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Corn Du: Majestic Summit of the Brecon Beacons

Second highest peak in South Wales with ancient cairn, panoramic views, and wild Brecon Beacons landscapes.

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Corn Du stands as the second highest peak in South Wales at 871.5 meters, located in the Brecon Beacons National Park. This striking summit, part of a twin peak with Pen y Fan, features a Bronze Age cairn and offers panoramic views over Welsh landscapes including the Black Mountain and Usk valley. Popular for hiking and nature exploration, Corn Du is surrounded by glacial lakes and ancient woodlands, making it a highlight for outdoor enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Corn Du

  • Brecon, GB
  • Duration: 2 to 5 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 3 out of 5

Local tips

  • Prepare for rapidly changing weather; bring waterproofs, map, compass, and sturdy boots.
  • Start your hike from Pont ar Daf car park for the most direct and popular route.
  • Respect the Bronze Age cairn and local memorials; avoid disturbing archaeological features.
  • Visit on clear days for extensive views across Wales and into England.
  • Consider combining Corn Du with Pen y Fan for a rewarding mountain circuit.
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Getting There

  • By Car

    Drive to Pont ar Daf car park on the A470, about 13 km south of Brecon. Parking costs approximately £7.50 for non-National Trust members. The car park is the main access point for hikes to Corn Du and Pen y Fan. Limited spaces require early arrival or alternative transport.

  • By Bus

    Take the Traws Cymru bus route from Cardiff to Newtown, which stops near Storey Arms, a few kilometers from the trailheads. Bus services operate several times daily but check schedules seasonally. From Storey Arms, a moderate walk or taxi is needed to reach Pont ar Daf.

  • By Train and Taxi

    The nearest train station is Merthyr Tydfil, approximately 12 miles away. From there, taxis or local buses can be used to reach Pont ar Daf car park. Train services vary, so plan connections accordingly.

  • Walking

    For experienced hikers, walking routes from Brecon town to Corn Du are possible but long and physically demanding, taking several hours over varied terrain including moorland and peat bogs. Suitable only for well-prepared walkers.

Corn Du location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Windy Conditions
  • Weather icon Cold Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Corn Du

Distinctive Twin Summit in South Wales

Corn Du is the prominent second highest peak in South Wales, reaching 871.5 meters (2,864 feet). It forms the twin summit alongside Pen y Fan, which is slightly higher at 886 meters, both dominating the skyline of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Situated approximately 550 meters southwest of Pen y Fan, Corn Du’s summit is marked by a well-preserved Bronze Age cairn with a central burial cist, echoing ancient human presence and cultural significance in the region.

Geological and Natural Features

The summit’s flat, anvil-shaped plateau is composed of erosion-resistant Devonian sandstones known as the Plateau Beds, which create dramatic escarpments visible from afar. This geology is shared with nearby peaks and contributes to the rugged, scenic landscape. Near Corn Du lies Llyn Cwm Llwch, one of the few natural glacial lakes in the park, formed during the last ice age. The surrounding moorlands and valleys, including the Usk valley and Cwm Llwch, offer diverse habitats and striking natural beauty.

Panoramic Views and Landscape Highlights

From Corn Du, visitors can enjoy sweeping views across south and mid-Wales, including the Black Mountain range to the west, the Cambrian Mountains, and on clear days, as far as the Severn Estuary and South-West England. The steep northern slopes contrast with gentler southern descents toward the South Wales valleys. The landscape is wild and open, providing a sense of remoteness and connection with nature.

Walking and Outdoor Activities

Corn Du is a key part of popular hiking circuits in the Brecon Beacons, often combined with Pen y Fan. Well-maintained footpaths lead from access points such as the Pont ar Daf car park, making the summit accessible for experienced walkers. The terrain includes peat bogs and moorland, so preparation for changing weather is essential. The area is dog-friendly and offers opportunities for strenuous walks, nature observation, and photography.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Bronze Age cairn atop Corn Du signifies its long-standing cultural importance. Nearby, Tommy Jones’ Obelisk memorializes a poignant local story, adding a human narrative to the natural setting. The surrounding woodlands contain semi-ancient trees and diverse birdlife, contributing to the ecological richness and heritage of the region.

Conservation and Visitor Experience

As part of the Brecon Beacons National Park and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Corn Du benefits from conservation efforts to protect its unique geology, wildlife, and landscapes. Visitors are encouraged to respect the environment, stay on marked paths, and enjoy the tranquil yet exhilarating mountain experience that Corn Du offers year-round, weather permitting.

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