Brecon Beacons circular
At 886m (2,906ft), Pen y Fan is not just the highest point in the Brecon Beacons, it is also the highest ground in southern Britain. The nearest higher ground, Cader Idris, at the southern end of the Snowdonia National Park, is some 60 miles further north. In common with most of Britain’s high mountains, Pen y Fan has a number of different approach routes. The paths from the north and west are the most heavily trodden and generally the easiest ways to its table-topped summit. However, this peak is situated at the western end of a huge, north-facing escarpment that stretches for nearly 10km across the centre of the range. The approach from the east, along the skyline of this escarpment, is one of the most spectacular walks in the area and, while offering wonderful views over some of the finest valleys in the Park, it seldom sees the crowds associated with some of the other ascents. For connoisseurs of airy, high-level walking, this route should rank up there with the best – no less than 13 of the 20km covered, hover high above the 2,000ft contour line.
Crickhowell Adventure Gear, Abergavenny – tel. (01873) 856581 The Travellers Rest, Talybont on Usk – tel. (01874) 676233
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