Pen y Fan Horseshoe - Route Recommendation
The absolute best the Brecons has to offer and a new favourite trail half
![Pen y Fan Horseshoe - Route Recommendation](/content/images/size/w2000/2021/12/IMG_20211023_092711-1.jpg)
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Distance: 20km
Elevation Gain: 935m
Type: Trail
Route Link: Komoot | Strava
A very special route this week, and one that's recently taken over the Chepstow to Tintern route as my new favourite trail run.
Pen-y-Fan is the highest point in the Brecon Beacons National Park at 886m above sea level and is a very popular climb for visitors.
Most folks start from the Storey Arms car park and take the route straight up to Pen-y-Fan. However in doing so you miss some absolutely spectacular scenery and it's sister peaks in the range.
This route is a variation on the horseshoe route that stretches it to a half marathon with plenty of climbing, descending and flat trails to boot.
Starting at Blaen y Glyn Uchaf car park (a spacious and free parking spot, though it can get popular with walkers at peak times), we start with a long arduous climb (hike this bit!) up into the range. Each time you look back whilst climbing the views get more breath taking so it is well worth it.
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When we reach the top we're rewarded with great views off to the East of the valley and a long flat section of technical trails to jog along.
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The views only get more inspiring as you follow the trail round and climb up our first peak, Fan y Big (719m), part of the three peaks in a row this route hits.
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Descending Fan y Big through the gap we reach the toughest climb of the route, a steep, dodgy clamber up to our second peak, Cribyn (799m). Be careful climbing up here, steps are cut into the side for safety however it is steep, so take it slow.
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From here it's another descent through a valley between the peaks, before a more manageable scramble up onto Pen y Fan along the less travelled south-east path, over big rocks surrounding the summit.
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Note: on my GPS route I don't hit Corn Du, another peak next to Pen y Fan at 873m, however it's so close and not a huge climb so I'd recommend going for it. I regret not doing it!
After a breather it's time to close off the horseshoe with a long run round the other side of the range, hitting Craig-Gwaun Taf and Cefn Cul on the way down as the route slowly descends over rough, rocky technical terrain.
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When the GPS tells us to go East, there's a long winding descent that starts quite steep (manageable, but recommend walking it) before flattening out into a fast fun downhill section to cross the Taf Fenchan river.
After you've crossed the bridge, it's a straight shot along the lanes back to the waterfall and car park to finish.
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I'd recommend allowing yourself 3-4 hours to complete this, there's a lot of slow climbs and sections too technical to take at any great pace.
It is, however, well worth the time commitment!