Pen Y Fan Walk: Everything You Need To Know
Some links in this post contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you use the links at no extra cost to you! Happy reading 😀
Looking for information about the Pen Y Fan walk? You’re in the right place! Pen Y Fan is one of the best hikes in Wales, is popular amongst tourists, and hikers and is even used as military training grounds.
Located in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Pen Y Fan is a scenic route that is suitable for those with moderate-good fitness. When we visited Wales to do the Pen Y Fan walk, we were greeted with torrential rain and mist. Did it put us off? Of course not!
In the following post, we delve into why you should hike Pen Y Fan, what you’ll need to take, the type of terrain and how you can complete the Pen Y Fan walk with ease.
Going on a Wales road trip? Check out my detailed itinerary and route here!
The Pen Y Fan Walk: A Summary
Every year, more than 120,000 people hike Pen Y Fan. Known as the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons area, the Pen Y Fan walk is perfect for someone who loves beautiful viewpoints but doesn’t enjoy long and tiring hiking days.
That isn’t to say the Pen Y Fan walk is easy (it isn’t), but it can be completed by anyone with moderate fitness levels.
Located in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, Pen Y Fan measures 886m above sea level. The highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons has no sheer edges or drops, risky ridges or elements that may feel intimidating. It’s a relatively wide path throughout, which will take less than half a day to complete.
If you do a quick Google search of Pen Y Fan, you’ll see many advanced climbing websites claim it to be a walk for ‘softies’. It’s one anyone can do, and it’s practically a ‘piece of cake’. Well, this wasn’t our experience, and anyone who’s not a regular hiker may feel the same.
Whilst it wasn’t as difficult as hiking the fire volcano Acatenango in Guatemala, or Scafell Pike, the highest point in England, it’s not a climb for ‘softies‘. It’s still tough, and exhausting. But, the views from the top and the sense of achievement you’ll feel after makes it all worth it!
Pen Y Fan: Quick Statistics
Pen Y Fan is one of the most well-known hikes in Wales. If you’re looking to hike Pen Y Fan, use the information below to plan your trip!
| Highest point | 886 (2907ft) |
| Elevation gained (from the car park) | 440m (1443ft) |
| Total distance | 4 miles |
| Time needed | 3-4 hours |
| Difficulty level | Moderate |
| Facilities available | Toilets in the car park, but none on the route. A small burger van at the Pont Ar Daf car park. |
| Starting point | Multiple, but the most popular include Storey Arms or Pont Ar Daf car park |
| Parking | Pont Ar Daf car park or the Storey Arms outdoor centre |
| Closest village | Brecon |
How long does it take to walk up Pen Y Fan?
This depends on which route you choose to hike Pen Y Fan. The ‘motorway’ route starts at the Pont Ar Daf car park, and is a total of four miles (bearing in mind a lot of this is uphill, so it will feel a lot further!) and will take roughly three hours to complete. This is the most popular Pen Y Fan starting point.
The Storey Arms to Pen Y Fan route is a little steeper, but it will take a shorter amount of time (2-2.5 hours).
Struggling to pronounce Pen Y Fan?
I was too! Especially as I believe it was just ‘pen-ny-fan‘. Turns out, it’s not! ‘Pen uh van‘ is the correct pronunciation.
How high is Pen Y Fan?
Pen Y Fan is the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons. It is 886m above sea level and has a 440m elevation gain from the car park.
Where to stay for the Pen Y Fan walk
As long as you stay somewhere in the South of Wales, you will be able to reach the Brecon Beacons national park easily. Even from Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons is just a 90 minute drive away.
However, if you want to stay within the Brecon Beacons national park (which I recommend), here are some of the best accommodations.
- The Three Cock’s B&B: a wholesome hotel in the middle of the Brecon Beacons national park. ➡ Check prices now!
- Flora’s Cabin: a beautiful private cabin with surrounding views of the Brecon Beacon mountains. ➡ Check prices now!
- Glanhenwye Courtyard Cottages: private cottages with your own patio and outside space. ➡ Check prices now!
Where is Pen Y Fan?
Pen Y Fan is in the Brecon Beacons National Park, in Wales, the United Kingdom. It is near the small (but beautiful) town of Brecon. If you have some spare time, try learning more about the area on this tour!
Getting to the Pen Y Fan starting point
🚗 TRAVELLING TO PEN Y FAN BY CAR
Depending on the route you are taking to hike Pen Y Fan, there are multiple car parks you will need to reach by car. The most popular options are the Storey Arms car park and the Pont Ar Daf car park. ➡ Need directions? Click here to see the Pont Ar Darf directions on Google Maps.
Travelling by yourself?
🚗 Check out Rentalcars to find the suitable vehicle for the comfortable trip
Click to rent🚌 TRAVELLING TO PEN Y FAN BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
TRAIN: If you are taking the train to the Brecon Beacons National Park, you will need to Merthyr Tydfil. This is the closest train station for the Pen Y Fan walk. Trains run daily from Cardiff and Pontypridd every half hour, taking one hour.
Alternatively, trains run to other locations in the Brecon Beacons, like Abergavenny and Llandovery. These are both spots that will bring you close to Pen Y Fan, but you will need to organise a taxi to your accommodation upon arrival. Train tickets in the UK must be bought in advance, especially if you want the cheapest prices! ➡ VIEW TRAIN PRICES NOW!
BUS: Buses run regularly from South Wales and Hereford. The T4 runs from Cardiff to Newtown via Brecon, and the T6 runs from Swansea to Brecon. ➡ VIEW BUS PRICES NOW!
Where to park for the Pen Y Fan walk
There are four main routes for the Pen Y Fan summit, and parking depends on which route you take.
- For the ‘motorway’ route to Pen Y Fan, park at the Pont Ar Daf car park. ➡ View on Google maps here.
- For the Storey Arms, steeper route, park at the Storey Arms. ➡ View on Google maps here.
- For the horseshoe route via Cwm Taf Fechan, park at car park in Taf Fechan Forest. ➡ View on Google maps here.
- For the Nant Cwm Llwch route, park in the Nant Cwm Llwch car park. ➡ View on Google maps here.
Pen Y Fan weather
Weather in the mountains can change fast. In fact, due to the extreme changes in weather on Pen Y Fan, it is regarded as one of the most dangerous mountains in Wales. If you are hiking Pen Y Fan, be sure to check the weather conditions beforehand on the Met Weather Forecast.
The four routes for the Pen Y Fan walk
There are 4 main routes for the Pen Y Fan walk.
🗻 1) STOREY ARMS TO PEN Y FAN
📍Storey Arms Car Park
This is a 7.2km circular route with a red postbox marking the starting point. There is a clear path to the summit from the starting point and will take around 90-120 minutes each way. Storey Arms to Pen Y Fan is often used for military training.
You will summit at Corn Du first, a distinctive flat base, and then walk the final ascent to Pen Y Fan.
🗻 2) PONT AR DAF TO PEN Y FAN
📍 Pont Ar Daf car park
The most popular route, and also known as the ‘motorway’ route. It is known for being ever-so-slightly easier than the other three routes, due to its wide paths. Again 90-120 minutes on both the ascent and descent.
🗻 3) THE HORSESHOE ROUTE TO PEN Y FAN
📍 Taf Fechan Forest car park
One of the longest routes to Pen Y Fan is via the Horseshoe from Cwm Taf Fechan. It can take up to 6 hours to complete and is the most popular route for mountain bikers.
🗻 4) CWM LLWCH TO PEN Y FAN
📍 Nant Cwm Llwch car park
The route to Pen Y Fan where you’ll gain the most height (approximately 600m) is from Cwm Llwch. This Pen Y Fan route will take you around 2.5 hours each way, and is one of the quietest ways to the summit.
Pen Y Fan Route Description: The terrain
The terrain throughout the Pen Y Fan walk is gravel and stone. There are some parts with uneven surfaces, but the path is wide enough to continue with ease. There are no sheer edges or drops whilst hiking Pen Y Fan.
As the weather in Wales is so unpredictable, it is advised to wear hiking boots. The weather can change quickly, and in trainers or other shoes, the terrain can become slippery and dangerous.
What can you see on the Pen Y Fan walk?
If it’s a sunny day when you summit Pen Y Fan, you’ll see views of the Black Mountains, the Gower Peninsula, Exmoor, the majority of the Beacons, and the South Wales valleys.
If the weather is bad, it’s unlikely that you’ll see much. The visibility will be next to nothing if it’s raining – but don’t be disheartened! You’ve still summited one of the highest mountains in the UK!
Hiking Pen Y Fan with a tour
If you’re travelling the UK solo, or your family or friends don’t want to hike Pen Y Fan, there are tours you can join to meet new people. This is one of my favourite ways to make friends when travelling solo, and hiking mountains is no exception!
If you would like to hike Pen Y Fan with a tour, I recommend the following trips:
- Incredible 3-hour sunset tour on Pen Y Fan: Check prices now!
- Hiking Pen Y Fan group tour: Check prices now!
- Sunset & Stars Guided Hiking Trip in the Brecon Beacons: Check prices now!
- Sunset Hike on the Brecon Beacons: Check prices now!
Pen Y Fan FAQs
1) Do I have to be fit to do the Pen Y Fan walk?
Yes, you’re climbing a mountain, so your levels of fitness need to be good! But of course, you can do the Pen Y Fan walk at your own pace. Take it slow and have breaks. A basic-moderate level of fitness is required to hike Pen Y Fan.
2) Can I do the Pen Y Fan walk if I’m scared of heights?
In general, yes, as there are no sheer edges or drops. If you are hiking Pen Y Fan with a fear of heights, choose the motorway route. This route has the flattest and widest paths.
3) Is Pen Y Fan harder than Snowden?
Pen Y Fan reaches a peak of 886m, whilst Snowden is 1085m, which is considerably higher. Based on this, Snowden is harder to climb than Pen Y Fan. Pen Y Fan also has a lot of ‘flat’ and wide walkways. Snowden’s paths vary and have more drops, edges and inclines.
4) What’s the easiest route up Pen Y Fan?
All routes are moderately challenging whilst doing the Pen Y Fan walk, but the ‘easiest’ is said to be the ‘motorway’ walk, which has less of an incline.
5) What time of day is best to climb Pen Y Fan?
You can hike Pen Y Fan at any time of the day. However, common sense says to avoid the midday sun and to be finished by sunset. The quietest time to hike Pen Y Fan is early in the morning.
6) Is Pen Y Fan steep?
This depends on the route, but not particularly. The motorway route is less steep than the Storey Arms route but still manageable.
7) Are there toilets on the Pen Y Fan walk?
No, the only toilets are in the starting car parks. From then, you’ll need to nature pee. Don’t forget toilet paper!
8) Why is there a stone pile at the summit of Pen Y Fan?
The stone pile at the top of Pen Y Fan represents a burial ground from the Bronze Age. It is now joined by the large stone plaque marking the highest point of the peak, marked by the National Trust.
9) What does Pen Y Fan mean?
The Welsh phrase ‘Pen Y Fan’ actually roughly translates as the ‘top spot’ or the ‘top one’. Fitting as Pen Y Fan is the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons!
10) Is Pen Y Fan suitable for dogs?
Yes, Pen Y fan is suitable for dogs.
11) What should I wear for the Pen Y Fan walk?
Sturdy shoes, lots of layers with a coat or fleece (especially if you’re hiking in the winter), and flexible leggings or trousers for comfort.
Still take an extra layer even in warmer months, due to the changing weather conditions at the top. Remember to also take a reusable water bottle, some protein snacks and your camera!
12) Do I need hiking boots for the Pen Y Fan walk?
The terrain is bumpy and uneven, and can be dangerous in bad weather. It is recommended to wear hiking boots. These particular hiking boots are my favourite as they’re comfortable, waterproof, durable and slip-proof.
13) Do I need a SIM card to hike Pen Y Fan?
If you’re not from the UK, it’s worth downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and avoid roaming charges as soon as you arrive.
ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing! Plus, there are eSIMs available for the entire continent of Europe, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!
The Pen Y Fan Walk: In a Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the Pen Y Fan walk. When you’re planning a trip to Wales, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Wales content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
📍LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER! 📍
MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
