Pen y Fan

At 886 m (2,907 ft), Pen y Fan is the highest mountain in South Wales and the jewel of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Its broad, flat summit and sweeping ridges make it one of the most popular hikes in the UK, offering accessible adventure with spectacular views. The most direct and family-friendly route begins from the Pont ar Daf car park, climbing steadily along a well-maintained path to the summit plateau. Though short, the ascent is rewarding, with each step revealing more of the surrounding landscape: rolling green hills, steep-sided valleys, and shimmering reservoirs such as Llyn Cwm Llwch. On clear days, the views stretch across mid-Wales to the Bristol Channel and even the mountains of Snowdonia. At the top, a large National Trust cairn marks the summit, often surrounded by walkers pausing to take in the vast panorama. For those seeking a longer day out, Pen y Fan can be combined with neighbouring Corn Du, Cribyn, and Fan y Big for a classic horseshoe ridge walk.