The Brecon Beacons' big three from Storey Arms

Submitted by Timwoods on 09 August 2010

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(3 votes)

A circular, full-day mountain (above 600m) walk in Wales starting at Storey Arms centre, Powys, about 15km (roughly 9 miles) long and . For many people, the three peaks of Corn Du, Pen y Fan and Cribyn define the Brecon Beacons. There's several ways to tackle the hills, but I think the finest is from the Storey Arms centre on the A470. Buses between Merthyr Tydfil and Brecon all stop here, so there's reall no excuse for using the car. This route heads up to Corn Du on the Y Gyrn path and follows the main ridge path, before dropping down to Upper Neuadd Reservoir and the narrow Rhiw yr Ysgyfarnog. Start: Storey Arms centre, OS Grid: SN983203 Elevation Profile (x: waypoint number, y: metres)

Gain (+/- 10%): 1021m (3351ft)

Total (+/- 10%): 2046m (6714ft)

Loss (+/- 10%): 1025m (3363ft)

Max. Elevation: 840m (2755ft)

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Show Waypoint Details

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Waypoints

1. Storey Arms centre

OS Grid: SN983202

Pick up the footpath just next to the centre car park. Follow the path as it climbs steadily on to Y Gyrn.

2. Craig Cwm Llwch

About 2 km (roughly 2 miles) from 1 OS Grid: SN998218

The path curves round near the summit to join the path from Pen Milan. Follow Craig Cwm Llwch towards Corn Du.

3. Corn Du

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 2 OS Grid: SO007211

First summit of the day is Corn Du at 873m.

4. Pen y Fan

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 3 OS Grid: SO012213

It's a short hop from Corn Du to Pen y Fan, the day's highest point at 886m. Classic high-level walking.

5. Cribyn

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 4 OS Grid: SO023213

Head along Craig Cwm Sere to the summit of Cribyn. Continue along beyond the summit, with Craig Cwm Cynwyn as your guide.

6. Bwlch ar y Fan

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 5 OS Grid: SO032205

At the drop between Cribyn and Fan y Big, you can choose to take in the fourth top or follow the bridleway down to the reservoir.

7. Filter House

About 3 km (roughly 2 miles) from 6 OS Grid: SO031179

Cross the dam at the southern end of the Lower Neuadd Reservoir and take the path heading steeply up the opposite bank of the valley. It's a fair old slog - 200m of height to gain.

8. Graig Fan Du

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 7 OS Grid: SO019184

More ridge walking to finish off. Head northwest along Graig Fan Du and the narrow Rhiw yr Ysgyfarnog.

9. Bwlch Duwynt

About 3 km (roughly 2 miles) from 8 OS Grid: SO005208

At the dip before Corn Du, take the path heading southwest down the slope towards the road.

10. Back to Storey Arms

About 2 km (roughly 2 miles) from 9 OS Grid: SN988198

The path comes down on the opposite side of the conifer plantation, so walk the last few steps back to the bus stop.