Standing proud in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park, Pen y Fan is the tallest mountain in South Wales. At 2,907 feet (886 m), this popular summit offers straightforward hikes with disproportionately fantastic views for the effort. When you trek up here, you can easily adjust your route to bag the neighbouring summits of Corn Du, Cribyn and Fan y Big too.

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Bannau Brycheiniog National Park

Save

Location: Glyn Tarell, South Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

Save

See nearby routes

Take Me There

Tips

Trail Magazine

December 13, 2019

Hiking

Chief of the Brecon Beacons and the highest summit in south Wales, Pen y Fan is a hugely popular peak with routes to the top to suit everyone from first time day-trippers to potential SAS commandos. Red sandstone creates its unmistakable layered profile and gives hue to the Bronze Age cairn that tops the summit.

Craig Taylor

May 3, 2017

Hiking

At 2,907 feet (886 m), this summit might not be a particularly high one, but the views from the top are amazing. As the highest peak south of Snowdonia, you can really see for miles on a clear day — all the way to the Severn Bridge and out into Powys.

While it might not be high, the SAS use the area as a training ground for a reason. Be careful on windy days and wear sensible footwear in the wet. Also, consider walking up from Corn Du. It's the slightly tougher route but is well worth the walk.

Dan Hobson

July 17, 2021

Hiking

As the highest peak in South Wales, Pen y Fan affords breathtaking views. The ascent is tough but not overly challenging, making it a good choice for all abilities. There are plenty of peaks nearby, affording ample hill-bagging opportunities. It can get very busy here, especially weekends/holidays when the weather is good. Be sure to get there early to beat the crowds. Pen y Fan, which roughly translates as ‘Top Spot’, stands at 2,907 feet (886 m).

Nearby routes

Best routes near Pen y Fan

4.8

(497)

4,719

hikers

#1.

Pen y Fan and Corn Du Circular Walk

7.56km

02:44

450m

460m

Embark on the Pen y Fan and Corn Du Circular Walk, a moderate hike that takes you through the heart of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. As you ascend, you will…

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.8

(294)

1,804

hikers

#2.

Pen y Fan, Cribyn & Fan y Big loop from Storey Arms — Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park

25.0km

08:16

1,110m

1,120m

Embark on a challenging 15.5-mile (25.0 km) hike through the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, tackling the iconic peaks of Pen y Fan, Cribyn, and Fan y Big. This…

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

4.8

(271)

1,776

hikers

#3.

Pen y Fan Horseshoe Ridge — Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park

18.5km

05:55

720m

730m

The Pen y Fan Horseshoe Ridge offers a challenging and rewarding hike through Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. This classic circular route covers 11.5 miles (18.5 km) with a significant elevation…

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 890 m

Good to know

Family Friendly

yes

Wheelchair access

Dog Friendly

yes

Weather

Tuesday 5 May

11°C

6°C

28 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See nearby routes

Take Me There

Location: Glyn Tarell, South Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Corn Du Northwest Ridge

View of Cribyn East Side

Tommy Jones Memorial

Rhyd-y-Defaid Stepping Stones

Beacon Ridge

View of Bryn Teg

The Gap (Bannau Brycheiniog National Park)

Twyn y Gaer Summit and Iron Age Hillfort

Rhiw yr Ysgyfarnog Escarpment

View of Pen y Fan Summit

Central Beacons Ridge

View of Perry Peak

Pen y Fan

#1.

Pen y Fan and Corn Du Circular Walk

#2.

Pen y Fan, Cribyn & Fan y Big loop from Storey Arms — Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park

#3.

Pen y Fan Horseshoe Ridge — Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️