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

Overview

Llan Ddu Fawr [Waun Claerddu]

Welcome to Llan Ddu Fawr, affectionately known as Waun Claerddu, a curious mountain nestled in the heart of the Brecon Beacons. Standing tall at 749 meters, this rugged beauty is not just a treat for the eyes but a delightful challenge for hikers of all levels.

Geology

The terrain of Llan Ddu Fawr is fashioned from Old Red Sandstone, adding a delightful splash of colour to your hike. If you keep an eye out, you may spot some remnants of ancient volcanic activity that tell tales of Earth's fiery past—talk about hot history!

Routes

There are several routes you can take, each offering something unique:

  • Waun Claerddu Approach (4.5 km, Moderate): A straightforward hike up the grassy slopes, suitable for most.
  • Cwm Llan Ddu Loop (8.0 km, Challenging): This route rewards you with stunning valley views but be prepared to work for it!

Summit Features

At the summit, you'll discover a simple cairn that may not be a towering monument but is a fantastic spot for a picnic or just catching your breath while sipping water—hydration always comes first!

Terrain

Expect a mix of grassy pathways and rocky patches, particularly as you approach the summit. Watch your step because nobody wants a clumsy tumble!

Views

The view from the top is nothing short of spectacular! On a clear day, gaze upon iconic landmarks such as Pen y Fan and Cribyn, both of which seem to cheer you on from the distance. For the best views, aim for spring or autumn, when the landscape is painted with colour and clarity.

Hazards

Keep an eye out for rapidly changing weather, as it can shift faster than a squirrel on caffeine. Slippery and boggy patches can be a bit of a nuisance, so sturdy footwear is a must!

Nearby Summits

If you're in the exploring mood, consider tackling some of the nearby peaks:

  • Cribyn (795 m)
  • Pen y Fan (886 m)

Access

For those driving, the Neuadd Reservoir car park is your best bet. Public transport options are available, with services running from Brecon to Pontsticill, but do check the latest schedules to avoid being stuck in the rain!

Facilities

Once you’ve conquered the mountain, head back to Brecon for a well-deserved treat at one of the local cafes. Everyone knows the best part of hiking is the post-hike snacks!

History

The name Llan Ddu Fawr translates beautifully to 'Great Black Church', hinting at its historical and cultural significance. This mountain plays a key role in the diverse tapestry of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

So grab your hiking boots and embrace the beauty of Llan Ddu Fawr. Happy hiking!

Explore routes near Llan Ddu Fawr [Waun Claerddu]

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

Elan Valley: Reservoir Trail to Pen y Garreg Dam

15.9 km ~5h Easy

View route

Llanerchaeron: Lanlas, Aberaeron and Aeron Valley circular

7.8 km ~2h 45m Moderate

View route

Dolaucothi Estate: Cothi Valley and Red Waymarked Circuit

6 km ~3h Hard

View route

Usk Reservoir: Glasfynydd Forest and Dam Circuit

9.1 km ~3h 15m Moderate

View route

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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Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

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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

Llan Ddu Fawr [Waun Claerddu] location map

Grid reference: SN790704

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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