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    Fforest Fawr Circular Walk

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    4.5-6.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    15.1 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    702 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    Directions to Trailhead
    Fforest Fawr Circular Walk

    The Fforest Fawr Circular Walk is a beautifully scenic, albeit tricky to navigate, route in Brecon Beacons National Park that will take you over several mountain peaks to visit a reservoir. While out walking the trail, you will traverse the undulating terrain of the park and climb uphill across Fan Llia to visit the Ystradfellte Reservoir, before traversing Fan Fawr on the return leg. The path can be quite faint in certain areas along this route, so be sure to bring a GPS, trail map, and compass for navigation.

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    Route Description for Fforest Fawr Circular Walk

    The rugged terrain and faint paths along the Fforest Fawr Circular Walk can make it a difficult trail to navigate, especially for beginner walkers. If you are planning to set out on this adventure, be sure to bring a GPS, good trail map, and a compass in order to avoid getting lost in Brecon Beacons National Park. Additionally, you will want to wear proper walking boots to better traverse the steep slopes and often boggy landscape along this route.

    Even though it may be tricky to navigate at times, the Fforest Fawr Circular Walk is an exceptional route that will allow you to disconnect from the outside world and enjoy some quality time in the wilds of Wales. Stunning views from atop Fan Llia and Fan Fawr await on this rugged adventure through Brecon Beacons National Park.

    Setting out from the car park, you will make your way to the southwest and begin climbing gradually up the hillside across the barren landscape. After heading right at the fork in the trail, you will continue on and keep to the right for the next 3.5 km, traversing the edge of the steep hillside and crossing over a number of small streams before arriving at a junction in the trail on the edge of the Craig Cerrig Gleisiad a Fan Frynych National Nature Reserve.

    Take the path on the left and continue on towards the southwest, traversing the undulating landscape over the next 4.6 km and taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains as you make your way to the summit of Fan Llia. Here, you will enjoy a commanding sightline across the rugged landscape of Brecon Beacons National Park, including the next stop along the walk, the Ystradfellte Reservoir in the valley below.

    Continuing on to the southwest, you will keep left along the footpath to begin the steep descent of the mountainside towards the reservoir. This is the point of the walk where navigation will become a bit tricky, as the path becomes quite faint leading up to and after the reservoir. Make sure to utilize your GPS or a good trail map with a compass to ensure that you do not lose your way.

    After arriving at the edge of the Ystradfellte Reservoir, you can pause for some lunch and to take in the beautiful views across the surface of the water, before making your way across the dam wall to continue your adventure. Once you have reached the opposite side, you will climb uphill along the faint trail to the northeast, using the trickling waters of Nant Cwm-Porth as your guide.

    After climbing uphill to the northeast for 3.2 km from the reservoir, you will arrive at the summit of Fan Fawr, where you will enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area, including Pen-y-Fan to the northeast. Once you have taken in the views, follow the trail asd it leads downhill to the northeast, continuing on for another 1.7 km in order to arrive back at the car park where you began the Fforest Fawr Circular Walk.

    Trail Highlights

    Fan Fawr

    Situated in Fforest Fawr, an expansive upland area within Brecon Beacons National Park, Fan Fawr (meaning Big Peak in Welsh) is a rugged mountain peak with a steep eastern face. The 734m tall mountain overlooks the Ystradfellte Reservoir to the southwest, the Beacons Reservoir to the southeast, and looks out onto the central Brecon Beacons - including Pen-y-Fan - to the northeast.

    Insider Hints for Fforest Fawr Circular Walk

    • Bring a GPS, compass, and trail map for this off-trail walk.
    • Proper walking boots are required to traverse the rugged and boggy landscape.
    • Storey Arms Refreshments at the car park is a great place to stop for post-walk snacks.

    Getting to the Fforest Fawr Circular Walk Trailhead

    The trailhead for the Fforest Fawr Circular Walk can be found at the car park opposite the Storey Arms Outdoor Education Centre along A470.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      No

    • When to do

      April-October

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      Older Children only

    • Route Signage

      Poor

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Circuit

    Fforest Fawr Circular Walk Elevation Graph

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    Fforest Fawr Circular Walk Reviews

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