Pen y Fan and Corn Du Short Walk

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The Pen-y-Fan and Corn Du Short Walk is an amazing outdoor adventure in Brecon Beacons National Park that will take you uphill to the summit of a mountain with unbeatable views overlooking South Wales. While out walking the trail, you will work your way up the steep and rugged mountainside to reach the summits of Corn Du and Pen-y-Fan, the highest peak in South Wales and Southern Britain. Although steep, this path follows one of the more direct routes into the central beacons and will hopefully allow you to avoid some of the crowds.

Route Description for Pen y Fan and Corn Du Short Walk

While the Pen-y-Fan and Corn Du Short Walk may be shorter than other routes up the mountain, the terrain is no less steep and will require you to wear proper walking boots in order to better traverse the rugged mountain terrain. Additionally, you will need to arrive early to secure parking and beat out the crowds, as this is the most popular mountain to summit in the entirety of Brecon Beacons National Park.

Although it will certainly be a busy day on the trails, the breathtaking scenery from atop Pen-y-Fan and Corn Du is always worth experiencing. In addition to exploring the rugged, yet beautiful landscape of the Brecon Beacons, you will have an unbelievable sightline stretching out to the Cambrian Mountain in the north and across the Bristol Channel to the south. What an amazing way to spend a few hours exploring the natural beauty of Wales.

Setting out from the south end of the Pont ar Daf car park, you will make your way east along the trail to a footbridge that crosses over Blaen Taf Fawr. After crossing the stream, you will continue uphill to the northeast, traversing the mountain slope over the next 2.0 km while enjoying the increasingly elevated views of the mountain landscape surrounding you.

Arriving at a series of junctions in the trail, you will pass straight through the first junction and take the second path on your right at the next junction in order to continue on uphill, skirting around the summit of Corn Du on the way to Pen-y-Fan. Once you have arrived at the highest peak in Southern Britain, you will enjoy a spectacular sightline across Brecon Beacons National Park in every direction, including south across the Bristol Channel if the weather is clear enough.

After revelling in the scenery here, you will head to the southwest along the trail to traverse the summit of Corn Du, which will offer some more beautiful views overlooking the surrounding mountains and valleys. Continuing on to the southwest, you will meet back up with your initial path and follow it back down the mountainside on the return to the car park, having completed the Pen-y-Fan and Corn Du Short Walk.

Trail Highlights

Pen-y-Fan

Situated in the heart of Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales, Pen-y-Fan (Welsh for “the top peak”) the most well-known of the peaks in the Brecon Beacons range of mountains. It is the highest peak in Southern Britain and the 20th highest peak in Wales at a height of 886 m. From the summit, walkers will experience panoramic views that stretch out across the Bristol Channel and Exmoor to the south, as well as the Cambrian Mountains to the north.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are walking boots needed for Pen-y-Fan?

Yes, it is recommended to wear proper walking boots with good support when climbing this steep route up to the summit of Pen-y-Fan.

Are dogs allowed on the trails to Pen-y-Fan?

While dogs are allowed on Pen-y-Fan trails, they must be kept under control throughout the journey.

Insider Hints for Pen y Fan and Corn Du Short Walk

Wear proper walking boots with good support.
Toilets can be found at the car park.
Bring plenty of snacks and water, as you will need energy for the route.
A map and compass are always recommended when exploring the Brecon Beacons, as the landscape is fairly rugged and it can be easy to get lost.