Cwm Llwch from Cwm Gwdi walk
This is the hard way to the summit of southern Britain's highest mountain, Pen y Fan. Starting at just over 1000ft (310m) above sea level, you have 1893ft (576m) of climbing before the reaching the top at 2908ft (886m).
See the geological and archaeological features along the way
You will also take in the summit of Corn Du, the Tommy Jones obelisk and the legendary Llyn Cwm Llwch. Save this one for a clear day because then the views are truly spectacular.
Map
Start:
Cwm Gwdi car park, grid ref: SO025248
1
From the car park, take the tarmac road up to the gate and stile, then along the side of a field. In this area, among the prickly gorse you will find rifle and artillery abutments. These were used for military firing practice into the opposite hill of Alt Ddu.
2
Step over the stile and slightly to your right there is a grassed track crossing several shallow grassed gullies, amongst the bracken heading up to a platform that once housed the quarry ponies. Keep right, close to the edge and follow the old pony and sledge track up past several small quarry sites. Take care, as there is still lots of loose stone lying about.
Cwm Gwdi
Cwm Gwdi was once a military training camp dating back to the late Victorian era. Soldiers used to sleep in tents here until the 1960s when a canteen, wash rooms and Nissen huts were constructed. The army continued to use the camp as a base for 'aggressive' hill walking until 1996 when it was taken on by us.
3
Keep rising up and pass through a large quarry. Tile stones for roofs were cut from this quarry back in the 18th century. Once you reach the top, turn right and follow the obvious path along the ridge known as Cefn Cwm Llwch, all the way up to the summit of Pen y Fan. As you tackle the last very steep section on your left you can look down on the river of Nant Sere and across to the peak of Cribyn.
Cribyn
This is the fourth highest peak in the central Brecon Beacons. The path from the saddle between Pen y Fan and Cribyn has been stone pitched to reduce the effect of the hundreds of thousands of walkers that use the route each year.
4
Once you have taken a rest on the summit of Pen y Fan, follow the path down to the right and up to the summit of Corn Du, which stands at 2864ft (873m). From here find the steep path off the the north west end. Go down this and keep to the right, close to the edge of Cwm Llwch. Follow this path downhill to the obelisk of Tommy Jones.
Tommy Jones Obelisk
The obelisk is a monument to the tragic tale of a small boy called Tommy Jones who got lost and perished on the Brecon Beacons in 1900. A search by locals and soldiers carried on for 29 days before his body was found near the spot where the obelisk now stands.
5
From the obelisk, follow the path down and to the right to the lake known as Llyn Cwm Llwch. Turn left and continue to follow the path down, crossing the stile and leaving National Trust land. Keep heading north, past a cottage and then a car park until you reach the tarmaced road.
Llyn Cwm Llwch
This glacial lake was left behind when the glaciers that carved these mountains retreated at the end of the last Ice Age. There are many legends associated with Llyn Cwm Llwch and the fairies that supposedly live on an invisible island in the lake.
6
Continue along the tarmaced road until you reach a crossroads. Turn right and follow the road for ½ mile (800m) until you reach a right turn opposite Heolfanog cottage. Take the right turn and continue on the tarmac road for another ½ mile (800m) until you reach a sharp left. The entrance to Cwm Gwdi car park is on your right.
End:
Cwm Gwdi car park, grid ref: SO025248
