Each day hike can be booked separately:

• Waterfall Hike only dates click here
• Pen y Fan Hike only dates click here

SATURDAY: Waterfall Country

We take a walk into the mystic wooded valleys of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), famous for being home to some of the most magnificent waterfalls in the UK. 

 

We trek 9 miles to visit 7 spectacular waterfalls. Depending on the time of year and depth of the water, we will be able to cross in front of some, swim beneath others and even walk behind one or two on this truly incredible walk.

 

We start the day meeting at Pontneddfechan, to stroll along the Elidir Trail. In Welsh myth, Elidir was a young trainee monk. He was cruelly treated for being lazy and ran away from his Abbey. He was found by the fairy folk, who took him to their own world. Some say the entrance to that fairy kingdom lay hidden here, along the banks of the Elidir Trail.

The riverside path starts fairly level, along a former tram road, which once played its part in the Industrial Revolution. Here we see remains of some of the silica mines, once used to make bricks for furnaces. Horses-drawn wagons would have carried the stone down to brickworks bedside the Neath Canal.

 

 

The first waterfall we visit taking in the waterfalls of Sgwd Gwladus (Lady Falls). Its name is said to come from a sixth century Celtic princess called Gwladus, who threw herself into the water when her father, the king, refused to let her marry the man she loved. The waterfall magically appeared where she entered the icy water.

 

We then head to Sgwd y Bedol (Horseshoe Falls), Sgwd Ddwli Isaf (Lower gushing falls) and Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf (Upper Gushing Falls).

We  continue with a brief road section, before a cafe’ and toilet stop, which are then followed by the largest and most impressive waterfalls of the day, Sgwd Isaf Clun-gwyn (Fall of the White Meadow), Sgwd y Pannwr (Fall of the Woollen Washer), Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn (Lower Fall of the White Meadow) and Sgwd yr Eira (Waterfall of Snow). The last of which provides the highlight of the day, as we walk behind its incredible fall.  

Time permitting, we may fit in a short drive to Henrhyd Falls, the highest in South Wales, with a single drop of over 90ft. Formed at the end of the last Ice Age, millions of years ago, it was famously used as the entrance to the Bat Cave in the Dark Knight Rises movie and you can actually walk behind it!

 

Meet Instructions

• Time: 12noon meet
• Location: Pontneddfechen village
• Parking: in the layby as you approach.
• Arrive: early to secure a parking space.
• Toilets: public toilets at start and finish.
• Walk Distance: 9 miles (hilly)

 

We only regret opportunities we don't take

 

Booking terms and conditions

   

 

 

 

SUNDAY: The Pen y Fan Horseshoe

The finest walk in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

This horseshoe ridge route to Pen y Fan's magnificent 886m summit is just over 9miles long and takes around 6 hours to complete. 

An early start sees us meet in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) beautiful Taf Fechan Forest. The hike starts with the short flat walk along the  country road leading to the disused Neuadd reservoir pump house. This spot provides an incredible view of the ridge and circuit of the four peaks ahead.

Next comes the most challenging part of the hike. A steep climb up to the Graig Fan Ddu Ridge via a long, steep flight of steps. The views become more and more magnificent during the ascent. Once at the top, a walk along the ridge takes us through moorland with the distant peaks growing slowly larger and larger until we reach the final steep climb to the first of our 4 summits, Corn Du.

On a clear day, we are met with the most magical view for miles, towering over the surrounding Welsh countryside. Spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys, Bannau Brycheinio, National Park, Sugar Loaf and the Black Mountains.

After Corn Du, we drop a little, before climbing to our highest point, the impressive summit of Pen y Fan at 886m. A great place to stop for lunch, while enjoying the view on a nice day.

We continue around this circular horseshoe route with a quick descent before climbing once more to the top of the next peak, Cribyn. As we look back, the views of Pen y Fan's steep face arching around behind us is one of the most iconic in Bannau Brycheiniog.

Finally walkers have the option of either taking a well earned rest or tackling the shorter sharp out and back ascent of Fan-y-Big. This final peak is the home of the famous "Diving Board", from which the brave can take some impressively daring pictures!

We return via the Roman Road, which takes us back through the peaceful Neuadd Valley and back to the car park.

Both more challenging and far more rewarding than the short simple walk up from the main tourist car park, which the masses take at haste to the top of the highest mountain in southern Wales. This route around the U-shaped Neuadd Valley provides a far more spectacular way to truly experience the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons).

Meet Instructions

Selecting Accommodation & Walks

Accommodation is available to book in shared houses with other members of the group and can be booked by selecting from the drop down menu near the top of this page.

You can book walks without any accommodation; book walks with your own single occupancy room; book walks with a room that you share with a partner friend or another member of the group. Booking a shared room relies on another person also making exactly the same booking in order that you have a roommate. Please let us know if you do have a particular person you would like to share with.

As the houses are reserved for the duration of our stay, it is unlikely we can accommodate anyone wanting to pay for a shorter period (might be worth checking with us by email/message). However, if you would prefer, please feel free to book your own accommodation and join us for the walks you would like to by selecting each one and adding them to your cart from the the drop-down menu.

The accommodation is self-catered, so no breakfast or other meals are included. However we hope everyone will join the group for dinner on at least one evening.

IMPORTANT INFO:

• A WHATSAPP group will be created to share info and photos on the day. In signing up to the event you are agreeing to be added to this group, which will contain other participants. This is necessary so that details can be shared in the run up to the event, including last minute changes, reminders or cancellations.
• Charity involvement: many of our walks are being run in partnership with charities. As such, sign up information is shared with the charity involved for the purpose of running the event and communicating its purpose, which is to help raise awareness and funds for the charity. By signing up, you are agreeing to receive information from Get Outdoors and the charity. 
• Booking Terms & Conditions (Including cancellation policy): are found here. PLEASE READ BEFORE MAKING A BOOKING.
• Kit: Packed lunches, walking boots, multiple layers and waterproofs (including trousers!) are essential. The weather could be very cold and wet. Please visit our recommended kit list.
• While on the walk: we ask you to remain with the group and following instructions from Get Outdoors leader(s), who have the final decision in all instances.
• Parking Charges: may apply. Good idea to bring cash/change.
• Problems: on the day call Chris: 07885157903
• Dogs: are welcome on the walks, but are entirely the owner's responsibility, must have a lead and be under close control at all times. Please check your accommodation's policy.
• Livestock: If encountered do not walk too close or get between a cow and calf. If threatened, let go of your dog so it can escape and reduce the risk to yourself.
• Public rights of way: please keep to them and respect the landowner’s property at all times.
• Stiles: are often present on the route to negotiate on this type of walk.
• Countryside walking: can often include hills and uneven terrain. Our group ethos is to support everyone in group to achieve their maximum potential in terms of completing the route. As such, we endeavour to walk at a pace all participants are comfortable with. We apologise if this causes any frustration to fitter walkers.
• Health: please consult your doctor if you are at all worried about your fitness and ability to take part. Please inform the walk leaders, Get Outdoors, of any underlying health conditions that may affect your walking ability before signing.

Health & Safety Application Form:

If you have not already (or if circumstances have changed), please complete the participant health & safety form at this link, so we know how best to look after you.

Future Walk Info:

Submit your email address below to receive information on future walks.

Join us for a hike in beautiful places like the Bannau Brycheiniog, Cotswolds, Malverns, Chilterns, Peak District, Oxford...

Perfect way to start your training for a challenge like the 3 Peaks or simply to get out into the countryside, while being sociable.

Please "Like" the Get Outdoors Facebook Group for even more updates!