Borders Thinking

Fan Fawr

A beautiful spring day, so took the chance explore the quieter side of the Brecon Beacons. I walked up from the A470 to Fan Frynych then across to Fan Fawr, before looping back  across Y Gyrn. It was a stunning day – with bright sun all the way.

The first part of the walk is a gradual ascent through a nature reserve. I had meadow pipits, wheatears and ravens for company and two kites circling above the summit of Fan Frynych. From the summit the moor then stretches over Craig Cerrig-glesiad with constant views to Pen Y Fan and Corn Du on one side and to the western peaks of Forest Fawr on the other. As walk across the moor, you can see the slopes of Fan Fawr ahead, like an immense green wall. It’s a straightforward climb but very steep at times and the knees started to ache near the top.

At the summit there are views over the A470 to Corn Du, with the Taff reservoirs stretching out down the valley and Brecon and mid-Wales hills to North, while the empty expanse of Forest Fawr lies to the west. I cut down to Storey Arms – which was relatively quiet – and then across Y Gyrn and back down to the start. I was careless about the path down Y Gyrn so ended up heather hopping down the steep slope – not recommended and unnecessary but no harm done. Then down the drovers’ road and across the stream to reach the start. About 9 miles in total. The quietness of  Fforest Fawr is hypnotic – will be back to do the other peaks soon.