Pen y Fan Horseshoe Ridge Circular Walk | Brecon Beacons
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2024
- The Horseshoe Ridge walk is probably my favourite walk in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. It's a challenging 10 mile circular walk that involves climbing the four peaks of Corn Du, Pen y Fan (the highest peak in southern Britain), Cribyn and Fan y Big. Pen Y Fan and Corn Du were also bronze age burial sites and each summit has a cairn on top, it has a mystical feel to it up there. Once on top of these summits you will have magnificent views stretching for miles in all directions.
You can start the Horseshoe Ridge from the Neuadd Car Park, Taf Fechan Forest (SO 036 169) For me this is the best place to start the walk, it offers you splendid views as you walk up Neuadd Valley and along the ridge above Graig Fan Ddu.
If you are planning on doing this walk, I would suggest that you wear good walking boots, and pack waterproofs and warm gear; the weather can be very unpredictable and can change quickly, even in the summer months. A map and compass should also be taken (OS map: Explorer OL12; Landranger 160).
I have added links below for the OS Maps App, Grid Reference OS, what maps you'll need, the route and Mountain Rescue.
Distance: 10 miles
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Highest point: 2913ft
Route conditions: Well-worn pathways all around and stoned paths in places.
Difficulty: Challenging
Grid Reference OS App: play.google.co...
OS Maps app: shop.ordnances...
Brecon Beacons Mountain Rescue: www.breconmrt....
The Route: www.nationaltr...
OS Maps app route: explore.osmaps...
OS Map Explorer OL 12: shop.ordnances...
OS Map Landranger 160: shop.ordnances...
#hiking #penyfan #walking
Great video, if people actually take note of your advice then there would be so many fewer rescues. Honestly, its just common sense isn’t it, who in their right mind would go hiking up mountains without the correct gear. I learned something iff your video too today, never heard of the grid reference os app, downloaded it and its bloody great, a must for anyone venturing out on the hills. Love to meet you out there one day with Toby, my border collie would be quite happy with a pal🐾
Thank you, Phil. Some people just don't realise how quickly it can go from good to bad. I've seen some sights up there over the years, including a woman climbing to the summit in a pair of high heels. It's a handy app, I've been using it for years and it's never let me down. Yes, it would be great to see you in the hills, and I'm sure they would get along, Toby's very easy going. Take it easy, mate!
Great video! Definitely you show how beautiful Wales is, Diolch from an expatriate 🏴🏴🏴🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
Thank you, Derek. It's good to know you're enjoying the green, green grass of home through the videos. ATB, Ryan.
Great video Ryan and always good see what you take with you, we are never to old to learn and pick up tips and ideas. Thanks once again.
Thank you, Neil. Totally agreed, still learning after all of these years. Thanks for watching, Ryan.
4:29 I was on Waun Fach on this day (April 11th), looking at the blizzard rolling in towards me from Pen-Y-Fan way. Literally 4 seasons in one day 😂
It was a crazy experience being in the mountains that day. As it headed towards me from the east, I remember seeing a gang of lads dressed in nothing but shorts and t-shirts heading for Fan y Big, they must've had a shock 😂 Thanks for watching. ATB, Ryan.
Awesome landscape! Poor, old Toby all the time on the leash and you without water of life...
Cheers Michael
Thanks, Michael. Oh, he does hate being on the leash, but he still had a good day. Thanks for watching. Take it easy, Ryan.
Great video Ryan amazing scenery. Great advice about kit and being prepared for weather changes it’s crazy how fast it can change and how dangerous it can be. Stay safe and take care atb mate 👍🏻
Thank you, Carl. Yes, it can be very unpredictable up there, all is needed to stay safe is to go prepared and have some necessary knowledge. Enjoy your Sunday, mate. ATB, Ryan.
Very informative video Ryan, the drone shots were great. And you earned that cider I say. ATB Serk
I enjoyed it too, Serk! Thanks once again. Take it easy, Ryan.
Hi Ryan . I really appreciate that you include us on you're adventures . As always cracking view's and content , thank you . ATB Phil
It's a pleasure to, Phil, it's nice to share the beauty of Wales off. Thanks and ATB, Ryan.
That was a fantastic looking walk, definitely getting this one under my belt in the next few weeks. Cheers Ryan, as always much appreciated.
You won't be disappointed, Niky, it's a beautiful walk. Thanks and ATB, Ryan.
You blow my mind every time. Absolutely cracking video again mate.
Toby is blowing out his ar5e but was obviously loving it.
He could be the luckiest dog in Wales with his walks 😂
He was probably blowing out of his arse because he was pulling me up the mountains 😂 Albeit, he had a great day up there. Thank you and thanks for watching. ATB, Ryan.
@@wildaboutwales my springer collie mix does the same. Not sure I would get from a to b without him 🤣
Your rucksack tutorial was very helpful. Thank you.
Thank you, I'm glad you found it helpful.
this was super Ryan, just what was needed after a worrying time with my sweet farm dog Millie-she looks a lot like Toby! She's blown a cruciate ligament and is on strict rest-not what a busy doggo wants!
Amazingly poignant segment about the Spitfire crash, and so much history and useful info-really enjoy the way you put it across.
Thanks again Ryan for taking us along on a great day hike! And congrats on your growing numbers!!!
Thanks for the kind words, Amanda. So sorry to hear she's not well, it's so worrying when they're ill and you can't help but feel a little helpless. When Toby pulled a muscle a few months back, he had to rest, and that's not good for any active collie. I hope she makes a speedy recovery and can get back to it soon. Take care, Ryan.
Tabbed round there more times than i care to remember! Love how your filming and music choices makes something so evocative. Seen 4 seasons there myself, same as Sennybridge - cross the cattlegrid, chuck goretex on no matter what the weather. Fed up of seeing families and couples trying to get to the top of the Fan without kit, water and in inappropriate clothing and footwear and expecting everyone else to clear up after them. Great video as always 👍 👌
Thank you, Chris. That cattle grid used to trigger bad weather as soon as a 4 tonner drove over it, I'm sure of it. ATB, Ryan.
Even the DS get caught out sometimes - on my senior course weather turned that bad we had to retreat to Farm 5 for a couple of nights....and that was July ffs 😂. I've also done this horseshoe parking up in Talybont bike hub and extending it to include a wild camp on the way if that's something to consider.
very underrated channel imho.
Thank you, Paul. I haven't been going long, but getting there slowly. ATB, Ryan.
@@wildaboutwales Great channel Ryan .... cheers from Cornwall.
Another great video!, my father and I did the exact same route last September. The weather was horrendous! Water running in the wrong direction as the wind was so strong! Haha, we even finished the day off in the same pub (the red cow?) with a home made pie and a stowford press 🍻
Thank you, Robert. It's such a great walk, it's still enjoyable in horrendous conditions. You appreciate the pub more afterwards on a bad day up there, especially when the log fire is roaring away. Yes, it was the Red Cow 🍻 ATB, Ryan.
Fantastic video again buddy! Excellent footage as always and the informative side is always second to none with plenty of experience behind you. 👏 as always great work buddy!
Thank you buddy! Hope you got to chill after your time working away. Take it easy, bro 👌🏼
Great video mate, as I’ve previously mentioned you do more for marketing Wales than the Welsh tourist board. It is also very informative about kit prep and evacuation planning. 🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴
Thanks, buddy!👌🏼
Who'd have ever thought that more than 3 decades later we'd be back in these mountains doing this for the sheer enjoyment of it. How times change, huh!
@@wildaboutwales very True, however I have made friends for life in the Battalion and looking back at all the memories I had the best time of my life.
How great to see two old Regimental boys on TH-cam, bloody great videos too that have enthused my need to get back walking the hills again for enjoyment rather than have too.
Strange how we go back to the places that we once cursed. Dean F
@@GanderTravels it's like a mini Regimental reunion here, ha ha. Yes, it's much more enjoyable up those mountains later on in life doing it of your own accord. I doubt you'll remember me, Dean, but I was 10 platoon, Casino Coy in 1989 whilst you were there...a very long time ago now. All the best to you, mate 👍🏼
@wildaboutwales Ryan. I remember the majority of those young faces who stepped through the gates back then, can't remember last week but can 35 years ago 😀
Great hike! I could tell Toby was enjoying being with you! Here in the States we have the Great Plains which has very few trees but is endless flat country. You have these treeless green mountains which have a beauty all of their own. Beautiful countryside! Really enjoyed the video!
Toby loved it as always, he knows these mountains well. I'm glad you enjoyed, Chris. I may be heading back here for a camp soon, a beautiful spot on the side of a mountain. The great plains look so vast. Take it easy. ATB, Ryan.
Diolch Ryan and Toby. Absolutely stunning drone footage. Tips on what to take noted and grid ref finder app🙏
Thank you, Lynne. I'm glad you found the tips helpful. All the best to you, Ryan & Toby 🙂
Another good vid mate ( surprising amount of people there) - Toby looked as though he’d have gone around again ..powerful dog 👍
It's very rare you'll get these mountains to yourself these days, Alan. Yes, he's still going strong for an old boy, he loves the mountains. Thanks for watching, mate.
Another great informative video. Glad you include the 4 main peaks as part of the circular walk, many leave out Fan Y Big🙈 I’ll be looking for that memorial on my next visit 👍🤓🧐
Thank you, buddy! You can't do the horseshoe and miss out on a photo on Fan y Big can you, even if it is your hundredth time up there 😂 Happy trekking, mate 🥾🥾👍🏼
Great video again Ryan ❤️
Hello, Sharon. I'm glad you enjoyed and thank you for watching. ATB, Ryan.
What a crackin video Ryan ! Amazing views, thanks for sharing that with us buddy, give Toby a belly rub from me and see you both on the next one 👍🏾👍🏾
I sure will, Jason, he'd be grateful for that. Thanks very much, buddy... appreciate it! Take it easy, Ryan.
Great Video WaW thanks for sharing, you get some great video and drone shots, awesome stuff !
Thank you and thanks for watching! It's much appreciated. ATB, Ryan.
Thanks for another fantastic video you really show case Wales, our dog Betty loves watching Toby who is a beautiful dog. He is lucky to have a fab owner such amazing adventures 😊
Thanks for the kind comments, it's much appreciated. I'm lucky to have Toby, he's a great companion for the outdoors. Give Betty a pat from me. ATB, Ryan. 🙂
Nice interesting video Rye!! Would enjoy seeing more stuff like this but the camps with Toby will always be my favourite.
Thanks, Paul, glad you enjoyed. I will be mixing it up and introducing some different content to the channel, but hikes and camping will always be the main topic. It's what I love most.
Brilliant video, 2 for 1,good information and entertaining 👏
Thanks, Robert. Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏼
Nice one Ryan.
Good hike and lots of handy good information for people.
I think you mixing it up now again with just a walk is good.
There's always a flip flop walker going up a mountain.
I've seen many out miles in a hike with no water left at all.
I always carry a spare for an idiot.
You the mountains very well and explained so much.
Well done.
Liked how you mention the poo bags too.
People leave them everywhere.
It's such a shame.
Nice one butty👋
Thank you, Jamie. Yes, I was back up there after this and saw poo bags everywhere on the motorway path, it really boils my piss. I will be introducing other content to the channel, I'm glad you think it's a good idea. Thank you for watching, mate.
Great advice and another great clip !
Thank you, Jason 👍🏼
Fabulous video thank you for sharing and thank you for adding a link to the route, that is so helpful and I've added it to my OS app. This is definitely on my to do list 👍
Thank you, @happyhiker58 I'm glad you found the video useful. It's a fantastic walk, I hope you get to do it. Take it easy, Ryan.
Nice one 🏴🏴
Thanks, bud!
Class video! I did this loop in poor weather, didn’t get to see these views!
Thank you. It's a great walk and the views are spectacular. Fingers crossed you'll get better weather next time. ATB, Ryan.
Great video Ryan I’ve done that walk once or twice with a mate of mine we set off from the Storey Arms(?) not the whole horseshoe route. You had better weather then we did 😁👍
Thanks, Martin, glad you enjoyed the video. It's a great walk, whichever way you set off from. Hopefully you'll get better weather on your next visit. ATB, Ryan.
GREAT video. Thank you so much 😊
Thanks, Heather. Glad you enjoyed it. ATB, Ryan.
Another great video Ryan, great to know that it's best done clockwise. Great blurring on those MTP clad guys faces lol. What footwear you using on this one, I'm not loving my Berghaus shoes and looking at Altra lone peak 8, any comments appreciated?
Thank you, mate. Yes, most people seem to prefer the clockwise route, the views seem to be better as well, as you approach the summits. I'm wearing my Columbia Peakfreak ll boots, they're the best pair of summer boots I've owned tbh. Super comfy, a good grip, and tough and sturdy. I've walked over 350 miles in them and they're holding up well. They also do a trainer version. ATB, Ryan.
www.columbiasportswear.co.uk/p/mens-peakfreak-ii-outdry-waterproof-hiking-shoe-2005101.html?dwvar_2005101_color=403&dwvar_2005101_size=7.5&gclsrc=aw.ds&&mid=paidsearch&eid=Google+Adwords+UK&nid=ECO_202407_LAB_GB-EN_PERFM_PERFM-ROAS_LOW_CON_TOP_GENERIC&oid=&did=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwO20BhCJARIsAAnTIVSiooRdeg0i5-si3aF8UrlB8NYZw8xh9A0posCCmSM677fephZJDaEaAh4JEALw_wcB
Lovely walk Ryan, it's the route I always took when introducing friends to Pen Y Fan. I don't think there many days in the year now when you would have the summit to yourself - not like back in the day. My mate was on Talybont reservoir when the Chinook went through- great sight to have on your walk. Good shout out to the Mountin Rescue. For over 15 years I have made an annual donation to the black Mountains (Longtown) MR - in lieu of sending Xmas Cards. atb Al
It's a great way to show the place off to your, mates, that's for sure. It was a magnificent sight watching the Chinook fly past. Good man for supporting the Mountain Rescue, Alan, they do an incredible job and are really up against it these days as the mountains get busier. Hope you're keeping well, mate. Take it easy, Ryan.
Really enjoyed this buddy… This is a very special place for me… and i can’t wait to go back on a multi day wild camp again on the same route or similar that you took…
I haven’t visited for 2 years now, so one question for you bud if i may…..Is the car park you stayed in a multi-day friendly where i can leave the car for say 3 days….or would you recommend an alternative car park…. Cheers Mark 👍
Thank you, mate, I'm glad you enjoyed! It's a great place to spend a few days hiking and camping. This car park would be totally fine to park up for a few days. It does get busy there, especially in the week days, so I'd recommend getting there early morning or late afternoon for a space. Parking is free and it's not monitored. ATB, Ryan.
Thank you Ryan. That’s really helpful. Appreciated. Cheers Mark 👍
I have been enjoying your videos, past and present. Mostly, I comment on your way of trekking and camping. I've only been in Wales for a few days, in Conwys. You have shown us so much more of the country. It means a bit to me since I have Yale of Plas Mawr and LLEWELLYN ancestry tucked into my genes. (What Welsh person does not have some Llewellyn connections?)
Thank you, James, it's good to hear you're enjoying the channel. It's a beautiful part of Wales up that way. I hiked through Snowdonia to Conwy Castle last year, the scenery is incredible. Enjoy Cymru! ATB, Ryan.
New to watching your channel and was drawn to this one because Pen Y Fan has always been a special place since being in the scouts and enjoying our summer camps there.
Can I ask How easy is it to find the spitfire from the ridge?
Best
Darrell
Thank you, Darrell, it's most certainly a special place, I never tire of these mountains. It's quite easy to get to, but you will need to use a six figure grid reference as it's difficult to find. I'd rather not give the location away on here, but I'd be happy to send you a PM if you have an IG account or other means to message. ATB, Ryan.
@@wildaboutwales Thanks for replying to my message Ryan. I am not on IG but I am on Facebook and messenger. Using my name Darrell Mustoe and my profile pic is me holding an umbrella. I could not find exact location by doing Google search.
Best Darrell
@@darrellmustoe3937 you're welcome, mate.
That gives me the heebygeebys pal! Selection (failed😢) '76. Went back up on in '19 with our lass. Can't believe I made such a fuss😂 Lovely vid bro. Well played indeed Ryan🫡
Good on you for going forward for selection, Marty, it takes a special breed of man to even apply for it. I know a few good men who have failed it, and some also succeed. It's definitely more enjoyable up there as a civilian though 😂 Thank you, mate. Take it easy, Ryan.
SAS exercises up there when I trained in the military in '75. 'Peace of piss' as the lads used to say 😂
Now at 66 I still trek up those mountains, and sleep on the top without a tent in winter; but prefer to steer clear of the main paths and just climb directly up the steepest sides and then straight down the trackless slopes.
The water in the streams is sweet and pure, so never need to filter.
The biggest negative aspect of that region is the terrible erosion from millions of feet each year, which can clearly be seen during the drone video.
@@Globetrotter-1 I remember our platoon going out for a heavy night once, and they sprung an unexpected tab on us in the morning, up and over those mountains with sore heads - the best hangover cure ever 😂 Yes, I often head for the quieter routes, I don't like the hustle and bustle up there myself.
Fantastic. I am looking forward to doing the horseshoe. Your video quality is amazing. What camera/equipment do you use? Diolch.
Thank you, Josh. It's a fantastic walk, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I'm using the GoPro Hero 12, a DJI Mini 2 and my Google Pixel 7a phone. I have links to them in my description if you want to have a look. Have a good one. ATB, Ryan.
Yet again, another great video. Can I ask what’s the title of the intro music please ? Many thanks again
Thank you, Eileen. The track is called Desert Planet, here's a link to it. ATB, Ryan.
th-cam.com/video/eVmpHFYtqCw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=fKiKDa6z6vYqJNsq
tell me once you get to Fan Y Big and head towards Cefyn Giff is there a rocky flat spot to camp.I recall camping years ago but cant for the life of me remember where it was and i dont want to climb to the top and find im wrong.great video i took three American friends to Pen Y Fan Thursday and we camped by the lake,they absolutely loved it 😂
To be honest, Nigel, I've only walked that route a couple of times and I don't recall seeing a spot like that. If I had I think it would have gone on the radar for a camp. I'll keep my eyes peeled the next time I'm up that way, I bet it's a great ridge to camp on. I've still yet to camp by that lake, I bet that was an incredible experience for them. It's a mystical spot. Thanks for watching. ATB, Ryan.
@@wildaboutwales yes my friend lived in wales for around 11 years before moving back to Georgia he clearly misses our camping trips we had to travel about 3 hours to camp when I visited him and his family
@@st1ffee I was talking to a woman up on Fan y Big on this walk, and she was over from Georgia. Not one of your friends by any chance?
@@wildaboutwales no that’s strange isn’t it
Great video, getting this walk under my belt next week with the dog and this was just what I was looking for 👍
Am I correct in thinking there are no styles for dogs to get over?
My dog walks all the time in the mountains up here in N wales, but he’s a big Lab and I sometimes struggle getting him over them.
Many thanks and have just subscribed and will look forward to watching all your previous videos
Thank you, mate and welcome to the channel. Your pooch will be fine, there's no stiles on this walk. Have a good one and I hope the weather is kind to you. ATB, Ryan.
Just wanted to let you know, I didn’t make the horseshoe, as you probably know the wind has been really high this week unfortunately and my dog (although a big brave lab) gets spooked in high winds.
So I grabbed a break in the weather and did Pen y fan and got back down as it was already howling by 10am and spooked him.
Have family here so I come down regularly and will definitely keep this walk on the to do list.
Love this area so much but have only done the big ones, I do every time I come.
So enjoying all your previous videos of lesser known hills/areas
Great channel
Baz
@@bazbarrow6160 Hello Baz, sorry to hear you didn't get the weather, mate, it's been pretty grim the last week. Never mind, it will always be there for the next time you're visiting. If you've never done it, Craig Cerrig Gleisad is an incredible circular walk, just a mile down the road from PYF. I camped it on my first video on the channel. ATB, Ryan.
Even the military use what 3 words for emergency RVs in 2024… 3 metre square location as opposed to a 100m box for a 6 figure grid 👍
England & Wales MR have advised not to solely rely on W3W. They had 45 callouts one year alone, to incorrect locations given to them by people using the app. Maybe a back up grid reference as well to be sure 🙂
Fantastic stuff Ryan loved it!!
Thanks, John! Glad you enjoyed the video, mate. And Many Thanks for becoming a WAW member 🙂👍🏼
Wow that was an amazing edited vid stop that cenery tho 🥹 .. Hahaha good sneak in2 your bag !!! don't look in mine !! wrappers receipts crap !! yours is very handily packed!!! Thats a long old walk fair play .. looking 4ward 2 nxt 1 ... Take care 🩵🕺🩵
Hello, Carla. I may be heading back to these mountains for a camp soon, so you can see some more of this scenery 🙂 It is a long walk, but it's so enjoyable, you don't notice the miles. Take care, Ryan.