LLYN Y FAN FAWR & FAN BRYCHEINIOG
Here’s another great contribution by Brecon Beacons Guru Guide, Kevin Walker.
A straightforward saunter to the highest lake in the National Park, with spectacular mountain scenery and great views. Allow 2 hours.
DISTANCE – 5kms (3 miles)
HEIGHT GAIN – 200 metres (650 feet).
START POINT – Roadside parking on mountain road between Glyntawe and Trecastle.
GRID REFERENCE – SN/852216.
MAPS – OS Explorer OL12. OS Landranger 160
The optional extension to the summit of Fan Brycheiniog adds a further 2kms (1¼ miles and doubles the amount of ascent – allow at least an extra hour.
DESCRIPTION:
This straightforward if rather wild and rugged walk climbs open hillside to reach a beautiful, hidden lake, from where an option extension leads to the top of the highest of the Carmarthen Fans. The best-defined path across the hillside is easy to miss, and map & compass are recommended on all but the clearest, most settled days!
PARKING:
From Glyntawe take the mountain road, which leaves the main A4067 almost opposite the Tafarn y Garreg inn, towards Trecastle. Follow this for about 2kms to reach open hillside, then continue along the narrow mountain road through a wild valley for a further 2½ kms. Park in any of several rough lay-bys on the left, beyond where the stream meanders close to the road, and towards the base of a wide, shallow valley that descends from the left.
ROUTE:
Your route lies along any of several ill-defined paths that lead up the shallow valley, the best running fairly close to the right bank of the main stream in the valley. Depending on where you parked, your first test may involve crossing this stream, and wherever you parked, you will need to do this eventually, but it is rarely a problem as there are several good crossing points (although no bridges!). Keep climbing, heading in a general westerly direction, either following vague paths or wandering across the pleasant if sometimes boggy hillside. Take time to pause and look back as you climb, for the views towards Fan Gihirych and the distant peaks of the central Brecon Beacons improve with almost every step.
Keep heading towards the highest point on the ridge in front, and you will soon begin to make out a well-defined path leading diagonally from left to right up the steep slopes in front, reaching the top of the ridge at an obvious saddle. Your objective lies at the base of this track, and remains hidden until you are almost upon it. Arrival invariably results in gasps of admiration!
Llyn y Fan Fawr is a stunning spot – a tranquil, lonely glacial lake, the highest and remotest in the National Park. Set in truly impressive surroundings, it is a great spot for a break, a picnic, or simply for some quiet contemplation. To be here at any time, but particularly at dawn or at dusk, is to experience something of the true nature of wild Wales. It is mysterious and provocatively atmospheric, but more than that, it is one of those rare places that encourages you to rediscover a true and honest perspective that is so easily lost in the headlong helter-skelter of modern life.
Whilst many people will happily while away the hours here, having come this far, you might like to “top out” on the nearby Fan Brycheiniog, the highest peak of the Black Mountain (not to be confused with the Black Mountains – plural – to the east!). The route is brutally straightforward, following the obvious, well-used path (known locally as The Staircase) up and across increasingly precipitous slopes to reach the lowest point of the ridge at Bwlch Giedd. From the bwlch, follow the path north-west for a further 500 metres, the angle slowly relenting, to reach the trig point and stone wind-shelter on the summit.
Return to the lake by the outward route, then retrace your steps to your car.
Magic!
Check out what else Kevin has to offer at www.mountainacts.co.uk
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