Pen y Fan & Waterfalls: October 19th-20th
Regular price
£0.00
£85.00
Future dates:
Pen y Fan & Waterfalls: November 16th-17th
Brecon Waterfalls Day only: January 4th
Pen y Fan & Waterfalls: March 22nd-23rd
The Brecon Beacons
SATURDAY: Waterfall Country
We take a walk into the mystic wooded valleys of the Brecon Beacons, famous for being home to some of the most magnificent waterfalls in the UK.We then 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:
- Location will be sent to participants the week before.
- Parking is £5 per car for the day.
- Please arrive early to register.
- Toilets and cafe' at the start of the walk.
We only regret opportunities we don't take
SUNDAY: The Pen y Fan Horseshoe Ridge Hike
The finest walk in the Brecon Beacons to the highest peak in South Wales.
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 Britain. This route around the U-shaped Neuadd Valley provides a far more spectacular way to truly experience the surroundings of Pen y Fan's magnificent 886m summit. This horseshoe route is just over 9miles long and takes around 6 hours to complete.
An early start sees us meet in the Brecon Beacon's 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, the Brecon Beacons 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 the Brecon Beacons.
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.
Meet Instructions:
- Location will be sent to participants the week before.
- When you arrive, please assemble with the Get Outdoors team at the far end of the car park and check-in again at the finish. The group will be led all the way, but we would like to make sure everyone gets home safely.
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Take a comfort break on the way; no toilets in the car park or on the walk.
Free parking, but we need to arrive early to secure parking spaces
Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations
Accommodation:
Recommendations:
Studios at Glenthorne: Self-catered studios. Clean, comfortable with good facilities and helpful staff. 15mins from Pen y Fan; 25mins from Waterfall Country (rating 9.2/10)
The Tiger Inn: Lovely clean and comfortable hotel with great hospitality (rating 8.3/10)
The Bessemer Hotel: This hotel is not the smartest, but at the cheaper end of the scale, it offers incredibly good value single, twin and double rooms with breakfast. 15mins from Pen y Fan and 25mins from Waterfall Country. (rating 7.7/10)
Bike Park Lodge (House): Excellent 4 bedroom house with mountain views and garden with patio. 20mins from Pen y Fan and 25mins from Waterfall Country. (rating 9.2/10)
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:
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Join us for a hike in beautiful places like the Brecon Beacons, 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.
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