Pen y Garn
Good walks are even better shared.
Explore routes near Pen y Garn
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Cadair Idris - Pony Path
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Aran Benllyn and Aran Fawddwy from LLanuwchllyn
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Pen y Fan via Corn Du from Storey Arms
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Aircraft Crash Site - Wellington Bomber and Vampire Jet (Black mountains)
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Cwmcrawnon Route
A scenic walk starting from Cwmcrawnon Valley that offers gradual ascent through picturesque landscapes.
Llwyn-onn Route
A slightly longer but rewarding trek through heather-clad hills and by serene water bodies.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
611m
2,005 ft
Prominence
194m
Coordinates
52.3791, -3.7665
SN798771
OS Map
135 147
Explorer: 213
At the Summit
The summit boasts a prominent cairn and a modest trig point, both excellent for snapping that all-important selfie at the top.
Terrain & Geology
Primarily composed of Old Red Sandstone, Pen y Garn features a rugged topography that provides an excellent glimpse into the geological history of Wales. The layers of sedimentary rock tell tales of ancient riverbeds and vast landscapes.
Views & Scenery
Views extend to the picturesque peaks of the Brecon Beacons, including Pen y Fan and Corn Du, as well as the sprawling valleys below.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
Pen y Garn translates to 'Top of the Heap' in English, referring to its prominent position.
Historical Significance
The area is rich in history, with ancient burial mounds and the remnants of mining activities that date back centuries.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
The nearest parking is at the Cwmcrawnon car park, which has space for a dozen vehicles. Arrive early to snag a spot!
Public Transport
Local buses service nearby villages, but a car is recommended for ease of access.
Nearby Facilities
There are no facilities directly on the mountain; however, Brecon offers a good selection of cafes, restaurants, and public toilets.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Beware of rapidly changing weather conditions; it can turn from sunny to soggy in a blink!
- Slippery rocks, especially in wet weather, can pose a hazard, so tread carefully.
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 Pen y Garn?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Pen y Garn through the maps
Are there other walkers around Pen y Garn?
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 Pen y Garn search or of course create your own walk for Pen y Garn
Can I organise a walk to Pen y Garn?
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 Pen y Garn.
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 Pen y Garn?
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 Pen y Garn 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
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.
Grid reference: SN798771
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
Nearby Hills
Pumlumon Fawr [Plynlimon]
752m
Cadair Idris - Penygadair
893m
Aran Fawddwy
906m
Y Garn
629m
Carneddau
445m
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