This challenging circular mountain hike is within the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, visiting Pen y Fan and it’s neighbouring peaks. The starting point of this 16 km hike is approximately 30 minute drive from Cwmdu campsite at the Lower Neuadd Reservoir car park.
The Four Peaks
This circular hike takes in the four peaks of Fan y Big, Cribyn, Pen y Fan and Corn Du . Pen y Fan is a peak in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) of South Wales. At 886m, it is the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons and indeed the whole of southern UK. The summit of Fan y Big is well known for a feature called the Diving Board. This is a large, flat stone that protrudes from the escarpment, the backdrop of which is the impressive flat-topped peaks of Cribyn, Pen y Fan and Corn Du. Any photo posing is done at the walker’s own risk!! 
Hike Overview
From Neuadd Car Park, head to the tarmac road and follow it until you reach the entrance of the now empty Lower Neuadd Reservoir. From the bridge, the path ascends pretty steeply up onto the Graig Fan Ddu ridge. Once on top of the ridge, head north along the well-maintained path all the way to Corn Du.
Once you’re ready to leave, you’ll have a little descent and then will ascend again to reach Pen Y Fan. Like Corn Du the summit of Pen Y Fan is also marked by a Bronze Age cairn. This is a great spot for a picnic or a drink break. The descent from the summit is pretty steep, so make sure to go slowly.
Following this, the path will take you straight back up onto your third peak, called Cribyn. Once you’ve descended Cribyn you should reach an old gravel road. Apparently, this was the first road that enabled horse-drawn carriages to cross the mountain range. At this point, you can climb up to Fan Y Big if you wish. If not, you will follow this road all the way back to Lower Neuadd Reservoir. The path will eventually merge with a tarmac road which you will follow back to Neuadd Car park to complete the Pen Y Fan horseshoe ridge hike.
All walkers undertake this walk at their own risk. We recommend checking weather conditions and planning your route prior to the walk and ensuring to take appropriate clothing and footwear.
Additional Information
For further information about Cwmdu Campsite in Wales, please visit our Home Page
To check availability for this season, please fill in a booking form here.
For information on 2025 prices, visit our tariffs page. Click here.
For more information regarding our Glamping Pods, please visit our site here.
HOLIDAY COTTAGES INFORMATION
4* Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages in the Brecon Beacons, 4 miles from Crickhowell and all within 50 yards of Cwmdu Campsite.
We have 2 cosy cottages available to book:
- Efail Isaf – ‘Old Smithy’ – Sleeps 6 in three bedrooms. Cosy cottage with log burner and picturesque garden and panoramic views of the National Park. Infant facilities are available.
- Efail Bach – ‘Little Smithy’ – One-bed cottage with large shower and separate large bath. Fantastic views from the bedroom, living room and garden. BBQ included. Infant facilities are available.
Click Here for more information or to book a Cwmdu Holiday Cottage stay with us!
FIRE AND ICE INFORMATION
Imagine a Fire & Ice experience like no other! Rest and Rejuvenate peacefully in a Nordic wood-fired Sauna & Ice bath with a Scenic mountain view looking out across the Welsh Brecon Beacons National Park, also known as (Bannau Brycheiniog).
Guests can visit in many ways, camp or Glamp at Cwmdu Campsite, stay in one of our four Holiday Cottages, or stop by for an independent session.
