SN7870 : I'r gogledd o Lan Ddu Fawr / To the north of Lan Ddu Fawr

Llan Ddu Fawr [Waun Claerddu]

594m Elevation
169m Prominence
Wales Country
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SN7870 : I'r gogledd o Lan Ddu Fawr / To the north of Lan Ddu Fawr

Ian Medcalf Photo source

Explore routes near Llan Ddu Fawr [Waun Claerddu]

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

Cadair Idris - Pony Path

9 km ~3h Hard

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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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Aran Benllyn and Aran Fawddwy from LLanuwchllyn

17.5 km ~9h 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.

Waun Claerddu Approach

This direct route from the east leads you up the grassy slopes of Llan Ddu Fawr, making it accessible for most hikers looking for a quick jaunt.

4.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Cwm Llan Ddu Loop

A longer loop that takes in the beautiful Cwm Llan Ddu valley, perfect for those looking to soak in the scenery.

8 km ~4 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Dodd Dewey

Elevation

594m

1,949 ft

Prominence

169m

Coordinates

52.3186, -3.7756

SN790704

OS Map

135 147

Explorer: 213

At the Summit

The summit boasts a modest cairn, offering a perfect spot for a well-deserved snack break amongst the stunning views.

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly grassy with rocky sections especially near the summit.

The mountain is primarily composed of Old Red Sandstone, which provides a striking contrast in the landscape, alongside occasional outcrops of volcanic rock, hinting at the area's tumultuous geological past.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, enjoy sweeping views of the Brecon Beacons, with Pen y Fan and Cribyn dominating the horizon to the east.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Llan Ddu Fawr' translates to 'Great Black Church', possibly referring to the area's historical ecclesiastical links.

Historical Significance

Llan Ddu Fawr is an integral part of the Brecon Beacons National Park, contributing to its cultural landscape and biodiversity.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking can be found at the Neuadd Reservoir car park (SN922221), which is around 5 km from the mountain's eastern approach.

Public Transport

Regular bus services run from Brecon to Pontsticill, though check local schedules for the latest timings.

Nearby Facilities

Cafes and toilets are available in Brecon, with opportunities for refreshments post-hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch for sudden weather changes as the area can be prone to mist and rain; also, beware of boggy ground in lower sections.

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 Llan Ddu Fawr [Waun Claerddu]?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Llan Ddu Fawr [Waun Claerddu] through the maps

Are there other walkers around Llan Ddu Fawr [Waun Claerddu]?

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 Llan Ddu Fawr [Waun Claerddu] search or of course create your own walk for Llan Ddu Fawr [Waun Claerddu]

Can I organise a walk to Llan Ddu Fawr [Waun Claerddu]?

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 Llan Ddu Fawr [Waun Claerddu].

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 Llan Ddu Fawr [Waun Claerddu]?

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 Llan Ddu Fawr [Waun Claerddu] 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: SN790704

View on OpenStreetMap

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Nearby Hills

Pumlumon Fawr [Plynlimon]

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Cadair Idris - Penygadair

893m

Carneddau

445m

 Fan Brycheiniog - Twr y Fan Foel

Fan Brycheiniog - Twr y Fan Foel

802m

Aran Fawddwy

906m
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