SN8122 : Fan Foel

Fan Foel

781m Elevation
4m Prominence
Wales Country
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SN8122 : Fan Foel

Alan Hughes Photo source

Explore routes near Fan Foel

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.

Fan Foel Circular Walk

A lovely circular route starting from the village of Trecastle, offering panoramic views and gentle gradients.

7.5 km ~3 hours Moderate

Direct Ascent from the A470

A straightforward ascent directly from the A470 road, perfect for those looking to bag a peak quickly.

3 km ~1.5 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Historic County Top (pre-1889) Administrative County Top (1889 to 1996) Current County/UA Top

Elevation

781m

2,562 ft

Prominence

4m

Coordinates

51.8871, -3.7139

SN821223

OS Map

160

Explorer: OL12W

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent stone cairn, which seasoned hikers might argue is the best spot for a selfie (or a cheeky snack). A small trig point can also be found marking the elevation.

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly grassy with rocky patches towards the summit and occasional moist areas so sturdy boots with excellent grip are recommended.

Fan Foel is primarily composed of Old Red Sandstone, offering a fascinating glimpse into the geological history of the region. The rugged landscape is a result of glacial erosion, leaving behind smooth, sweeping hills interspersed with rocky outcrops.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy sweeping views of the central Brecon Beacons, including Pen y Fan and Cribyn, as well as Dartmoor on a particularly clear day. Breathtaking is an understatement!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Fan Foel' means 'Bald Peak' in Welsh, a nod to the stripped-back nature of its summit.

Historical Significance

Fan Foel has been a popular hiking destination for many years, with numerous walkers noting its tranquil atmosphere, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There's a small off-road car park near the base at SN825220 that can accommodate several vehicles. Arriving early on weekends is recommended to secure a spot.

Public Transport

Local bus services from Brecon to Trecastle operate intermittently. For the most reliable visits, checking the local timetable before the journey is wise.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities on the mountain itself, but Brecon offers several cafes, such as The Cafe at 21 and toilets at the Brecon Visitor Centre.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Wet and boggy conditions can be encountered, especially after rain. The terrain can also be rocky near the summit, so caution is advised.

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 Foel?

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

Are there other walkers around Fan Foel?

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 Foel search or of course create your own walk for Fan Foel

Can I organise a walk to Fan Foel?

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 Foel.

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 Foel?

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 Fan Foel 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: SN821223

View on OpenStreetMap

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

Nearby Hills

Fan Brycheiniog - Twr y Fan Foel

Fan Brycheiniog - Twr y Fan Foel

802m

Fan Gyhirych

726m

Pen y Fan

886m

 Cribyn

Cribyn

795m

Carneddau

445m
See 5 more nearby hills