Pen y Fan and Cribyn from the Taf Fechan
A quieter way up Pen y Fan, along the escarpment from the Taf Fechan valley and over Cribyn.
- Distance
- 14.7 km
- Ascent
- 700 m
- Time
- 4.5–6 h
- Grade
- Hard
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 886 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Pen y Fan and Cribyn from the Taf Fechan is a hard 14.7 km circular walk with 700 m of ascent, taking 4.5 to 6 hours. It starts at Taf Fechan forest car park, below the Neuadd reservoirs (grid reference SO 031 167). It climbs 2 listed hills, the highest Pen y Fan at 886 m.
Pen y Fan is the highest mountain in southern Britain, and this route avoids the crowds of the main path. From the car park below the Neuadd reservoirs, it climbs onto the escarpment and follows it north to Corn Du and Pen y Fan.
It then drops to the col and climbs Cribyn, with its steep north face, before returning along the old Roman road down the 'Gap'.
Route
-
1
The escarpment
Climb from the reservoirs onto the escarpment and follow it to Pen y Fan.
-
2
Cribyn
Descend to the col and climb Cribyn.
-
3
The Gap
Return by the Gap road and the reservoirs.
Summits
Other routes up these hills
Questions about this walk
- How long does Pen y Fan and Cribyn from the Taf Fechan take?
- Most walkers take 4.5–6 hours for the 14.7 km route, which has 700 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Taf Fechan forest car park, below the Neuadd reservoirs (grid reference SO 031 167). Small car park at the end of the road.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded hard. Good, eroded paths; steep sections; exposed escarpment edges.
- Which hills does it climb?
- Pen y Fan (886 m, Hewitt); Cribyn (794 m, Hewitt).
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: National Trust land. Sheep graze the hills: keep dogs on a lead, especially at lambing time (March to May).
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