A great route around some beautiful peaks with amazing views of the rest of the Brecon Beacons.
I did this route in winter conditions, the idea was to get a big route in without too many ups and downs, which could be cut short if needed. I didn't need to shorten it, and indeed could have extended if it was summer. This is a good route if you want plenty of distance but don't want to have to keep your map immediately to hand (but do take one with you).
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Height Profile
metres / Distance
miles
Detailed description
1
SO2344421203 After initially walking up the road, look out for the Beacon Way sign post (not as obvious as you might think). Then it's a case of following the Beacon Way to the top of the hill.
2
SO2175622299 Once at the top of Pen Cerrig-calch you are on the ridge. Keep following it to the next obvious high point.
3
SO2132225675 This would be a good point to cut the route short for whatever reason, by walking south along the rib back into the valley. Otherwise, stay with the ridge crest to go over Mynydd Llysiau to the col beyond (point 617m).
4
SO2045128638 This col gives another good escape route if it is proving too gnarley. However the next summits are far better than they look and give the best views: head north at first, to follow the path up onto Waun Fach, the highest summit in the Black Mountains. From here turn (approximately) southeast to swing around the head of the valley, following the ridgeline over Pen y Gadair Fawr and Pen Twyn Mawr, and on alongside the forest boundary. Reach a big trail junction just north of Disgwlyfa.
5
SO2594223720 Go right (roughly west) here: pay attention so you don't over shoot this path. If you need it anywhere, this is where you'll want a map and compass. It's a steady descent to the road, which is followed back to the start point.
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Difficulty: DifficultDistance: 17.08 miles (27.48 km)
Total ascent: 1,084m
Steepest Gradient: 24% (1 in 4)
Time: 8:30 hours (Walking)
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Summits
Pen Cerrig Calch 707 mPen Allt-mawr 720 m
Pen Twyn Glas 646 m
Mynydd Llysiau 663 m
Waun Fach 811 m
Pen y Gadair Fawr 800 m
Pen Twyn Mawr 658 m
Additional Information
Start/Finish:Park considerately outside the Red Lion pub in Llanbedr, SO239204
Nearest town:
Crickhowell
Terrain:
Mostly good paths with a few boggy sections and some rocky bits, but nothing technical.
Weather and Hill Conditions:
Met Office: Brecon Beacons Maps:
OS Explorer OL13 (1:25,000), OS Landranger 161 (1:50,000) Directory Listings:
Find more Listings near this route Tourist info:
Abergavenny (01873 853 254); Blaenavon (01495 742 333); Brecon Beacons National Park (01874 623 366)