Llanfrynach and Cribyn Circular Walk

Route Description for Llanfrynach and Cribyn Circular Walk

Although the overall length and elevation gain along the Llanfrynach and Cribyn Circular Walk do increase its difficulty, the walk is still a great walk for casual walkers looking to push themselves a bit. Be sure to come prepared with plenty of food and water, sturdy walking boots, as well as a compass and map to aid in navigation. Additionally, you may want to arrive early to secure parking, although there should be a fair amount available in the village.

For those looking to test their physical fitness while enjoying sweeping views across Brecon Beacons National Park, the Llanfrynach and Cribyn Circular Walk is an excellent adventure to do so. In addition to traversing some challenging terrain, you will be able to capture the magic of the rugged Brecon Beacons up close, including Pen-y-Fan, the highest peak in Southern Britain. If you are looking for a lengthy day walk in the mountains, you could certainly do worse than the Llanfrynach and Cribyn Circular Walk.

Setting out from the trailhead, you will make your way to the northwest along the road and keep left at the fork, continuing on for 0.3 km to pick up a footpath on the left. Here, you will pass through a gate and follow the track as it runs parallel to the banks of Nant Menasgin, continuing straight across the Welsh countryside for 1.7 km to arrive at a junction.

Turning right at the junction, you will meet up with a road in 0.4 km and cross over it to pick the trail back up for a short distance before meeting up with another road. Head left along the road and follow it for 0.9 km, making a sharp right in order to continue on for another 1.8 km, where the road will narrow into a track.

From here, you will continue on to the southwest for 0.2 km, passing through the gate and picking up the footpath on the right, where you will head left at the initial fork in order to traverse the open countryside on the way up the mountain. As you climb uphill towards the summit of Cribyn over the next 2.5 km, you will have some amazing views of the Brecon Beacons before you and the surrounding Welsh countryside in every other direction.

After reaching the summit, take a few moments to appreciate the views, before following the path to the southeast that leads down from the summit. Keeping the steep slope on your left, you will head left at the first junction to begin making your way along a track leading into the valley below. After 3.2 km along this track, you will arrive back at the gate you had previously passed through before climbing up the mountain.

Pass through the gate here and retrace your initial route along the road, enjoying some final views of the picturesque Welsh farmland asd you make your way back into the village of Llanfrynach where you began the Llanfrynach and Cribyn Circular Walk.

Trail Highlights

Pen-y-Fan

At 886m above sea level, Pen-y-Fan is the highest peak in Southern Britain and holds the distinction of being the 20th highest in Wales overall. The peak can be found within the boundaries of Brecon Beacons National Park, and offers views from the summit that stretch south to the Bristol Channel and north to the Cambrian Mountains. The name Pen-y-Fan means “the top peak” in Welsh, derived from its status as the highest peak in the range.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cribyn mean in English?

Cribyn is Welsh for ‘little ridge’, a fitting name for the mountain as it is shorter than the peaks Pen-y-Fan and Corn Du that flank it.

Are dogs permitted on Cribyn?

As with the other nearby mountains in the Brecon Beacons range, dogs are permitted on Cribyn, although they must be kept under control at all times.