Pen y Fan

08/09/2012

Walk: Upper Neuadd (Hall) Reservoir, Carig Cwm (Valley) Cynwyn, Cribyn, Craig Cwm Sere, Pen y Fan, Corn Du, Craig Gwaun Taf, Craig Fan Ddu, Filter House
Start Point: Lower Neuadd Reservoir Grid Ref: SO 037 169
Distance: 8.75 miles Ascent: 1,930 feet
Weather: Sunny and warm for most of the day Time: 5.25 hours
Comments: It was a pleasant drive from Brecon to the car park south of the filter house (the road did not go as far as the book suggested). The route followed the course of a Roman Road, ascending gradually to the hause/path junction. Climbing quite steeply at first then more gradually, we reached the summit of Cribyn where there was a large number of people. After descending on a good path we climbed again to the summit of Pen y Fan where there was a queue at the summit cairn to take photographs. Before too long we were on our way again with another descent taking us to the climb onto Corn Du. Taking our lunch on the northern flanks we enjoyed the views into the valleys. A good path followed the edge of the escarpment to reach a cairn which signalled the descent. The path followed a steep, rock strewn gully to reach a more gradual section over boggy ground. Passing the filter house we followed the road back to the car.

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Pen y Fan in the centre with Corn Du to the left and the ridge that leads to Cribyn on the right

 

The Upper Neuadd Reservoir comes into view as we gain in height

 

A closer look at the summits . . .

 

and the path steepens ahead

 

Cribyn comes into view as we climb to Craig Cwm Cynwyn . . .

 

and once on the ridge we can see our route more clearly

 

Zooming back down to the Upper Neuadd Reservoir . . .

 

The summit of Cribyn . . .

 

and in the opposite direction Pen y Fan and Corn Du can be seen

 

Light and shadow on the flanks of Pen y Fan . . .

 

and a closer look at the rock structure

 

Looking south from the plateau of Pen y Fan . . .

 

and its summit . . .

 

which is surrounded by . . .

 

a large number of people

 

Leaving Pen y Fan to head for Corn Du . . .

 

and looking back from Corn Du

 

and zooming in there are still lots of people around

 

Corn Du is a little quiter . . .

 

and easier to get a summit photo

 

Looking north from the rocky edge of Corn Du

 

The three summits line up . . .

 

and again as a panorama

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