Hiking the Brecon Beacons: A Must-Do Adventure with Your Furry Friend

Hiking the Brecon Beacons: A Must-Do Adventure with Your Furry Friend

Hiking the Brecon Beacons: A Must-Do Adventure with Your Furry Friend

If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure with your dog, the Brecon Beacons is calling your name. With 360-degree views and a chance to summit some of the UK's highest peaks, this route is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. From Corn Du (873m) to Pen-Y-Fan (886m), Cribyn (795m), and the optional Fan-Y-Big (717m), this hike offers breath-taking views and a chance to explore the landscape that will leave you and your pup in awe. 🌿🐾

The Ultimate Brecon Beacons Experience

This is, without a doubt, the must-do hike in the Brecon Beacons. especially on a dry, clear day when the glacial landscape is visible in all its glory. The Brecon Beacons' terrain, combined with its stunning views, makes it an unforgettable experience for both you and your dog. But a heads-up – Pen-Y-Fan, in particular, is one of the most popular peaks in the UK, so don’t expect a quiet, secluded hike if you go at peak times if you’re looking for solitude, plan a early morning starting around 3:00 to 4:00 AM or midweek hike.

Key Information:

  • Type: Loop

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

  • Distance: 14km

  • Elevation Gain: 820m

  • Duration: 4.5 to 7 hours

  • Technical Aspects: None, just several steep ascents and descents throughout

  • Trail Type: Mixture of mud, rock, and stony path

  • Parking and Start Point: Neuadd Car Park

The Route: Clockwise to Adventure

The beauty of this loop is that you can walk it in either direction. Here, we’ll describe the route going clockwise, but feel free to mix it up as you please!

Start the Journey: Lower Neuadd Reservoir( free parking but limited space!)

From the car park, head north along the road until it splits. Take the left-hand path that leads to a metal swing gate toward Lower Neuadd Reservoir. Once at the reservoir, take a left and begin the steep climb towards the Craig Fan Ddu ridge. This first leg will get your heart racing, but the stunning views will make it worthwhile.

The Ridgeline to Corn Du

Take a breath at the top and then follow the ridgeline for about 3.5 km. The views are amazing as you walk, with epic vistas of the Brecon Beacons unfolding around you. As you continue, you’ll be able to make out the route ahead, with Corn Du and Pen-Y-Fan in the distance.

After about 3.5 km, you’ll reach a saddle between the twin peaks of Corn Du and Pen-Y-Fan. Expect to see other hikers here, as this is where the popular “motorway” path from the A470 joins the route.

You have a choice:

  • Left path: Hike up to Corn Du (873m) and then descend slightly before ascending to Pen-Y-Fan.

  • Right path: Bypass Corn Du and skirt around its base if you want to get straight to Pen-Y-Fan.

Pen-Y-Fan: The Highest Peak

Standing tall at 886m, Pen-Y-Fan is the highest point in the Brecon Beacons and all of Southern Britain. This peak is marked by a stone cairn, which sits atop a Bronze Age burial site. History and stunning views in one spot!

On a clear day, the panorama stretches far and wide. You’ll be able to see the Black Mountains, the Carmarthenshire Fans, and even the Bristol Channel. One of the most beautiful sights is looking down the ridge towards Cribyn and Fan-Y-Big.

Ascent to Cribyn

From Pen-Y-Fan, you’ll descend into a saddle and then climb sharply to Cribyn (795m). It’s a steep ascent, but the views along the way are well worth it. You can bypass Cribyn if you choose the right path, but it’s a great spot for a quick rest.

Cribyn might not be as crowded as Pen-Y-Fan, so it’s a perfect place to pause and enjoy a bite to eat while soaking in the views of the valleys and surrounding ridges.

Optional Ascent to Fan-Y-Big

Want to add another peak to your adventure? From Cribyn, head down the saddle and take a steep descent towards the gap that separates Cribyn and Fan-Y-Big. You can opt to make the short, sharp climb up to Fan-Y-Big (717m), which is well worth it for the view and its famous stone diving board. 🏞️

If you’re short on time or just want to keep things moving, simply follow the gravel path towards Upper Neuadd Reservoir and back to the car park. But trust us, Fan-Y-Big is a unique experience!

Final Stretch: Return to the Car Park

Once you’ve conquered Fan-Y-Big, take the gravel bridleway back to the car park. It’s a 3.5 km descent that will bring you past the beautiful Upper Neuadd Reservoir before reaching the finish line.

Alternatively, if you're feeling adventurous, you can continue along the ridgeline for about 800 meters and then descend back to the bridleway. Either way, the journey is filled with stunning views, and you’ll definitely finish the hike feeling accomplished. 🏆

Final Thoughts: Make It Your Own Adventure

Whether you’re after the stunning 360-degree views, the historical significance of Pen-Y-Fan, or simply want to get out into the wild with your dog, the Brecon Beacons offers something for everyone. This is a route you and your pup won’t forget, especially if you’re prepared with the right gear.

Be warned - you will see sheep roaming, so do be careful when taking you dog especially in lambing season. Lets keep every safe and happy! 

Dog-Friendly Glamping Near the Brecon Beacons

Looking for the perfect base before or after your Brecon Beacons adventure? We highly recommend Wigwam holidays at Builth Wells – self-contained glamping cabins, pet-friendly retreat just 45 minutes (26 miles) from the Neuadd Car Park trailhead.

Set in the heart of the Welsh countryside, this cosy hideaway offers comfortable dog-friendly cabins, peaceful surroundings, and stunning views – ideal for resting tired legs (and paws) after a long day on the trail.

Trail Tip: Planning a sunrise summit of Pen-Y-Fan or Corn Du? Wigwam’s convenient location means you can hit the road early and catch the first light spilling over the peaks. Don’t forget to dress in warm layers – those early starts can be chilly, but the views are always worth it.

Fido’s Trails gear is made for hikes like this – whether it’s keeping your dog hydrated with our 3-in-1 Water Bottle, or giving you full control and comfort with the Fido Signature Lead. So, grab your gear, pack your bags, and take on this Brecon Beacons adventure together!

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