SN7384 : Disgwylfa Fawr from the south east

Disgwylfa Fawr

507m Elevation
154m Prominence
Wales Country
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Overview

Disgwylfa Fawr

Disgwylfa Fawr, standing at 671 meters, is a prominent peak in the awe-inspiring Brecon Beacons National Park of Wales. Known as a Marilyn, it offers an accessible adventure for both casual walkers and seasoned hikers alike. The mountain's gentle slopes make it a great choice for families seeking a weekend adventure.

Geology

The mountain consists primarily of sandstone and mudstone, layers that tell the geological story of this region. As you hike up, take a moment to observe the impressive rock formations, shaped over millennia, which nicely complement the lush surroundings.

Routes

Two popular routes lead up to Disgwylfa Fawr:

  1. Cwm Cyllau Route: This route is a much-loved choice, winding gently through delightful grasslands and leading you smoothly to the summit. A total distance of 5.5 km makes it a pleasant outing, taking about 2.5 hours at a moderate pace.

  2. Llwyn-yr-helfa Route: For those who don’t mind breaking a sweat, this steeper 4.0 km trail up Llwyn-yr-helfa might be more to your liking. With a time commitment of about 1.5 hours, this route presents a challenging ascent that’s well worth the effort for the uninterrupted views.

Summit Features

Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be greeted by a delightful stone cairn and a trig point, both ideal for photo opportunities. This is a place where you can proudly declare, “I’ve been to the top!”

Terrain

Expect a mix of grassy plains and rocky terrain as you approach the summit. Keep an eye on your footing, as some sections can be a bit boggy, especially after rain—so no need to bring a second pair of shoes; the first pair will do just fine!

Views

The views from Disgwylfa Fawr are nothing short of glorious. Notable landmarks like Pen y Fan and the sprawling Taff Valley unfold before your eyes, especially spectacular at sunrise during spring and autumn.

Hazards

As with many hikes, heed the local weather as it can change rapidly. Be cautious of slippery paths, and always be on the lookout for the odd roaming sheep—they have a certain nonchalance about them!

Access

You can park conveniently at Cwm Cyllau car park, which accommodates about 10 vehicles. If you plan to arrive by public transport, buses from Brecon can get you close, but check local schedules to avoid the risk of an unplanned overnight stay.

Facilities

While you won’t find toilets or cafes on the mountain, head back down to Brecon for comforting post-hike refreshments. You deserve that cake!

History

The name ‘Disgwylfa Fawr’ speaks volumes, suggesting a place to take in the impressive vistas. Historically, this mountain has served as a beacon for many people seeking solace and adventure, appearing in several tales of local folklore.

In closing, Disgwylfa Fawr is not just a mountain; it’s a treasure for those with a love for nature and exploration!

Explore routes near Disgwylfa Fawr

Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.

Hafren Forest: full Source of the Severn Trail

13.2 km 4h 25m–6h 40m Hard

View route

Ystwyth Trail: Black Covert to Llanilar and back

10.6 km 2h 10m–2h 40m Easy

View route

Elan Valley: Reservoir Trail to Pen y Garreg Dam

15.9 km 3h 15m–4h Easy

View route

Cadair Idris - Pony Path

9 km 3h 5m–4h 35m Hard

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.

Cwm Cyllau Route

A scenic route starting from Cwm Cyllau, winding through grasslands and offering a gentle ascent to the summit.

5.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Llwyn-yr-helfa Route

Starting from Llwyn-yr-helfa, this route involves a more direct approach with a steeper ascent but rewards hikers with stunning views.

4 km ~1.5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Dodd Dewey

Elevation

507m

1,663 ft

Prominence

154m

Coordinates

52.4460, -3.8593

SN737847

OS Map

135

Explorer: 213

At the Summit

The summit features a stone cairn, offering a perfect spot for selfies and taking in the surroundings. A modest trig point is also located at the peak, ideal for those seeking geographical validation.

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly grassy with some rocky sections particularly near the summit and occasional boggy patches.

Disgwylfa Fawr primarily comprises sandstone and mudstone, which are characteristic of the geological formations found in the Brecon Beacons. The weathering of these rocks has created a variety of interesting landscapes.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Brecon Beacons, including Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain, and the lush Taff Valley.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Disgwylfa Fawr translates to 'Great Place of Waiting', which might hint at the splendid views or perhaps the time taken by hikers to reach the summit.

Historical Significance

This mountain has been a popular destination for hikers for decades and holds a special place in the local culture, often described in poetry and folklore.

Getting There & Facilities

Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.

Parking

Cwm Cyllau car park provides access to this route, with space for approximately 10 vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis.

Public Transport

Buses run to Brecon from larger towns, and local services may connect to nearby villages. Be sure to check schedules to avoid being left high and dry.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities at the summit, but the nearby town of Brecon offers a range of cafes, shops, and public toilets. Don't forget to treat yourself to a slice of cake post-hike!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of sudden weather changes, common in mountainous areas. Some paths may become slippery when wet. Also, watch out for the occasional sheep, as they seem to consider hikers their paparazzi.

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 Disgwylfa Fawr?

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

Are there other walkers around Disgwylfa Fawr?

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 Disgwylfa Fawr search or of course create your own walk for Disgwylfa Fawr

Can I organise a walk to Disgwylfa Fawr?

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 Disgwylfa Fawr.

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 Disgwylfa Fawr?

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 Disgwylfa Fawr 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

Disgwylfa Fawr location map

Grid reference: SN737847

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Hills within 30 km

Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.

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753m

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560m
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