Walk 2643 - printer friendly version

Fan Frynych & Fan Llia, Fforest Fawr Walk

Author - Hugh Maguire

Length - 8.0 miles / 13 km

Ascent - 1700 feet / 515 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference SN925185
Lat 51.854703 + Long -3.5622583
Postcode LD3 8SU (approx. location only)

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.

Messaging & Social Media

Message Walking Britain and follow the latest news.

Mountain Weather

Stay safe on the mountains with detailed weather forecasts - for iOS devices or for Android devices.