Hiking Highlight
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for: Brecon Beacons National Park
Picws Du is a shapely emerald wedge, rising high on the northern end of the spectacular Black Mountain in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Its steep, terraced sandstone flanks sweep upwards to a lofty summit perch, overlooking the beautiful pool of Llyn y Fan Fach.
The Black Mountain is a magnificent upland escarpment that steadily gains height from the south and reaches its apex on Fan Brycheiniog at 2,633 feet (802 m). The scarp then curves around to the west and rises to Picws Du at 2,457 feet (749 m). After this, it falls and embraces a classic glacial cwm containing Llyn y Fan Fach. The range rivals the Central Beacons as the national park’s most stunning mountain environment.
A sensational emerald wedge of glaciated sandstone on the Black Mountain
There are various ways to Picws Du, with the quickest approach being from the Llyn y Fan Fach car park to the north. There is the option of a nearby campsite, or scattered accommodation in the surrounding countryside. Approaches from the east begin from the minor road alongside the tumbling River Tawe, often via Llyn y Fan Fawr and Fan Brycheiniog. None of the routes to Picws Du are particularly technical, making them a good adventure for the whole family.
Picws Du’s summit is home to a Bronze Age round barrow and boasts extensive views towards the distant Cambrian Mountains on a clear day. Beyond the Fforest Fawr region to the east, rise the forms of the Central Beacons, with Corn Du and Pen y Fan particularly distinctive.
Picws Du, or Bannau Sir Gaer, is the highest point of the dramatic escarpment high above Llyn y Fan Fach. Due to the remote and untouched landscape, you may have the opportunity to see lots of birds, including red kite, common buzzard, kestrel, carrion crow, common raven and skylark.
October 30, 2018
The view from here is still one of my favorite. The shape of the mountain, the rocks and the green grass is amazing to observe.
July 18, 2020
The views from the escarpment overlooking Llyn Y Fan Fawr and Fach are simply stunning. For route details click here: komoot.com/tour/278490898
October 31, 2020
High elevation with good views on a clear day , very windy and wet on bad days
October 25, 2021
Picws Du is the second highest peak in the Black Mountain range in the Brecon Beacons. From here you get amazing views across the lake and the valley. Great ridge walk, would definitely recommend incorporating Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr into your route (2 lakes).
May 17, 2021
Amazing tips overlooking the lake below. Tons of birds along the ride too.
July 29, 2022
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