Pen y Fan and Corn Du circular walk
A strenuous, circular mountain walk on well-made footpaths to the summit of Pen y Fan and Corn Du in the Brecon Beacons. If weather permits, you can enjoy views of the town of Brecon and on a good day, the summit of Cadair Idris.
Prepare for unpredictable 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.
Total steps: 5
Total steps: 5
Start point
Pont ar Daf car park, grid ref: SN988199.
Step 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.
Step 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 2,906 feet (886m).
Step 3
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.
Step 4
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.
Step 5
Keep following the path and descend 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.
End point
Pont ar Daf car park, grid ref: SN988199
Trail map
More near here
Upper Tarell Valley walk
This 5-mile walk along an 18th-century track is packed with history, passing the remains of farmsteads once inhabited during the heyday of the coach road. Enjoy wildlife and views of Craig Cerrig-Gleisiad National Nature Reserve in the Bannau Brycheiniog..
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) horseshoe ridge circular walk
A challenging circular upland mountain walk that takes you into the heart of the Bannau Brycheiniog for the most spectacular views. Experience far-reaching view towards Pen y Fan into the Cwm Sere valley and look out for a Bronze Age burial cairn and evidence of military firing ranges.
Henrhyd Falls and Nant Llech walk
Explore the Graig Llech Gorge and tranquil Nant Llech Valley on this adventurous Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) walk to see the highest waterfall in South Wales.
Llanwrthwl horseshoe walk
Take in panoramic views of the 'roof of Wales' on the challenging and rewarding Llanwrthwl horseshoe walk in Powys.
Get in touch
Pont ar Daf car park (access to Pen y Fan), Near Storey Arms, Libanus, Powys, LD3 8NL
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking in Wales
Explore wide open landscapes, gentler coastal strolls or energetic hikes for something a little more challenging. We've rounded up some of the best places to walk in Wales.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Exploring Pen y Fan and Corn Du
Lose your head in the clouds as you climb Pen y Fan and Corn Du, the two highest peaks in southern Britain. This is one of the most recognisable skylines in the UK. Discover wild walks and scenery in the remote heart of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons).
Mountains in Wales
Explore the spectacular mountain peaks of Wales, from the challenging climb up Tryfan in North Snowdonia, to the iconic mountains of Pen y Fan and the Sugar Loaf in South Wales.
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.