Pen-y-Fan

Pen-y-Fan

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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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  • Francis
    Rotterdam, The Netherlands379 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful but tough walk
    Beautiful walk to the highest mountain in south Wales. We did this with a toddler in the baby carrier. It was challenging, because it was much further and steeper than we had anticipated. You really have to be fit to start this climb. The path is easily accessible and continues upwards in one section. Nice view once you get to the top. There are different routes, check these well in advance.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 6 May 2024
  • Anonymous
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing but easy to loose your sense of direction!
    Absolutely amazing experience climbing Pen-y-fan, totally worth it! We climbed in weather that was a bit unpredictable, when nearing the summit it became extremely windy and started to rain in what seemed like a split second - be aware of sudden weather changes. Also, as we are not “experienced” hikers, we did end up getting a bit lost on the way back and ended up on the challenging horseshoe route. Not signposted anywhere and easy to loose your bearings, especially if it’s misty. It was 1 simple wrong turn which took us this way and we didn’t realise until about 30 mins in, which we then luckily met some lovely people who walked back with us. Not a huge issue if you don’t mind a more challenging walk. Otherwise a lovely experience, just be aware of your surroundings and come prepared, it’s an amazing hike.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 14 May 2024
  • Francesco P
    Merthyr Tydfil, United Kingdom204 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Pen y Fan
    My daughter and I went to Pen Y Fan with her school today. The car parking machine doesn't accept the card, and I hadn't my phone signal and I wasn't able to use the app so I parked on the road, luckily we were before 9am so plenty of free space. Great day and nice weather. I noticed a lot of rubbish and dog 💩 left in the dog bags long the way.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 18 May 2024
  • Thia123
    Leeds, United Kingdom532 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing views
    Climbed Pen-y fan on a lovely clear Sunday. Climb not too bad found it harder coming down. The views from the top were amazing and worth the trek. Went quite early in the morning to avoid crowds. Highly recommend going into Brecon town after for Sunday lunch at the Tap followed but ice cream at Llanfaes Dairy.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 26 May 2024
  • Chez H
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My first hike.
    Walked up Pen-y-Fan for the first time. Such an incredible experience. I'm not the fittest so when I finally made it to the top, it was such an achievement. The views were stunning. We were lucky and had a hot and sunny day so we could see for miles and miles. Absolutely breathtaking.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 10 June 2024
  • Guy M
    Montbeliard, France752 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unmissable summit
    Mountain easy to climb. Crowded parking lot. If there is no space, you can park along the road in a small reservation. Superb views along the route and reward at the top where everyone takes a photo of their little sporting exploit.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 June 2024
  • Catherine L
    Barrow Upon Soar, United Kingdom50 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning views!
    We climbed Pen y Fan for the first time while staying in Brecon. We parked in the new National Trust car park and being members we didn't have to pay, its £7.50 for non members. We went on a Monday and arrived about 9.45 am and it wasn't busy at all. The weather was sunshine and clouds and not too warm which was perfect as you generate a lot of heat on the way up! But you also need a fleece/coat when you reach the summit as its chilly up there. It took us 1 hour 20 mins to reach the top and we didn't go quickly, but we are reasonably fit pair of nearly 60 year olds as we do a lot of walking but not a lot of hill walking, we were surprised how easy we found it as we'd climbed Snowdon a few years ago and that was a tough one! We used hiking poles and they did help. Took us an hour to come down. It's tough on the knees and legs coming down. The paths are a mixture of gravel and rocky areas, so care is needed as they are trip hazards. The views all the way up are stunning and from the top are just beautiful. We are so glad we did it, so if you are thinking about it then give it a go, doesn't matter how long it takes you, the views are worth it and you will have a great sense of achievement when you reach the summit!
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 23 June 2024
  • kirsty1977
    70 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My favourite place
    I've loved this place for years and am a regular visitor, I took my daughter recently to watch the sunrise from the top and what a great way to start the day! Beautiful views, friendly people and amazing scenery. Take another layer for the top as it can get chilly up there, steep climb but worth it!
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 26 June 2024
  • Sandra B
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Pen-y-fan hike 08/24
    Challenging but exciting! We went up with our daughter and she loved it!! Requires a moderate level of fitness, but pretty much anyone can do it! completed in under 2 hours and our family aren’t hikers but we often do walks . Can get chilly near the top so take a jumper no matter if it sunny ! Challenge yourself and have a go at Pen - Y-Fan!!
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 12 August 2024
  • Toni
    23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hike of a lifetime
    What a trip! I went solo hiking in August. Its a bit challenging (lot's of uphill), but it was definitely worth it. Amazing view from above. I would say the hill before the Pen Y Fan is more beautiful to me, but both were amazing. I also climbed down to the small lake. Incredible! Definitely a trip worth of your time.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 19 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles1,019 reviews
Excellent
860
Very good
136
Average
18
Poor
1
Terrible
4

Tanya M
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2025 • Couples
The mountain hike was definitely a challenging but rewarding experience. The ascent took us around 2 hours, with regular breaks to catch our breath, as the path is steep and tough in places. There are no benches or designated resting spots along the way, so it’s important to plan for that. The trail was quite slippery, especially after rain, and there were a few small streams to hop over, which added to the fun but also required some caution.

I would highly recommend wearing sturdy walking boots, as they’ll give you the grip and support needed for the uneven terrain. The weather at the summit was freezing, so gloves are definitely a must, and don’t forget to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout.

The descent is much quicker, taking around an hour, but be careful as it can be slippery on the way down as well. Parking costs £12.50 for the day, paid via a convenient pay-by-phone app.

Though the hike is tough, the view from the top makes it all worth it. The sense of achievement and the stunning scenery at the summit are truly rewarding. If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, I’d 100% recommend it!
Written 3 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Shin T
29 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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!
Written 13 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Caroline G
Cheltenham, UK11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Family
Pen y Fan was a must do for our short break in the Brecon Beacons. I had climbed the mountain as a child 45 years before and I wanted to touch the sky again at this beautiful place. It is fair to say the the ascent was tough and I had to catch my breath (or admire the view) many times on the route from the Pont ar Daf car park. The path is clearly marked and even on a Wednesday in September there was alot of visitors. Walking boots and poles are essential and dress for the weather and be prepared for rapid changes. Take food and drink with you, there are toilets in the car park and a helpful guide who will explain the various walking routes opinions.
This is a beautiful place and the views are breathtaking. It is definitely worth the time and energy to get to the top before winding back down via Corn Du and via the Storey Centre.
Parking is free for National Trust members but £7.50 for others. There is also parking available in laybys off the main road for free.
Written 24 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

brit_0124
Gloucestershire, UK7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
We visited Pen y Fan on 10th January 2024. Parked at Pont ar Daf car park. Plenty of spaces at 11:30am, lots of Accessible Parking Bays. Parking charges are FREE for Blue Badge Holders, FREE for National Trust Members and £7.50 for Non-members.

There are 'basic' toilets in the car park including Accessible facilities.

The weather can change very quickly so be prepared for all conditions.

The trails are NOT accessible with Electric Scooters, as you would expect but the scenery is awesome!

Written 11 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

explorer-beans
Southampton, UK51 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Written 14 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hayden W
1 contribution
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 • Business
Went up Pen Y Fan for Geography Fieldwork. The views from both Corn Du and Pen Y Fan are amazing, and people are generally considerate. In traditional welsh fashion, lots of sheep. Paths get repaired regularly, but the toilets are grim. Although there is a slightly expensive car park (Pont Y Daf), some muppets still park in the world famous "A470" car park/main road. If this is you, stop before you get killed please. We don't need stupid ghosts haunting the mountain.
Written 26 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

josephrayner15
Neath, UK26 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 25 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gareth J
Cardiff, UK14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2020
Pen y fan is easilly accessible and you can be at the top within an hours walk depending on your fitness level. I've visited through all the seasons but winter is my favourite time to visit with snow covered hills and a sky full of stars, there's also a handy burger van in the car park for some breakfast in the morning after a night on the hills :)

At the right time of year and geomagnetic level its possible to the aurora borealis (northern lights) over Pen y fan which is a rare sight to see this far south in the UK.

With more and more people accessing the mountain the amount of litter is increasing, please if you are reading this and decide to visit, bring your rubbish home with you and that includes bags of dogs mess!
Written 30 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Samantha E
104 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023
Climbed this mountain with my husband on a dull Thursday afternoon in the height of summer! Was a little worried as my fitness isn't to his level. He has walked the Whole of the south West Coast Path and climbed Ben Nevis so was a little worried that he would bound up and i'd be left behind. They say the trail is moderate and I would agree. The beginning is more difficult I would say as it was a little steeper and many rocks form the path. The higher you climb the easier it becomes but I did puff my way to the top! Saying that it only took an hour. The entire up and down with time to explore the two peaks was only 2 hours 15 mins. The Red Kite pair were flying at the top of Corn Du which was amazing.
Beware the loos as the bottom were closed by 4.30pm although I believe the disabled loos were still open.
It's a national trust car park that you have to pay for and even though I had stupidly left my card at home on this trip the lovely ladies wrote me a ticket bypassing the ticket machine.
there was a chap selling teas from a van at 2pm but again was gone by 4.30pm.
Great achievement climbing this last did it aged 10 on a school trip. I remember it being easier back then!
Written 18 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Desislava Andreeva
Portsmouth, UK436 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Couples
We took the horseshoe trail, got to one of the car parks nearby the mountain railway and we started the hiking from there. The hiking in total takes about 6hrs, but we needed toilet, so we went down to the main car park for toilet and then up again to the first summon, then we reached Pen Y Fan and then the rest. The whole journey was about 8hrs with breaks. It was a great hike! The crowd is on the main route, and after Pen Y Fan it was quiet. Be aware to dress well as the weather is rapidly changing and it was very windy up there even in august! A recommendation, there could be more detailed forecast about the weather around the summon like there is for Ben Nevis in Scotland…
Written 28 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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PEN-Y-FAN (2025) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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