the Ultimate guide to Hiking Pen y Fan
Standing at 886 m (2,907 ft) Pen y fan is the highest point in Bannau Brycheiniog(Brecon Beacons), and is a must do hike if you are visiting the national park.
Not only can you claim to have summited the highest point in Southern Britain, but on a clear day you will also be granted with incredible panoramic views over South Wales.
In this blog I have provided all the details on the main hiking routes up and down Pen y Fan. I have listed the routes in order from easiest to hardest and at the end of the blog I highlight which route is the best, easiest and most scenic.
You can trust me as I have hiked every route on this list at least twice, including competing every one of the six main routes in five hours.
Overview of the Main Routes
From the West (A470)
Pen y Fan from Pont ar Daf (Out and back)
Pen y Fan from the Storey Arms (Out and back)
A470 Horseshoe
From the North
Pen y Fan via Cwm Llwch Valley (Out and back)
Pen y Fan from Cwm Gwdi via Cefn Cwm Llwch ridge (Out and back)
Cwm Llwch Horseshoe
From the South
You can combine the a470 horseshoe, Cwm Llwch Horseshoe and Main horseshoe to create one mega 32km hike which I have coined the Pen-y-Fan six.
What should I wear to hike Pen y fan?
That will depend on the weather, which you should always check before departing. I use MWIS and Met Office and look at;
Feels like temperature at the summit
Chance of Rain
Visibility/ Chance of cloud free peaks
Wind speed
These four things will dictate what you wear and carry. While it is only a short hike, it will be colder and windier at the top than at the car park, so it’s better to carry extra layers/waterproofs just in case.
Essentials
Grippy and stable footwear
I recommend Walking boots from Adidas, My favourite being the Freehiker 2 GTX
Layering system: 2-4 layers for your top half depending on the feels like temperature at the summit )
Base layer (T-shirt)
Mid layer (hoodie)
Outer shell (Wind breaker or waterproof)
Fourth layer in Winter (Insulated jacket)
A Hiking/ Navigation app with the route downloaded for offline use: I use and recommend OS Maps
Other things
Water + snacks
Backpack to carry your spare layers, water, and snacks
Gloves and hat (colder conditions)
Headtorch (If heading up at sunrise or sunset)
Microspikes (in winter)
Pen y Fan from Pont ar Daf
The easiest and shortest route to the summit of Pen y Fan. It is also the busiest and least inspiring route on this list.
Nicknamed the motorway, this follows a stony path up to a saddle before passing around Corn Du to the summit. I’d only recommend this route if you are heading up for sunrise, are a complete beginner hiker, or are in a rush.
Paid Parking is available in Pont Ar Daf car park which is owned by the national trust. It fills up quickly (even at sunrise) especially on weekends.
If you are doing this hike, I’d recommend combing it with the Storey arms to complete the A470 Horseshoe (see below)
Key Hike Info
Hike Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.4km
Elevation Gain: 454m
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Terrain: Stony path the entire way
Start Point and Parking: Pont ar Daf Car Park
Pen y Fan from the Storey Arms
The second easiest and shortest route to the summit of Pen y Fan.
Offering a slightly more varied route to the summit than the motorway, it passes up and over the summit of Corn Du before progressing to Pen y Fan. This route has a steep section towards the top of Cribyn which isn’t technical.
Free parking is available in a large layby in front of the Storey Arms. If that is full then you can use the paid parking located several hundred meters down the road at Pont ar Daf Car Park. Both fill up quickly (even at sunrise) especially on weekends.
Key Hike Info
Hike Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7.2km
Elevation Gain: 607m
Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
Terrain: Stony path and Gravel
Start Point and Parking: Story Arms Car Park
The view looking north west from Corn Du, the path to the Storey Arms is to the left & Cwm Llwch valley is to the right
A470 Horseshoe
This essentially combines the Storey Arms and Pont ar Daf routes to create a loop.
I would recommend doing this route clockwise ascending via the Storey arms and descending to Pont Ar Daf. It‘s up to you where you park, although this may be dictated by where is free.
Key Hike Info
Hike Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7.5km
Elevation Gain: 539m
Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
Terrain: Stony path and gravel
Start Point and Parking: Story Arms Car Park or Pont ar Daf Car Park.
Pen y Fan Via Cwm Llwch Valley
A beautiful and peaceful ascent of Pen y Fan From the north.
this takes you up through a sheltered valley, past a lake and onto a ridgeline which links up with the Storey arms path. From there you pass up and over Corn Du to Pen y Fan.
I’d recommend this route if you are wanting to escape the crowds. If you don’t mind walking a little further, I’s also recommend instead completing the Cwm Llwch horseshoe (see below) as its even better
Parking is available in a rocky and grassy farmer field, again it can fill up quickly on weekends. You can also camp here for £5 per person. The roads to the car park are single track and very narrow so take care driving them.
Key Hike Info
Hike Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Moderate - Hard
Distance: 9km
Elevation Gain: 682m
Estimated Time: 3-5 hours
Terrain: Stony path, Grass, and gravel
Start Point and Parking: Nant Cwm Llwch Car Park
Pen y Fan from Cwm Gwdi via Cefn Cwm Llwch
Another beautiful and peaceful ascent from the north.
This follows the Cefn Cwm Llwch Ridgeline and grants incredible views towards Cribyn and across both the eastern and western Brecon Beacons.
The section towards the beginning and right at the end is steep and rocky, but is not technical.
Limited parking is available in Cwm Gwdi National Trust (strangely this isn’t listed on Google). Again, it fills up quickly on weekends so arrive early or in the afternoon. The roads to the car park are single track and very narrow so take care driving them.
It’s easily the best out and back route up Pen y Fan. However, if you have more time, I’d recommend the Cwm Llwch Horseshoe (see below).
Key Hike Info
Hike Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7.4km
Elevation Gain: 589m
Estimated Time: 2.5-4 hours
Terrain: Stony path, Grass, and gravel
Start Point and Parking: Cwm Gwdi National Trust
Cwm Llwch Horseshoe
In my opinion the best way up and down Pen y Fan.
I would recommend parking ta Cwm Gwdi and completing this loop anti clockwise. This way you start with the short section of road walking, ascend via the Cwm Llwch Valley, and descend via the Cefn Cwm Llwch ridgeline.
This is a great choice to do in the afternoon, timing you hike to descend at sunset.
Key Hike Info
Hike Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 11km
Elevation Gain: 700m
Estimated Time: 3-5 hours
Terrain: Stony path, Grass, and gravel
Start Point and Parking: Cwm Gwdi National Trust or Nant Cwm Llwch Car Park
Pen y Fan Horseshoe
I would recommend this route if you are looking to summit multiple peaks alongside Pen y Fan.
This route approaches from the south and also gives you the opportunity to summit the neighbouring peaks of Cribyn and Fan y Big.
I’d recommend hiking it clockwise. This way you can decide if you have the time and energy to summit Fan y Big before descending down the gap back to the car park.
For all the information check out my Pen y Fan Horseshoe Hike Guide
Key Hike Info
Hike Type: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 14km
Elevation Gain: 820m
Estimated Time: 4-7 hours
Circuit of the Central Beacons
A longer extension of the Pen y Fan Horseshoe, which I would argue is one of, if not the best day hikes in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The monster route summits Pen y Fan, Cribyn, Fan y Big, alongside navigating along the flat topped ridgelines of the Central Beacons and passing by a WWII plane wreck and the Blaen y Glyn waterfalls.
For all the info check out my guide: Circuit of the Central Brecon Beacons
Key Hike Info
Hike Type: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 20.5km
Elevation Gain: 1,082m
Estimated Time: 6-9 hours
Pen y Fan Six
Are you fit, motivated, and stupid enough to summit Pen y Fan three times in one day? Well this route is for you.
The epic 32km route summits Pen y Fan three times by combining the six main routes up and down the mountain. It’s an epic challenge which involves nearly 1,900m of elevation gain. For all the information check out the guide below:
Key Hike Info
Difficulty: Very Hard
Distance: 32km
Elevation Gain: 1,860m
Estimated Time: 8-12 hours
Final Thoughts
If I had to pick a favourite it would be the Cwm Llwch Horseshoe. Its incredibly scenic, passes a variety of landscapes, and is much quieter than other routes.
If you are looking for the best out and back route then that would be Pen y Fan from Cwm Gwdi via Cefn Cwm Llwch.
If you want to summit multiple peaks (such as Cribyn and Fan y big) then I would recommend the Pen y Fan Horseshoe or the Circuit of the Central Beacons.
The easiest route is Pen y Fan from Pont ar Daf.
It is the shortest route with the least elevation gain. It is 3,2km one way, climbs steadily to the summit via well-built path and involves 454 m of elation gain. Active children can manage it and should take between 45-90 minutes one way.
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Know and plan the Route: Use proper hiking app (I use and recommend OS Maps) and have the route downloaded for offline use
Check the Weather: Always check the weather forecast for the specific peaks and mountain ranges you are planning on hiking. I use MWIS and Met Office
Start Early: Give yourself plenty of daylight to complete the hike.
Know Your Limits: This hike requires a good level of fitness and a head for heights.
Group Up: If possible, hike with others or consider hiring a local guide for extra safety
Wear and carry the correct kit: see below
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The correct kit and equipment are essential when hiking in Scotland.
Sturdy hiking boots with good grip
Waterproof jacket and overtrousers
A layering system (wear/carry a minimum of 3 top half layers, with a 4th in winter)
GPS device with the route downloaded (or Map and compass)
Power bank and charging cable
Headtorch + First aid kit
Plenty of fluids and high-energy snacks
Gloves and a hat for cooler conditions
If it’s winter then crampons, micro spikes, and an ice axe(s) are essential alongside extra clothing. I’d also recommend walking poles and ski goggles.
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Base layers
Smartwool Active hoodie - My go for spring, summer, and autumn hiking.
Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip - My choice in winter and colder weather.
Mid LayersColumbia Triple Canyon Hooded Fleece Jacket- Lightweight, warm, comfy, and stretchy. Everything you need from a mid-layer. It also has elasticated thumb loops, a close-fitting hood, and three zip pockets.
Rab Men's Microlight Alpine Down Jacket - Essential for the colder months, wildcamping, and when you are soaking in the views up on the summit.
Outer shell
Columbia Ampli-Dry III Jacket - Waterproof, lightweight, functional, and packs down small. It also has breathable stretch shell fabric with underarm zipped ventilation.
Lower Half
Footwear
Columbia Montrail Trinity Ag II - The comfiest summer hiking and trail running shoes I have ever worn.
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX - My go to for the wetter months of the year
Columbia Men's Facet 75 Equinox – My go to in Winter, incredibly comfortable, waterproof and warm
Socks
Darn Tough Vermont Van Grizzle Boot socks – My winter sock of choice
Backpacks
When is the best time to hike Pen y Fan?
In terms of time of day, sunrise is incredibly beautiful, especially as the sun rises from the east, so you have a view over the ridgelines of the central Beacons. Unfortunately it is incredibly busy at sunrise, with hundreds of people flocking here and the main car park at Pont ar Daf is often full
Because of this I recommend heading up Pen y Fan for sunset, although you dont get as good as a view as sunrise, its still a scenic and beautiful experience. the summit will be significantly quieter (often less than a dozen people) and in my opinion much more enjoyable. Whats more you wont have to get up super early and will easily be able to find a parking space.
If you do head up for sunrise or sunset, pack extra layers and a headtorch.
In terms of seasons, Pen y fan is beautiful year round, however is extra special under a blanket of snow., so hikign it in Winter can be a rewarding experience. Always check the weather forecast on MWIS and Met Office, wear and carry the correct clothing and kit, and consider buying Mini Crampons/ Micro spikes.
How to see a cloud inversion at Pen y fan?
Cloud inversions are a type of temperature inversion. They occur when the normal temperature gradient is flipped: instead of cold air rising and mixing out, it becomes trapped in valleys beneath a layer of warmer air. This prevents air from circulating normally and often leads to fog or low cloud forming below the warmer layer.
Cloud inversions typically occur during the autumn and winter months, when a period of high pressure (calm, settled weather) is followed by a sharp drop in temperature.
They are most common in the mornings in mountainous or hilly areas after a warm day followed by a cold, clear night. The cold air sinks into valleys, where it traps fog and cloud underneath the warmer air above.
You can’t guarantee when a cloud inversion will happen, but if you understand the conditions that cause them and keep an eye on the weather, you can often predict them. The Met Office and MWIS sometimes show forecasts where the summits are expected to be clear while the valleys are foggy—often a good sign of inversion conditions.
Sunrise is usually the best time to catch an inversion, as the sun often burns off the fog and cloud as the day warms up. However, on occasion, the inversion can last all day!
Pen y Fan is a fantastic place to see a cloud inversion. As the highest peak in South Wales, it often rises above the fog-filled valleys, giving you the best chance of being above the clouds.
Ultimately, it’s about knowing the right conditions, monitoring the weather, and taking a chanc, because if you don’t try your luck, you’ll never know!
Pen y Fan FAQ’s
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Pen y Fan stands at 886 m (2,907 ft), and is the highest point in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park and South Wales
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In my opinion it would be the Cwm Llwch Horseshoe. Its incredibly scenic, passes a variety of landscapes and is much quieter than other routes.
If you are looking for the best out and back route then that would be Pen y Fan from Cwm Gwdi via Cefn Cwm Llwch.
If you want to summit multiple peaks (such as Cribyn and Fan y big) then I would recommend the Pen y Fan Horseshoe or the Circuit of the Central Beacons.
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That would be Pen y Fan from Pont ar Daf.
It is the shortest route with the least elevation gain. It is 3,2km one way, climbs steadily to the summit via well built path and involves 454 m of elation gain.
Active children can manage it and should take between 45-90 minutes one way.
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The hardest direct route to the summit of Pen y Fan is from Nant Cwm Llwch, as this has the most elevation gain.
However, the Pen y Fan horseshoe is considered more challenging (14km / 800m of elevation) as it involves summiting other peaks.
If you want a tough day in the hills consider hiking the Circuit of the Central Brecon Beacons (21km / 1,086m of elevation) or the Pen y Fan Six Ways ( 32km, 1,800m Elevation)
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There are National Trust car parks at Pont ar Daf Car Park and Storey Arms (west), Cwm Gwdi National Trust or Nant Cwm Llwch Car Park (noth); You can also park at the Neuadd car Park in the Taf Fechan Forest for the horseshoe.
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Allow 3–8 hours, depending on the route and your fitness. The gentle path from Storey Arms or Pont ar Daf is 4 mi/6.5 km involves 454m of elevation gain and takes 3–4 hours; longer circuits via Cwm Llwch or the Horseshoe Ridge take 5–8 hours
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You can hike Pen y Fan alone. The peak is so busy there will always be another person hiking it. The most popular route is from Pont ar Daf.
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There are no toilets on the mountain or summit; the only toilets are at Pont‑ar‑Daf car park.
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Yes, dogs are welcome but must be on a lead and under control.
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Yes. Pen y Fan is significantly easier than hiking Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). The routes are musch shorter, less rugged and involve less elevation gain.
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In dry conditions you can hike up Pen y Fan in trainers, especially if you are hiking from Pont ar Daf However in the wetter conditions and winter I would recommend hiking shoes/boots or trail runners with better grip.
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Brecon is the nearest town (about six miles north of the main trailheads), offering shops, cafés and accommodation.
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So there we have it, a guide to hiking Pen y Fan in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
Did you find the blog useful? If you have any questions or thoughts, leave them in the comments below.
For more hiking inspiration check out my other guides to the Brecon Beacons below.
Central Brecon Beacons
Cwm Llwch Horseshoe
Western Brecon Beacons
Waterfall Country
Eastern Brecon Beacons
