Walk 2643 - Fan Frynych & Fan Llia, Fforest Fawr

   
Click thumbnails for larger images.

The less frequented places within our National Parks still offer solitude amid dramatic surroundings. The Brecon Beacons National Park, with its many popular "honeypots", does offer many hills that see few walkers and where you can still get away from the crowds. This walk, assisted by limited parking opportunities, offers just that.

This walk starts at the junction with the nameless road and the old Roman road "Sarn Helen" at grid ref. SN925185 between Fan Llia and Fan Nedd. There is usually enough space for several cars to park here.

Follow Sarn Helen north east. It is rough in places and has streams flowing across it. In very wet weather it almost becomes a stream itself. After about 2.5 miles there is a loop in the track and a small bridge crosses a stream (Nant Cwm Du)flowing from a small valley to the east.

Turn right here and follow the track east alongside this stream untill you are directed upwards by a sign. There follows a steep climb up a very boggy hillside as you make your way to the top of Fan Frynych (this is the only really difficult part of this walk). Take a break and enjoy the views to the east over the Brecon Beacons.

Turn south and walk around the head of the valley before turning south west whilst keeping to the high ground. You can now follow the ridge above the Ystradfellte Resevoir, for about 3 miles, via Fan Dringarth, to the cairn just below the top of Fan Llia. From here turn west and walk downhill to the starting point.

Suggested Maps

It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.

	OS Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet OL12
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 160

Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps.

Craig-y-Nos Castle, Brecon Beacons - Powys
Bed & Breakfast - 5.6 miles / 9.0 km away

Wern Ddu Farm, Brecon - Powys
Bed & Breakfast - 9.5 miles / 15.1 km away

Glenview B&B, Bwlch - Powys
Bed & Breakfast - 14.2 miles / 22.8 km away

Self Catering Directory
A wide range of properties throughout UK & Europe

Walks & Peaks Bedsearcher
Search, choose and book your accommodation online.

NOTE - all distances are "as the crow flies"