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Fan y Big: The Pointed Peak of the Brecon Beacons

Discover Fan y Big’s pointed summit, iconic 'Diving Board,' and panoramic Brecon Beacons views on this scenic mountain hike.

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Fan y Big, rising to 716.7 meters, is a striking subsidiary summit of Waun Rydd in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales. Known for its pointed shape and the iconic 'Diving Board' rock outcrop, it offers panoramic views across the central Beacons and forms part of the famous Horseshoe Walk. The summit’s grassy terrain and steep escarpments attract hikers seeking a scenic yet moderately challenging mountain experience.

A brief summary to Fan y Bîg

  • Brecon Beacons National Park, Brecon, GB
  • Duration: 3 to 7 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy hiking boots as the terrain can be uneven and lumpy, especially on mountain bike trails.
  • Visit early morning or late afternoon to catch stunning sunrise or sunset views and possible cloud inversions.
  • Bring a detailed map and compass; weather can change quickly, making navigation challenging.
  • Explore the 'Diving Board' rock formation for dramatic photo opportunities but exercise caution near edges.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    Take bus number 43 from Brecon or Abergavenny to Llanfrynach village, approximately 30-50 minutes. From there, access the walking paths to Fan y Big. Bus service is limited on weekends and holidays; check schedules in advance. No fare for children under 5; adult tickets cost around £3-5.

  • Car

    Drive to Llanfrynach or the Neuadd car park near the Brecon Beacons. Travel time from Brecon is about 15-20 minutes. Parking is limited and on roadside in Llanfrynach; Neuadd car park offers more spaces but can fill quickly on weekends. No parking fees apply.

  • Hiking

    From Blaen y Glyn Uchaf car park, embark on an 11 km (7 mile) circular hike to Fan y Big, taking approximately 4-6 hours depending on pace. Terrain is moderate with some steep sections and uneven surfaces; suitable for walkers with moderate fitness and navigation skills.

Fan y Bîg location weather suitability

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

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Discover more about Fan y Bîg

A Distinctive Summit in the Heart of the Brecon Beacons

Fan y Big stands at 716.7 meters (2,351 feet) as a prominent subsidiary peak of Waun Rydd, located in southern Powys within the Brecon Beacons National Park. Its Welsh name, meaning 'point of the peak,' reflects the mountain’s sharply pointed profile, especially evident from certain vantage points such as Cribyn. The summit is characterized by smooth grassy terrain topped with a cairn, perched on the edge of a dramatic western escarpment that plunges steeply below.

Geological Foundations and Glacial Sculpting

The upper slopes of Fan y Big are formed from Devonian-period sandstones of the Brownstones Formation, part of the Old Red Sandstone geological group. Beneath lie sandstones and mudstones of the Senni Formation. The rock layers tilt gently southward, and the northern face of the mountain owes its steepness to glacial erosion from small ice age glaciers that once occupied the adjacent valleys. This geological history has shaped the mountain’s rugged escarpments and distinctive features.

Hiking Routes and the Horseshoe Walk Experience

Fan y Big is a key highlight on several popular hiking routes, including the renowned Horseshoe Walk, which traverses four main peaks: Fan y Big, Cribyn, Pen y Fan, and Corn Du. The mountain’s summit is accessible via three main footpaths, all crossing open-access land that invites walkers to explore freely. The terrain is moderately challenging, with some steep climbs and potentially wet or lumpy surfaces, making it suitable for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness and some mountain experience.

The Iconic 'Diving Board' and Summit Views

One of Fan y Big’s most famous features is the 'Diving Board,' a flat rock projecting over the escarpment’s edge, offering thrilling photo opportunities and breathtaking panoramic views. From the summit, hikers can enjoy sweeping vistas north towards Brecon and the Black Mountains, east to the Taff Valley, and south across the Brecon Beacons’ dramatic ridges. Sunrise and sunset often provide spectacular light and cloud inversion effects, enhancing the mountain’s scenic appeal.

Wildlife and Natural Surroundings

The area around Fan y Big supports diverse wildlife, including birds of prey like red kites soaring above the farmland below. The open moorland and forested valleys nearby add to the natural richness of the setting. The mountain’s location within the national park ensures a protected environment where visitors can experience tranquil and scenic landscapes.

Practical Considerations for Visitors

Fan y Big is accessible year-round, but weather conditions can change rapidly, requiring appropriate preparation. Nearby villages such as Llanfrynach provide limited parking and basic amenities, including public toilets. The terrain can be physically demanding in places, especially in poor weather, so hikers should carry maps, compasses, and navigation skills. The mountain’s moderate difficulty and rewarding views make it a favorite for day hikes and part of longer circuits in the central Brecon Beacons.

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