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Craig Cwareli – Fan y Big loop from wild camp

Routes

Mountain hikes & routes

Craig Cwareli – Fan y Big loop from wild camp

Moderate

hikers

Craig Cwareli – Fan y Big loop from wild camp

04:27

14.9km

420m

Mountaineering

Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: February 16, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Bannau Brycheiniog National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

712 m

Torpantau Railway Station

Highlight • Rest Area

No mobile signal at this point, there is car park is opposite the tourist train station for the Brecon Beacon Mountain Railway : bmr.wales

Tip by

1.01 km

Torpantau Tunnel is a closed-down, 666-yard-long abandoned masonry railway tunnel in Wales that was opened in 1863 and closed down in 1963. It was part of the Brecon and Merthyr Railway line and, at 1,313 feet above sea level, was the highest tunnel on the UK railway network. Now it is disused but is often used as part of team building and adventure walks by local activity providers. If you are thinking of using it, you will need wellingtons (which will just about keep you dry) and a head torch. It is a brilliant place to lead a group of kids through and jump out to scare them half to death.

Tip by

7.35 km

Craig Cwareli

Highlight • Summit

Fan y big has got to be one of our favourite walks we go once a year.The views from the spring board are wonderful .Fan y big elevation is 719mt it is often hiked as part of the horseshoe walk a travers of the 4 main peaks in the Beacon Becons

Tip by

8.59 km

Fan y Bîg Summit and Diving Board

Highlight • Summit

Fan y Big might have had its mountain status revoked in 2018 — but don't let that put you off. This is a superb peak that forms part of a classic route through the Brecons, known as the 'horse shoe' or the 'four peaks'. With stunning panoramas on a clear day and the notorious 'diving board' jutting out for those that dare, this peak is well worth bagging on hikes in the area. It is also much less crowded here than on Pen y Fan.

According to mountain classification criteria, to be regarded as a mountain a peak must be at least 2,000 feet (609.6 m) tall and have a minimum drop between the summit and the lowest point of the mountain ridge of 98.4 feet (30 m). While Fan y Big retains its 2,351 feet (716.6 m) height, the drop has been measured at 93.4 feet (28.5 m), making it five feet (1.5 m) under what is required to retain its mountain status.

Tip by

8.60 km

Fan y Big

Highlight • Natural Monument

Fan y Big might have had its mountain status revoked in 2018 — but don't let that put you off. This is a superb peak that forms part of a classic route through the Brecons, known as the 'horse shoe' or the 'four peaks'. With stunning panoramas on a clear day and the notorious 'diving board' jutting out for those that dare, this peak is well worth bagging on runs in the area. It is also much less crowded here than on Pen y Fan.

According to mountain classification criteria, to be regarded as a mountain, a peak must be at least 2,000 feet (609.6 meters) tall and have a minimum drop between the summit and the lowest point of the mountain ridge of 98.4 feet (30 m). While Fan y Big retains its 2,351 feet (716.6 m) height, the drop has been measured at 93.4 feet (28.5 m), making it five feet (1.5 m) under what is required to retain its mountain status.

Tip by

11.0 km

Upper Neuadd Dam

Highlight • Structure

Upper Neuadd dam is a grade 2 listed dam at the southern end of the Upper Neuadd reservoir. The reservoir itself has been drained, however, and has stood dry for some years. It was drained as water was slowly damaging the listed dam, and there are currently no plans from Welsh Water to refill it. And while this is a little sad, especially having seen the surrounding peaks of Pen y Fan, Corn Du and the Cribyn once reflected in the water, it allows for an up close inspection of this awesome structure!

Tip by

14.1 km

Taf Fechan Forest

Highlight • Trail

Taf Fechan Forest's extensive reach covers the valley floor to the south of the Central Beacons massif in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. It is named after the Taf Fechan river, which collects run-off from the emerald slopes above and flows down to meet the River Taff near Merthyr Tydfil. There are myriad trails through this peaceful forest, which also is home to four reservoirs: the Upper and Lower Neuadd Reservoirs on its northern tip; Pentwyn Reservoir in its heart; and the larger Pontsticill Reservoir in its southern reaches.

Tip by

14.9 km

Owl's Grove Car Park, Taf Fechan Forest

Highlight • Forest

This is the Taf Fechan Forest Owl's Grove Car Park. It is known locally as just the Owl's Car Park. It has a gravel parking lot. There is a great river walk over the road, and it is only a 2-minute drive from Pontsticill reservoir.

Tip by

14.9 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.70 km

4.18 km

3.86 km

637 m

471 m

108 m

Surfaces

8.28 km

3.39 km

1.93 km

705 m

569 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Thursday 14 May

11°C

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Craig Cwareli – Fan y Big loop from wild camp

Torpantau Railway Station

Torpantau Railway Tunnel

Craig Cwareli

Fan y Bîg Summit and Diving Board

Fan y Big

Upper Neuadd Dam

Taf Fechan Forest

Owl's Grove Car Park, Taf Fechan Forest

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