Mountain Peaks Walk Pen y Fan, Wales

Walking on the footpath between Corn Du and Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons National Park © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Mountain Peaks Walk Pen y Fan, Wales

This is a strenuous mountain walk on well-made footpaths to the summit of Pen y Fan and Corn Du in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Pen y Fan is the highest peak in South Wales and is sometimes referred to as Arthur’s Seat. Along the route, you’ll notice the different methods of footpath construction used on the Brecon Beacons, some dating back to Roman times. The walk provides spectacular views to the south, down the Neuadd Valley, to the reservoirs that are above the town of Merthyr Tydfil. The cairn on the summit was a Bronze Age burial chamber. When it was excavated in 1991 a bronze brooch and spearhead were found inside the chamber. The views from here are spectacular, when the weather permits. To the north, the town of Brecon can be seen and on a particularly good day the summit of Cadair Idris at the southern end of the Snowdonia National Park is just visible. Looking east you can just make out the Sugar Loaf in the far distance, and to the south-west the Bristol Channel at Porthcawl.

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