Fan Brycheiniog and Picws Du from Llyn y Fan Fach
Along the dramatic red escarpment of the Black Mountain, above the lake of the legendary Lady of the Lake.
- Distance
- 8.8 km
- Ascent
- 560 m
- Time
- 3–4 h
- Grade
- Hard
- Route
- Out and back
- High point
- 803 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
Fan Brycheiniog and Picws Du from Llyn y Fan Fach is a hard 8.8 km out-and-back walk with 560 m of ascent, taking 3 to 4 hours. It starts at Llyn y Fan Fach car park, Llanddeusant (grid reference SN 802 233). It climbs 2 listed hills, the highest Twr y Fan Foel (Fan Brycheiniog) at 803 m.
Llyn y Fan Fach is a glacial lake beneath a sweeping escarpment, and the setting of the legend of the Lady of the Lake. The route climbs past the lake onto Picws Du and follows the edge east to Fan Brycheiniog, the highest point of the Black Mountain.
The escarpment walking is spectacular, with Llyn y Fan Fawr below.
Route
-
1
Llyn y Fan Fach
Follow the track up to the lake.
-
2
The escarpment
Climb to Picws Du and follow the edge to Fan Brycheiniog. Retrace your steps to the start.
Summits
Picws Du (Bannau Sir Gaer)
749 m
Twr y Fan Foel (Fan Brycheiniog)
803 m
Questions about this walk
- How long does Fan Brycheiniog and Picws Du from Llyn y Fan Fach take?
- Most walkers take 3–4 hours for the 8.8 km route, which has 560 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 Llyn y Fan Fach car park, Llanddeusant (grid reference SN 802 233). 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. Track to the lake; steep, eroded paths; exposed escarpment edge.
- Which hills does it climb?
- Twr y Fan Foel (Fan Brycheiniog) (803 m, Hewitt); Picws Du (Bannau Sir Gaer) (749 m, Hewitt).
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Sheep graze the hills: keep dogs on a lead, especially at lambing time (March to May).
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