ridge known as Graig Fan Ddu. The trail ascends to Corn Du, offering spectacular views of Pen y Fan and Cribyn along the way. The return route retraces the ridge path.

9.6 km ~3.5 hours Moderate

Corn Du and Pen y Fan via the Fan Fawr Ridge

This less-traveled route starts from the Storey Arms and ascends Fan Fawr before dropping down and climbing Corn Du. It offers a more remote and peaceful experience with incredible views of the Brecon Beacons. The route can be extended to include Pen y Fan before descending back via the Storey Arms path.

12 km ~5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Nuttall High Hills of Britain Subsimm

Elevation

872m

2,859 ft

Prominence

28m

Coordinates

51.8817, -3.4438

SO007213

OS Map

160

Explorer: OL12E

At the Summit

The summit is crowned with a prominent stone cairn, offering a perfect photo opportunity. A trig point stands nearby, marking the highest point of the mountain.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with sections of well-maintained paths leading to uneven terrains.

Corn Du is primarily composed of sandstone, which offers a rugged terrain. The surrounding area features ancient volcanic rocks that date back to the Devonian period, providing a fascinating insight into the area's geological history.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Brecon Beacons, the picturesque Usk Valley, and on a clear day, even the Black Mountains in the distance.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Corn Du' translates to 'Black Horn' in Welsh, referencing its horn-like peak and darker rock surfaces.

Historical Significance

Corn Du, as part of the Brecon Beacons National Park, holds cultural significance for the local communities and is included in many traditional tales.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The Storey Arms car park offers ample space and good access to the most popular hiking routes in the area.

Public Transport

Bus services run from Merthyr Tydfil and Brecon to the Storey Arms, though they may not be frequent. Check local schedules ahead of time.

Nearby Facilities

There are basic facilities at the Storey Arms Outdoor Centre, including toilets, but it's best to be prepared with food and drink for your hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Strong winds can occur at higher elevations, and as always, weather can change rapidly. Be mindful of slippery rocks and the potential for sudden fog.

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 Corn Du?

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

Are there other walkers around Corn 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 Corn Du search or of course create your own walk for Corn Du

Can I organise a walk to Corn 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 Corn 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 Corn 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 Corn 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: SO007213

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