Pen y Fan

Q: How tall is Pen y Fan?

Pen y Fan is 886 metres (2,907 feet) tall, making it the highest mountain in South Wales and the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog). It's the third highest peak in the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge.

Q: How long does it take to climb Pen y Fan?

From the Pont ar Daf car park via the 'Motorway' path, the round trip takes approximately 2-3 hours. The Storey Arms route is similar. From the Cwm Gwdi car park, allow 3-4 hours for the longer but quieter approach.

Q: Where can I park for Pen y Fan?

Main car parks include: Pont ar Daf (postcode LD3 8NL) on the A470, Storey Arms lay-by, and Cwm Gwdi car park (postcode LD3 7LR) for the eastern approach. Pont ar Daf fills early on weekends - arrive before 9am.

Q: What is the easiest route up Pen y Fan?

The 'Motorway' path from Pont ar Daf is the most popular and direct route - a well-maintained stone path with steady gradients. It's called the Motorway because it's the busiest route. The round trip is approximately 6.4km.

Q: Is Pen y Fan the highest mountain in South Wales?

Yes, Pen y Fan at 886 metres is the highest peak in South Wales, the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog), and the highest point in Britain south of Snowdonia. Its distinctive flat-topped summit is instantly recognisable.

Pen y Fan is the highest mountain in South Wales and the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), standing at 886 metres (2,907 feet). Its distinctive flat-topped summit and dramatic northern escarpment make it one of the most recognisable peaks in Wales.

Height

886m (2,907ft)

South Wales's highest

Grid Reference

SO 012 215

OS Map

Explorer OL12

Round Trip

9km (5.6 miles)

Pen y Fan Route Map

Elevation profile of the Pen y Fan route

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Pen y Fan GPX Route Downloads

Download the GPX files for Pen y Fan: Pen y Fan route and Pen y Fan GPX track.

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Pen y Fan

Pen y Fan Route Map

Elevation profile of the Pen y Fan route

Pen y Fan GPX Route Downloads

Map for Pen y Fan

OS Explorer OL12

Pen y Fan

Pen y Fan Route Map

Elevation profile of the Pen y Fan route

Pen y Fan GPX Route Downloads

Map for Pen y Fan

OS Explorer OL12

OS Explorer OL12 Map, Brecon Beacons National Park West & Central