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Walk 1106 - printer friendly version

Waun Fach Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 7.5 miles / 12.2 km

Ascent - 2080 feet / 630 metres

Grade - mod/hard

Start - OS grid reference SO177303
Lat 51.965062 + Long -3.1992877
Postcode LD3 0EW (approx. location only)

The Brecon Beacons National Park naturally focuses on the high land of the Beacons themselves. However there is much else to keep walkers busy with the Black Mountains offering high level walks of quality without the crowds often encountered on Pen-y-Fan.

This walk starts near Castell Dinas located a few miles south of Talgarth on the A479 to Crickhowell. Parking is available in the lane (grid ref. SO177303). From here continue to the end of the lane and take the bridleway that climbs over the col between Castell Dinas and the ridge coming down from Y Grib, which will be used for the return. Stay with the bridleway as it descends to Rhyd-y-car farm. Turn left here and continue on the right of way heading east. The path crosses a number of fields climbing at the while to reach the boundary of open country (grid ref. SO194302).

You have the option of either heading straight up the hillside or taking an easier left-right zig-zag to join the clear rising path that heads roughly south across the flanks of Waun Fach to reach a large cairn near a 618 metre spot height marked on the OS 1:25,000 map. Near this cairn turn north on a distinct path to follow a broad ridge, which leads directly to the summit of Waun Fach.

The highest point in the eastern sector of the Brecon Beacons National Park (known as the Black Mountains) the summit area offers good views in all directions. However foreground interest is limited due to the "dome like" nature of the mountain. Away to the west are the highest peaks of the Beacons whilst to the east are the high parallel ridges that complete the Black Mountains with Hay Bluff the best known summit. From the summit of Waun Fach a clear path descends just west of north roughly following the highest ground. Stay with this path for about a mile to reach a junction where you turn left to descend over Y Grib to reach your transport. The descent is very pleasant offering good views especially to the Usk Valley and the high ground of Mid-Wales beyond.

The photos included with this walk description were taken during worsening winter conditions with a snow storm approaching. Inexperienced walkers should not attempt to complete any high level routes in these conditions and it is recommended that a speedy return to lower levels is made.

Walk 1106 Route Map

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