Pen y Fan & Corn Du Walk
Two of the highest peaks in the Beacon Beacons (Pen y Fan is 2938ft). A great walk commanding spectacular views over the surrounding countryside.
Distance covered: 6.5 miles
Average time: 4 hours
Terrain: Steep sections with big cliff drops and short scrambles. Like all mountains, the weather can quickly change up here so it is important to dress sensibly and let people know where you are going and the time you expect to return.
Directions:
Car parking for the walk is at Nant Cwm llwch. You will need to follow the A40 south from Beacon town centre. When you get to the roundabout, take the third exit (A4601) back towards the town centre. After you cross the bridge over the river, the road sweeps around to the left. When you see the Drovers Arms pub on the left, turn right into Ffwwdgrech. Follow the road under the A40, after which the road will narrow into a lane. Continue roughly straight on at the various road junctions. After about two and a half miles, pass over a staggered crossroads and carry on a short way up the lane to the gated car park (grid reference 023247).
From the car park, cross the stile at the top of the field and follow the paths up the east side of the steep valley. At the top of the climb bear right along the ridge toward Pen y Fan. The route will eventually join a well used path which follows the ridge of Cefn Cwm Llwch. Follow the ridge and climb the steep scramble to the highest point of the walk, the summit of Pen y Fan. A good place to crack open that thermos flask and admire the views (weather permitting!).
Continue west on the stone paved paths, following the edge of the fan down onto Corn Du, then continue to its northwestern edge, following the steep path along the cliff edge. Continue down past Tommy Jones Obelisk (a memorial to a five year old boy who died here in 1900 after losing his way travelling between two farms.) Next, take the path to the right which descends down the tarn. Continue downhill parallel with the stream then turn towards the trees. Cross two stiles and pass behind the farm buildings before rejoining the track. Cross a further stile then a wooden bridge and a ford following the wide path back to the car park.
Download This Page for Offline Use
Mobile signal is intermittent here, so we suggest downloading this page to your phone before embarking on your walk. This ensures you’ll have all the information you need, even when reception is unreliable. Follow the instructions below based on your device and browser.
iPhone (Safari)
1. Open this webpage in Safari.
2. Tap the **Share** button (square with an upward arrow at the bottom of the screen).
3. Scroll down and select **Add to Reading List**.
4. This page will now be available offline in your Safari **Reading List** (accessible via the bookmarks tab).
Android (Chrome)
1. Open this webpage in the Chrome browser.
2. Tap the **Menu** button (three dots in the top-right corner).
3. Select **Download**.
4. The page will be saved and can be accessed offline in the **Downloads** section of Chrome.
Samsung Internet Browser
1. Open this webpage in Samsung Internet.
2. Tap the **Menu** button (three horizontal lines in the bottom-right corner).
3. Select **Save webpage**.
4. Access the saved page by opening the **Menu** and selecting **Saved pages**.
By following these steps, you’ll have uninterrupted access to this information throughout your adventure in the Gower Peninsula. Enjoy your walk!