Pen-y-Fan
5
About
At just under 3,000 feet, this is the highest mountain in South Wales and the jewel in the crown that is the Brecon Beacons National Park.
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2 within 3 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
972 reviews
Excellent
825
Very good
127
Average
16
Poor
1
Terrible
2
josephrayner15
Neath, UK27 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
Taking the slightly harder route from the storey arms was well worth the challenge for me and my seven year old. We set off at 0 centigrade which meant a good pace would keep us warm. Spectacular scenery as we climbed above 600 metres. One hour and twenty minutes later we reached the summit. With a wind chill of minus 8 it was a little uncomfortable so a quick photo and an immediate descent seemed sensible. Although my granddaughter is tough I would recommend slightly warmer weather for young children, perhaps 10 degrees or above. Well worth it.
Written February 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shin T
9 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
What an amazing scenery! We parked at Pont Ar Daf car park, ascended from this car park and down to the Storey Arms. My daughters are 9 and 13 years old and journey including picnic lunch took us 3 hours. 1 1/2 hour up and 1 hour down. I would think it would be quicker if you go down on the same route 30-45 min to the Carpark instead of to the storey arms. The parking is free at the moment but will be chargeable from April when the building work is finished according to the National Trust volunteer we met today.
It’s a little windy and cold at the peak and make sure u have hats and gloves ready despite it was very sunny today.
Definitely recommend to bring a picnic lunch and hot coffee to enjoy the picturesque view!
I was quite surprised there aren’t any roaming sheep about and the whole
trailis very clean with no animals dropping like other National parks we’d been to. Definitely will come back!
It’s a little windy and cold at the peak and make sure u have hats and gloves ready despite it was very sunny today.
Definitely recommend to bring a picnic lunch and hot coffee to enjoy the picturesque view!
I was quite surprised there aren’t any roaming sheep about and the whole
trailis very clean with no animals dropping like other National parks we’d been to. Definitely will come back!
Written February 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Clive T
Haverfordwest, UK204 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
After many years of saying we would walk Pen Y Fan we’ve eventually done it.
Wife has rheumatoid but managed going up to 700 Mtrs before deciding to go back down.
After reaching to summit I did a circuit which brought me back down to the Storey Arms Outdoor Centre.
Wife has rheumatoid but managed going up to 700 Mtrs before deciding to go back down.
After reaching to summit I did a circuit which brought me back down to the Storey Arms Outdoor Centre.
Written February 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Inwanderment
Herefordshire, UK1,712 contributions
Jan 2023
Well its a few years since we first did Pen Y Fan and we are now much fitter! We can get up to the top in about 45 mins and a gentle pace and whilst we do LOVE the views we always find it a little too busy for our liking and prefer the cats back, dragons back and those lesser known peaks which are not as far into Brecon.
Every time we have been (about five times now) it is just so so busy that it takes away from the enjoyment of the views and the nature aspect but thats just our opinion.
If you can ignore that you will love it, if you want a quiet oasis then go elsewhere!
Every time we have been (about five times now) it is just so so busy that it takes away from the enjoyment of the views and the nature aspect but thats just our opinion.
If you can ignore that you will love it, if you want a quiet oasis then go elsewhere!
Written February 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
explorer-beans
Southampton, UK29 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Lovely part of the country. Walk up to the summit was manageable, and they’ve made sure the path is maintained (they ask you not to walk on the grass) to reduce slipping and accidents. My fitness levels are so-so, and I got a little winded at first but once I got into the rhythm it was fine.
On the day of our visit, the weather was pretty rubbish, rain & wind etc, but that can’t be helped. Still had a really enjoyable time.
Make sure you wear / take comfortable and warm clothing and footwear. Despite the rain, the temperature was mild at the bottom, but as expected, as you walk up, it becomes colder and the wind picks up. At the summit the wind was blowing at about 70mph (and I genuinely thought I was going to blow over the side. Not actually sure that’s possible though) and it was raining sideways. So I would urge caution.
Sadly we couldn’t see anything at the top, because of the cloud cover. But that’s fine, we’ll just go again and hope for the sun is out. Walking back down was difficult because of the weather and I was starting to get cold.
There was a car park with plenty of spaces and some portaloos - not the cleanest of loos, but much better than at a festival. I’m not sure if they’re working to install a visitor centre or something, but there was work going on around the car park. There was no where to buy refreshments, but we took our own water anyway.
Please note, this is part of nature and FREE; therefore there are no safety rails/ attendants/ gift shops. It feels silly having to say this, but I heard people complaining about it. If you want all the mod-cons, go somewhere else.
It took us about 1hr 30 to walk up, and about 45 mins down, but we were hampered by the winds/ rain. Really pleased I did this, and would definitely go again.
On the day of our visit, the weather was pretty rubbish, rain & wind etc, but that can’t be helped. Still had a really enjoyable time.
Make sure you wear / take comfortable and warm clothing and footwear. Despite the rain, the temperature was mild at the bottom, but as expected, as you walk up, it becomes colder and the wind picks up. At the summit the wind was blowing at about 70mph (and I genuinely thought I was going to blow over the side. Not actually sure that’s possible though) and it was raining sideways. So I would urge caution.
Sadly we couldn’t see anything at the top, because of the cloud cover. But that’s fine, we’ll just go again and hope for the sun is out. Walking back down was difficult because of the weather and I was starting to get cold.
There was a car park with plenty of spaces and some portaloos - not the cleanest of loos, but much better than at a festival. I’m not sure if they’re working to install a visitor centre or something, but there was work going on around the car park. There was no where to buy refreshments, but we took our own water anyway.
Please note, this is part of nature and FREE; therefore there are no safety rails/ attendants/ gift shops. It feels silly having to say this, but I heard people complaining about it. If you want all the mod-cons, go somewhere else.
It took us about 1hr 30 to walk up, and about 45 mins down, but we were hampered by the winds/ rain. Really pleased I did this, and would definitely go again.
Written January 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vinod P
3 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Great walk: plenty of car parking space
Good coffee shop
Amazing views on the top
Keep yourself warm
Good coffee shop
Amazing views on the top
Keep yourself warm
Written January 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MKP90
Bridgend, UK13 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Beautiful views. Highly recommend. Take your time and just enjoy. When you complete it, goal achieved . Cant wait to go again x
Written September 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beth
Bristol, UK976 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
Sadly our trip to Pen Y Fan was scuppered by the clouds, heavy, painful rain, and freezing cold. We walked one route on the way up and another on the way down. About 3/4 of the way down we did get a but of a view. Car parking was a bit of a chaotic nightmare. There were two fast food vans doing a roaring trade in burgers, tea and hot chocolate to warm the bones in the car park.
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BPWGo
Merthyr Tydfil, UK300 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
I did the sunrise walk. Definitely worth the early rise in the dark. Do take a head torch, water and a warm top and of course a camera for the fantastic views. Now I want to do the sunset walk. I’m not the fittest or youngest of people but I managed it. Just take your time and you’ll get there.
Written August 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Yvonne_lovestotravel
Spijkenisse, The Netherlands1,275 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
We walked last week the Pen Y Fan, we had super Nice weather. The hike to the pen y fan top and back it’s about 3 a 4 hours. But the scenery is beautiful.
Written August 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karen S
Leigh-on Sea, UK7 contributions
Is the easy route paved all the way and east to follow?
ejsaidu
Manchester, UK26 contributions
Is the Beacon’s Circuit achievable by a 5 year old?
matt66London
Peasedown St John, UK175 contributions
No. It will be too tiring for a five year old. Also the ground is too uneven with cracks. Child’s foot will get stuck. Too dangerous.
Xavier Jimenez
Mersin, Türkiye120 contributions
Long route?
Hello. Is there a long circular route from this car park ? How many hours ? Thanks
Seaside59913136254
Sutton, UK
Where is the best place for accommodation? I am looking for somewhere quite close.
MrsSAJennings
London, UK421 contributions
It depends on your requirements.
A youth hostel close by is ideal if you want a no frills stay.
Otherwise there are so many b&b’s locally.
Xavier Jimenez
Mersin, Türkiye120 contributions
Where can we park? Thanks
Martin G.
Bristol, UK112 contributions
A car park by Storey Arms pub, LD3 8NL
Kimberly E
Ogmore Vale, UK
Hi, going to walk pen-y-fan tomorrow but not sure where to park that has public toilets? Which is the easy route?
Nicola B
Exeter, UK98 contributions
Apparently Pont R Daf (down from Storey Arms) car park has toilets. Follow Beacon Way up to Corn Du and then across to Pen Y Fan. This I believe is the easiest route.
Angel
1 contribution
Is parking free? Also what’s maximum stay please? x
Shaun S
Nailsworth, UK8 contributions
there is no charge to park but there is a small layby or park alnongside the road. i would think it gets really busy so parking could be an issue we went early in teh year when snow was still on teh top and we drove for a bit to find somewhere to park. that said its free and a great trek well worth a little hassle parking
Trudyt76
1 contribution
Could I take a buggy for some of the route, hide it and carry my 3 year old for part of it?
Stephen D
Swansea, UK119 contributions
Personally it’s not suitable for a buggy and to be honest it gets very cold up there and would rethink about taking a baby up there. I have done the climb myself and seen small children crying up the top either due to aching legs feet or just the cold temperature up the summit
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest an editPen-y-Fan (Brecon Beacons National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Pen-y-Fan
- We recommend booking Pen-y-Fan tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Pen-y-Fan tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Pen-y-Fan:
- (4.66 mi) The Coach House
- (4.82 mi) The Lodge Brecon B&B
- (4.76 mi) The Grange Guest House
- (4.88 mi) The Town House at Brecon B&B
- (4.76 mi) Ty Helyg Guest House
- Restaurants near Pen-y-Fan:
- (4.77 mi) Hop In Beer & Gin
- (4.21 mi) The Old Barn Tea Room
- (2.64 mi) The Tai'r Bull Inn
- (5.62 mi) The Three Horseshoes
- (6.55 mi) The International Welsh Rarebit Centre
- Attractions near Pen-y-Fan:
- (0.31 mi) River Africa Discover
- (3.59 mi) Good Day Out
- (4.10 mi) Alpaca my Boots
- (3.59 mi) Dragonfly Cruises
- (5.24 mi) Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer