The Pen y Fan Horseshoe Hike is one of the best hikes in the Brecon Beacons. The hike is around 8 miles, although this depends on your starting point, of course. We set off from the Neuadd car park near the Neuadd Reservoir, heading roughly north towards the old reservoir pump house. We then took a left, heading roughly east. The path ascends to the Craig y Fan Ddu ridge, where it continues roughly north-north-west until reaching the foot of Corn Du peak.
Corn Du peak is home to a Bronze age cairn, which was formerly a burial ground. There also amazing views including glacial lakes below. The path then continues to the summit of Pen y Fan (886m), the hike's highest point and the highest point in South Wales.
Heading South-East, the path descends towards Cribyn, the third peak on the horseshoe route. After a steep climb to the summit of Cribyn you will probably need a rest and a drink of water! The final descent on the route will take you to a junction with the Gap Road. You can either add another peak to your route, Fan y Big, making a U-turn at the top, or return south, back to the pump house and eventually the car park where you started.
11 сен 2024
