Ascent/Descent:
530m; Net Walking Time: 3 hours
Toughness:
5 out of 10
Take
the 10.51 bus (line T4) from Bus
Stand 1 at Brecon Bus Interchange.
Arrives Storey Arms Centre 11.07. The only return bus runs at 18.03 (arrives 18.20). So, unless you have or can share a car
or are willing to hitch-hike, you have a long day on that ridge so you might as well walk
one of the longer options…
This
classic short walk is to the summit of
Pen Y Fan (886m, 2,864ft), the
highest peak in South Wales and the Breacon Beacons National Park. It is very popular, especially on sunny weekends.
It
involves a steep climb at the start to reach the ridge, but then continues
fairly gentle on good paths for a short but very scenic section along a
U-shaped ridge around a steep sided glacial valley, with stunning views over
South Wales, and the Bristol Channel. From Pen y Fan you walk back to the
second prominent top, Corn Du, with fantastic views down into the Cwm Llwch
(valley) with its scenic lake. Form there descend
on a different route along a less populated route involving a minor
re-ascent to the car park by the Storey Arms Outdoor Centre on the A470 and
make your way back along the road. The
entire route is over well-maintained
paths, the drops are steep only on one side, so none of it is scary, or
needs a head for heights. Route finding (in clear weather) is easy. The summits
are very exposed however, so this is a walk for a clear sunny day, with little
wind or rain.
Longer Walk Options: Either
continue
along the ridge out-and-back along the route of SWC 278, or even walk the full horseshoe, just make
sure you get back to base in time for the bus! Or walk from the Storey Arms Centre to the Llwyn-y-celyn Youth
Hostel (food and drinks) and board
the bus there (200m up to the road). You need page 15 of the pdf for SWC
278 for that option.
Lunch: Picnic lunch.
Tea: ----
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