enjoy the view

START

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4 Brecon Peaks
(Corn Du, Pen y Fan, Cribyn, Fan y Big)

PICTURE

Pen y Fan

Highlights of this walk

The highest points in South Wales
Waterfalls, streams and lakes
Broad views across the Brecons
Impressive circular ridge walk

Each of these peaks is impressive in its own right, but the approach from Upper Neuadd gives the opportunity to take them all together in a relatively easy-to-follow sweeping ridge walk. But "relatively easy" is dependent on weather. If the wind is high it is better to go another day.

Safety and Difficulty

In mountaineering terms, these are small mountains, but don't take them carelessly. Weather can change quickly in the Brecons and they can become slippery and dangerous, especially in high winds. Wear proper walking boots and, remember that the summits may be much colder than the valleys. The peaks are close to one another and the overall distance is just 9 miles.

To use this guide

Review START Page (this one), check ROUTE and Map, check NOTES for points of interest, go and enjoy yourself!

Road Directions

From Junction 32 of M4 take the A470 road to Merthyr Tydfil. At the roundabout with A465 (Heads of the Valley Road) continue ahead. Take first on the right (small turning) signposted to Cefn-coed-y-cymma. After the bridge crossing a major road turn left, following the sign to Pontsticill. Follow the road through Trefechan and continue to Ponsticill. Continue to follow the road (signposted Talybont-on-Usk) past Ponsticill Reservoir and into Taf Fechan Forest. At the head of the Ponsticill Reservoir the road ahead is a no through road; turn left following the signs to Talybont-on-Usk. Continue past the Pentwyn Reservoir; at its head the Talybont-on-Usk road turns right, but continue ahead along past the no-through-road signs towards Neuadd Reservoir.

Car Parking

There is a large Car Park on the left of the road to Neuadd Reservoir, but it is possible to continue ahead for 2 other options (depending on season). At the point where the Taf Trail crosses the road (GR 035174) there is room for about 4 cars to park at the roadside. From this point onwards traffic is banned from 31 March to 1 September and from 15 October to 29 February ("except for access"). When allowable it is possible to park on the roadside at the extreme end of the road close to the Lower Neuadd Reservoir (GR 032180).