Pen Y Fan Circular Walk with Kids

This Pen Y Fan circular walk takes in both the Pen Y Fan and Corn Du peaks. These being the highest and second highest mountain peaks in South Wales.

Set in the beautiful Brecon Beacons, the views from the peaks are breathtaking; an expanse of green mountains dotted with lakes and fir trees.

This four mile Pen Y Fan circular walk is arguably the best route to take in the peaks with kids. It took us around 4 hours, with lots of stops and a picnic break. The walk is around 4 miles (6.4 km).  

I much prefer the circular route to the more popular straight up and down option. The latter being way too busy. I’m not saying you will get the mountain to yourself on this circular route, as it is also very popular. But it is noticeably a lot quieter than the other. 

The National Trust estimate that 350,000 people climb Pen Y Fan every year. So on a fine day you can imagine just how busy it can get.  Despite its popularity it is still worth the effort, even if it is just to say you have climbed it.  And for that very reason it also features on our list of top 101 things to do with kids in South Wales.  

You can download a printable version of the list of 101 things to do in Wales with kids and a certificate for completing the list below.

Highlights from the Pen Y Fan Circular Walk

We tackled the walk with our youngest aged 3 (almost 4) and two boys aged 9 and 11. They all managed the walk really well, even the youngest who was only carried for a brief part of it.  It is a doable walk with kids, but you do of course need to be careful as there are some very steep sections.

The first part is the steepest bit, and if I’m honest it is a little bit boring and relentless.  Particularly so as you have to navigate people over taking you and allow for those on their descent.  We sat to the side half way up to have a break, take in the views and have some refreshments.

After the initial steep section you come to a flatter part. The views are spectacular from here on. Here you can take the first path up to the Corn Du peak. But as we were doing the circular route we headed straight ahead for the second, and largest peak, Pen Y Fan. 

At the top of Pen Y Fan there is a cairn (a pile of rocks). The cairn was a Bronze Age burial chamber.

After having your picture taken by the Pen Y Fan plaque, just to prove you made it, you can head back down and then up to the second peak. This also has wonderful panoramic views and of course a view of the Pen Y Fan peak. On a fine day you can see all the way to the Bristol Channel.

The section down from the Corn Du peak is a little hairy for little ones. Saying that my 3 year old managed it fine just holding my hand.

Just on from here you can take a short detour to the obelisk to mark where the body of five year old Tommy Jones was found in 1900. Tommy had split from his cousin and had become lost before dying of exhaustion and exposure. It is the story that has touched the hearts of so many.

After descending from Corn Du, you then head left and carry on a downward slope until you come to a meandering stream. You need to cross without trying to get your feet wet.

We then headed up another steep section before descending back down into the Valley. Eventually you come to the road next to Storey Arms. From here there is a path just off the road which takes you back to the car park where you can usually get an ice-cream.  

Near By

If after walking you fancy a pint, the nearest pub is the Tai’r Bull.  It’s a great little spot with views of the twin peaks and a friendly landlord. On colder days there is a cosy bar with a log burner.

Nearby in the Brecon Beacons is Waterfall Country where the Four Falls Trail, which culminates in walking under a waterfall. If in the area it is a must do.

Good to know before you go:

Time to visit: For kids, the best time to visit is from Spring right through to the beginning of Autumn.  This is because the weather at the top tends to be colder, whatever the temperature at the bottom. To avoid the whole risk of snow at the top, and dealing with the extremities, it is safer to go when the weather is kind.

If you can, miss peak times.  Especially the big holidays and bank holidays when there will be more tourists.  The landlord told us that at Easter, people queued for over an hour to have their photo taken by the plaque!

Parking: Car parking is not great in terms of availability, but it is free. If you can park at the Pont ar Daf carpark at the start of this walk. Or in the car park opposite Storey Arms. 

Buggy Friendly: As well as the track is marked, buggy friendly it is not so a baby carrier is your best bet for little ones. Remember to stick to the paths to avoid further erosion.

Facilities: There are no facilities while on the walk so remember to take plenty of water and snacks.

Stay Safe: Always check the weather forecast before you go. The Beacons can be dangerous in fog, winds and storms.

For full directions of the walk visit the National Trust website HERE.

For more inspiration on family days out in Wales visit our list of top 101 things to do with kids in South Wales.  

You can download a printable version of the list of 101 things to do in Wales with kids and a certificate for completing the list below.