Picws Du & Llyn y Fan Fach from near Llanddeusant

Brecon Beacons Walk

Walk Route Description

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This Brecon Beacons walk explores the summit of Picws Du and Llyn y Fan Fach which lies at the foot of the escarpment some 500 feet below. The route starts from the "Lyn y Fan Fach" car park on the minor road 2 kilometres east of Llandeusant (grid ref. SN798238).

To start the walk head south along the excellent track into a wide valley. The climb is steady and with good conditions underfoot decent progress can be made to wards the first objective, Picws Du, which soon comes into sight. After a kilometre of steady walking you reach the filter beds (grid ref. SN803230). Continue ahead, still climbing, for 250 metres to where the side valley containing Afon Sychlwch diverges to the left (grid ref. SN803227).

Leave the main track and follow the path (intermittent at times) that follows this river on the southwestern bank. Continue up this valley soon passing a small dam and leat (grid ref. SN808223). Stay on the valley path for a further kilometre until; you near the foot of the north facing escarpment below Picws Du's summit. Continue ahead looking out for a clear path junction (grid ref. SN816218) where you turn right and following a clear path that winds its way up the escarpment to gain the top 500 metres east of the cairn on the summit of Picws Du.

Turn right along the edge following a clear path which after a short section of uphill walking brings you to the cairn on Picws Du. Take time here to enjoy the view especially down to Llyn y Fan Fach. The onward route continues on a clear path along the escarpment edge with the sandstone cliffs plunging away on your right. The path swings north over the crags of Bannau Sir Gaer and starts to descend more steeply. As you descend you will reach a clear path junction (grid ref. SN796219) with a path descending on the right towards Llyn y Fan Fach. Take this path which leads to the dam from where you can pick up the track for an easy and rapid return to the start.

Walk GradingMore Brecon Beacons Walks

Other walks nearby

Walk 1672	Llyn-y-Fan-Fawr & Mynydd Ddu from Llanddeusant	mod/hard	12.0 miles
Walk 3555	Carreg yr Ogof & Bannau Sir Gaer from Llanddeusant	moderate	6.7 miles
Walk 2194	Mynydd y Llan & source of the Usk	easy/mod	6.7 miles
Walk 3563	Fan Brycheiniog and Picws Du Circular	moderate	7.1 miles
Walk 2645	Fan Gyhirych & Fan Bwlch Chwyth, Fforest Fawr	moderate	8.0 miles