SN8221 : The eastern slopes of Fan Brycheiniog and Llyn y Fan Fawr

Fan Brycheiniog - Trig Point

802m Elevation
4m Prominence
Wales Country
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SN8221 : The eastern slopes of Fan Brycheiniog and Llyn y Fan Fawr

Colin Park Photo source

Explore routes near Fan Brycheiniog - Trig Point

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.

Llyn y Fan Fach Circular Route

This classic route starts at the Llyn y Fan Fach car park and ascends to the ridge of Fan Brycheiniog via the iconic glacial lake. The path climbs steadily around the lake before reaching the summit trig point. The descent follows the ridge southward before looping back along the lower slopes.

10.5 km ~4 hours Moderate

Fan Brycheiniog via Llyn y Fan Fawr

Begin at the Tafarn-y-Garreg car park and ascend via a steep but rewarding path to Llyn y Fan Fawr. Follow the ridge to the summit trig point of Fan Brycheiniog, offering panoramic views of the Brecon Beacons. Descend by retracing your steps or continuing southward to complete a ridge walk before returning.

8 km ~3.5 hours Moderate

Fan Brycheiniog Ridge Walk

Starting from the car park near Glyntawe, this route takes you along the entire ridge of Fan Hir and Fan Brycheiniog. The walk includes a steady ascent to reach the summit trig point, before retracing the route along the ridge for stunning views throughout.

12 km ~5 hours Challenging

Western Approach via Llyn y Fan Fach

This shorter route begins at the Llyn y Fan Fach car park and follows a direct ascent to Fan Brycheiniog via the western ridge. After reaching the trig point, you can optionally extend the walk along the ridge before returning the same way.

7 km ~3 hours Moderate

Extended Horseshoe Walk

A longer and more challenging route starting at the Llyn y Fan Fach car park and following a full horseshoe around Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr. This route includes ascents of Fan Brycheiniog and the surrounding peaks before descending back to the start point.

16 km ~6.5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Other lists

Elevation

802m

2,630 ft

Prominence

4m

Coordinates

51.8823, -3.7080

SN825217

OS Map

160

Explorer: OL12W

At the Summit

The summit is crowned by a classic concrete trig point, providing a perfect photo op, as well as panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly grassy with some rocky outcrops and sections of boggy ground typical of upland areas in South Wales.

Predominantly formed from Old Red Sandstone, Fan Brycheiniog boasts striking cliffs and impressive geological formations that narrate a story of ancient seabeds and river systems.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, hikers can see Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain, and the rolling hills of the Black Mountains. The view over the Usk Valley is particularly breathtaking.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Brycheiniog' is derived from the ancient kingdom of Brycheiniog, hinting at its historical importance.

Historical Significance

Fan Brycheiniog has a rich history intertwined with local legends, including tales of ancient kings and mythical creatures.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at the Storey Arms outdoor centre (grid reference SN 9892 2115), which is well signposted off the A470.

Public Transport

Buses run intermittently from Brecon and Cardiff to nearby towns; the closest stop is at the Storey Arms.

Nearby Facilities

There are toilets available at the Storey Arms, and a café provides refreshments - perfect for filling up on coffee before your adventure!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Sudden weather changes are common in this region; be prepared for rain or strong winds. Some paths can become slippery or boggy, particularly after rainfall.

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 Fan Brycheiniog - Trig Point?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Fan Brycheiniog - Trig Point through the maps

Are there other walkers around Fan Brycheiniog - Trig Point?

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 Fan Brycheiniog - Trig Point search or of course create your own walk for Fan Brycheiniog - Trig Point

Can I organise a walk to Fan Brycheiniog - Trig Point?

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 Fan Brycheiniog - Trig Point.

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 Fan Brycheiniog - Trig Point?

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.

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

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Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SN825217

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