logo Walking Britain
Home About Holidays FAQ Email MENU ☰

Waun Fach from Castell Dinas, near Talgarth

Brecon Beacons/Bannau Brycheiniog Walk

Nat Park - Brecon Beacons - Brecon Beacons East

County/Area - Powys

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 7.5 miles / 12.2 km    Ascent - 2080 feet / 630 metres

Time - 5 hours 50 minutes    Grade - mod/hard

Maps Ordnance Survey Logo Anquet Maps Logo

Ordnance Survey Explorer OL13Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer OL13Digital Map1:25kBUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 161Sheet Map1:50kBUY
Anquet OS Landranger 161Digital Map1:50kBUY

Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Waun Fach
Click image to visit gallery of 2 images.

The Brecon Beacons National Park naturally focuses on the high land of the Beacons themselves. However there is much else to keep walkers busy with the Black Mountains offering high level walks of quality without the crowds often encountered on Pen-y-Fan.

This walk starts near Castell Dinas located a few miles south of Talgarth on the A479 to Crickhowell. Parking is available in the lane (grid ref. SO177303). From here continue to the end of the lane and take the bridleway that climbs over the col between Castell Dinas and the ridge coming down from Y Grib, which will be used for the return. Stay with the bridleway as it descends to Rhyd-y-car farm. Turn left here and continue on the right of way heading east. The path crosses a number of fields climbing at the while to reach the boundary of open country (grid ref. SO194302).

You have the option of either heading straight up the hillside or taking an easier left-right zig-zag to join the clear rising path that heads roughly south across the flanks of Waun Fach to reach a large cairn near a 618 metre spot height marked on the OS 1:25,000 map. Near this cairn turn north on a distinct path to follow a broad ridge, which leads directly to the summit of Waun Fach.

The highest point in the eastern sector of the Brecon Beacons National Park (known as the Black Mountains) the summit area offers good views in all directions. However foreground interest is limited due to the "dome like" nature of the mountain. Away to the west are the highest peaks of the Beacons whilst to the east are the high parallel ridges that complete the Black Mountains with Hay Bluff the best known summit. From the summit of Waun Fach a clear path descends just west of north roughly following the highest ground. Stay with this path for about a mile to reach a junction where you turn left to descend over Y Grib to reach your transport. The descent is very pleasant offering good views especially to the Usk Valley and the high ground of Mid-Wales beyond.

The photos included with this walk description were taken during worsening winter conditions with a snow storm approaching. Inexperienced walkers should not attempt to complete any high level routes in these conditions and it is recommended that a speedy return to lower levels is made.

Other walks nearby

Walk 3204 Hay Bluff & Twmpamoderate10.3 miles
Walk 2935 Llanthony Priory from Capel-y-ffineasy/mod7.7 miles
Walk 1238 Hay Bluff & Twmpa Circularmoderate6.0 miles
Walk 3546 Pen y Bryn from Pencellimoderate5.0 miles
Walk 3536 Pen y Bryn & Carn Pica from Pencellimod/hard11.3 miles
Walk 3209 Llanfrynach and Pencelli circulareasy/mod5.6 miles
Walk 1237 Cwmyoy & Hatterrall Hill from Llanthony Priorymoderate10.0 miles
Walk 3203 Vale of Ewyas from Llanthony Abbeymoderate10.7 miles
Walk 3342 The Hatterall Ridge from Llanthony Prioryvery hard10.0 miles
Walk 1660 Craswall Priory & Hay Bluffeasy/mod6.0 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

The Cambrian Way

The Cambrian WayGuidebook to the Cambrian Way, a challenging three-week mountain trek through Wales from Cardiff to Conwy. The 470km un-waymarked route is presented from south to north. Often sticking to long, beautiful ridgelines, it crosses wild and rugged terrain and visits many of Wales's highest mountains, including Snowdon.
More information

Walking on the Brecon Beacons

Walking on the Brecon Beacons45 circular day walks are described in this guidebook to the Brecon Beacons National Park. From west to east, Mynydd Du, Fforest Fawr, the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains these mountain and valley routes offer many options, highlighting the natural features. The walks described explore dramatic waterfalls, wooded gorges and upland valleys.
More information

Messaging & Social Media

Message Walking Britain and follow the latest news.

Facebook  Twitter

Mountain Weather

Stay safe on the mountains with detailed weather forecasts - for iOS devices or for Android devices.