Circuit in Central Beacons, including Fan y Big

Submitted by patrikG on 07 June 2007

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(2 votes)

A circular, half-day mountain (above 600m) walk in Wales starting at Torpantau, Powys, about 11km (roughly 7 miles) long and unsuitable for families with children, prams/pushchairs, wheelchairs. From Blaen-y-glyn, along Craig y Fan Ddu, to Fan y Big, and return past the Upper Neuadd Reservoir and Taf Fechan Forest. The Beacons Bus, which runs on Sundays from March to October, stops at Torpantau, between Pontsticill and Talybont-on-Usk. For winter walks, use the route that starts from the Storey Arms centre. NB: This walk is directly taken from the Ramblers Association Website: http://www.welshwalks.info Start: Torpantau, OS Grid: SO056176 Elevation Profile (x: waypoint number, y: metres)

Gain (+/- 10%): 779m (2558ft)

Total (+/- 10%): 1546m (5071ft)

Loss (+/- 10%): 766m (2513ft)

Max. Elevation: 730m (2395ft)

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Show Waypoint Details

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Waypoints

1. Torpantau

OS Grid: SO056176

From the bus stop, follow the right-hand bank of the stream climbing past an attractive waterfall, and continuing up the steep ascent to gain the top at Craig y Fan Ddu. Follow the eastern edge of this escarpment on a well marked path until it reaches the northern edge of the escarpment.

2. Northern Edge of Brecon Beacons Escarpement

About 3 km (roughly 2 miles) from 1 OS Grid: SO057206

Follow this escarpment westwards admiring the magnificent views to the north. Pass Fan y Big, and then descend to the col.

3. On to Bwlch ar y Fan

About 3 km (roughly 2 miles) from 2 OS Grid: SO032206

Walk south on the bridleway, until you come to the small Nant. This is quite an attractive valley in places. Descend to roadway, mainly to admire the filter houses, which are substantially built in stone, and are typical of this sort of architecture.

4. From Bwll ar y Fan to Filter House

About 3 km (roughly 2 miles) from 3 OS Grid: SO032180

Follow the road for about half a mile, and then branch off left on the forest track through the Taf Fechan forest for about one mile. It emerges on the road, near the entrance to a railway tunnel, which comes out further on in the forest on the other side of the mountain. Follow the road the short d

5. End of the route

About 2 km (roughly 2 miles) from 4 OS Grid: SO054175

The last bit - catch a bus from here.