Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The walk makes a circuit from the car park at Cwm Gwdi, on the quiet northern side of Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons). After a stretch of lane it climbs the Bryn Teg ridge, over Bryn Teg (620 m), to Cribyn (794 m), then crosses the col to Pen y Fan (886 m) and goes on to Corn Du (872 m). From there it comes back a few hundred metres towards Pen y Fan and returns down the Cefn Cwm Llwch ridge to the start. The northern faces here are steep glacial escarpments, unlike the gentle southern slopes.
It is 11.6 km with 832 m of ascent; allow about 6 hours. The grade is Hard: a long climb up Bryn Teg, then steep pulls to Cribyn and Pen y Fan.
The paths run near the escarpment edges, so keep back from the drop in wind and mist. Carry a map and compass, check the mountain forecast and be ready to turn back. In winter the ridges hold snow and ice and need an ice axe, crampons and experience.
The car park charges a fee. There are no mapped water sources on the route.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- The quiet northern side of the Beacons: up the Bryn Teg ridge to Cribyn, over Pen y Fan and Corn Du
- Down the Cefn Cwm Llwch ridge
- The northern faces are steep glacial escarpments, unlike the gentle southern slopes
Summits on the way
- Bryn Teg 620 m
- Cribyn 794 m
- Pen y Fan 886 m
- Corn Du 872 m
- Cefn Cwm Llwch 701 m
Getting there
Start: Cwm Gwdi · Pay and display. 51.91372, -3.41920
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Merthyr Tydfil: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
