Pen y Gadair Fawr Summit Cairn

Pen Y Gadair Fawr lies in the Black Mountains, in the east of the Brecon Beacons National Park. It’s 2,625 feet (800 m) high and is actually a subsidiary top of the larger Waun Fach. Despite being the lower of the two, this summit is actually more prominent and notable than its parent top, which is featureless and sprawling. 

You can reach the summit from most directions and there are numerous trails. If starting from Gospel Pass to the north east, you can summit Lord Hereford’s Knob and Waun Fach first. Otherwise, you could approach from Blaen-y-cwm car park in Mynydd Du Forest on the mountain’s eastern slopes or any of the villages in the valley to the west. 

At the summit, you’ll find a cairn and fantastic views across the Brecon Beacons with vast, undulating grassy hills in every direction. Pen Y Gadair Fawr makes for a good adventure throughout the year, although always dress appropriately for winter conditions.