Pen y Fan and Corn Du circular walk
A strenuous mountain walk on well-made footpaths to the summit of Pen y Fan and Corn Du.
Come prepared for unpredictable mountain weather
A map and compass, waterproofs, and a whistle and torch are all essential for this walk, as the weather is very changeable in these mountains.
Map
Start:
Pont ar Daf car park, grid ref: SN988199
1
Take the footpath at the southern end of the car park, pass through the kissing gate and cross the wooden footbridge over the river. From here, follow the footpath uphill towards Bwlch Duwynt. As you take this steady climb up the footpath you'll notice the different methods of footpath construction used on the Brecon Beacons. The gullies on the uphill side of the path take the water flowing downhill to suitable crossing points were we have constructed culverts; this keeps most of the water off the footpath and prevents erosion. Some of the footpath has been stone pitched. This method of creating a hardwearing surface pre-dates Roman times, but is costly and very time consuming.
Corn Du
Corn Du is the second highest peak in the Brecon Beacons. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, Pen y Fan, it is nevertheless a beauty in its own right.
2
Once you reach Bwlch Duwynt (which means 'Windy Pass' in Welsh), take the footpath at about 11 o'clock which leads across the southern slope of Corn Du. You'll soon reach the saddle between Corn Du and Pen y Fan. From here there are spectacular views to the south, down the Neuadd Valley to the reservoirs that are above Merthyr Tydfil. Continue along the footpath for the last push to the summit of southern Britain's highest mountain - Pen y Fan - at 2906 feet (886m).
Pen y Fan
Pen y Fan is the highest mountain in southern Britain. Deservedly popular with walkers, the views from the summit are truly spectacular. It's often seen as the terminus of many walks but there are plenty of other Beacons worth exploring too.
3
The cairn on the summit was a Bronze Age burial chamber. When it was excavated in 1991 a bronze brooch and spearhead were found inside the chamber. The views from the top are spectacular when weather permits. To the north, the town of Brecon can be seen and on a particularly good day the summit of Cadair Idris is just visible. Looking east you can just make out the Sugar Loaf in the far distance, and to the south-west the Bristol Channel at Porthcawl can be seen on a bright day. Once you've finished taking in the views, retrace your steps to the saddle in between Pen y Fan and Corn Du, and bear right, making your way up the pitched footpath to the summit of Corn Du (The footpath on your left would take you back to Bwlch Duwynt and onto the car park) Once you've reached the summit of Corn Du, descend and take the footpath to your right, following the ridge.
Summit plateau
The summit was once covered in peat and grass. The Neuadd valley and reservoir stretch away towards the south.
4
The cairn on Corn Du was also a Bronze Age burial chamber. Looking north-west from here into the Cwm Llwch valley is Llyn Cwm Llwch, and Tommy Jones' obelisk further along the ridge line. Leave Corn Du from the northern end and climb down the steep section to reach the pitched path below which heads towards the obelisk. Re-trace your steps back from the obelisk to where the path divides. Take the permissive path that heads down towards the stream, Blaen Taf Fawr. Once across the stream, head upwards, following the path to the gate on Y Gyrn. This part of the hill is managed to promote a healthy habitat for upland birds like red grouse.
5
Keep following the path and descend down towards Storey Arms. Follow the tarmacked footpath in front of the Storey Arms Education Centre, leading to a kissing gate, taking you onto a track that leads back to the car park.
Storey Arms
Once a coaching inn, Storey Arms is now an outdoor education centre.
End:
Pont ar Daf car park, grid ref: SN988199
