Nanbre one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 80.00% of reviewers

A very enjoyable walk, but one that I might have struggled to navigate without Nia, our fab guide. We walked the route to verify it for Slow Ways.
As people have said, the first part of the walk is rather boggy, a bit overgrown in parts, and you need a decent pair of walking boots.
The new toilet facilities at the bottom of Pen Y Fan were a welcome surprise, and the walk up straightforward once you’ve crossed the busy road.
The descent down into Brecon required steady footing and lots of concentration in parts.

We really enjoyed this walk from Nant Ddu to Brecon via Pen y Fan. The walk was very varied, starting with some boggy terrain as you climb up from Nant Ddu, with a steep ascent to Pen y Ban and some excellent views, and a pleasant descent back into Brecon.

The first six miles are along a damp peat bog; there is a view of the reservoir and it is largely traffic-free. Unfortunately this did push my previously waterproof boots beyond their limit- one member of the party was in trainers. We were led in this walk by the estimable Nia, without whom I think I might have had more difficulty navigating this first part. Then there is the busy a470 near the Pont-y-Daf car park to cross. A burger was obtained in said car park before heading up P-y-F which of course is practically a stone staircase, and very busy this time of year. We were pleasantly surprised when the mists parted as we reached the summit and the sun came out to show us the true majesty of the Beacons/ Bannau. Personally I found the downhill stretch more taxing as it was a long slow slog down hill followed by a walk along a country lane into town. At a suitably slow pace we did it in under 5 hours I believe.
Watch this space - more to come on the Stories page.
I don't think the route is particularly accessible. If anyone has hip troubles they'd struggle getting over the many stiles, as one member of the party definitely did. And if anyone has bad knees that downhill bit is a real killer. At one point I decided to just run down because I found it to be less uncomfortable than the walk- but obviously that's not an option for everybody and it does give an increased risk of falling. It's possible there may be a route with less hill - although it would likely be walking along the road, unfortunately.

This is the most direct trail route from Nant Ddu to Brecon. The route through forestry and alongside the reservoirs is attractive with plenty of interesting flora and fauna. The track can be very boggy at times, so waterproof boots are highly recommended. There are facilities at Pont ar Daf, then of course the steep climb up and over the summit of Pen y Fan. The initial descent from the summit is tricky, requiring a short scramble, and some may be nervous of this. The route along the ridge is great, though good navigation skills are required in poor weather. The remainder of the walk is on paths and lanes, all the way to the centre of Brecon. Overall an enjoyable walk, given 4 instead of 5 stars because of the beginning, along an extremely busy and dangerous section of the A470 - be sure to keep to the verge and keep your wits about you, and also because this route may not be safe in poor weather.

Controversial but I find Pen-y-Fan a bit marmite - love it or hate it. I find it very barren but the views are good - if its not cloudy ! The country lane up to Pen-y-Fan from Brecon is quiet and has good views of the mountains on the approach. The path to the top is well defined and the route down to Storey Arms is a bit too well defined. Very busy at Storey Arms normally if you don't mind that - but I would rather go late or early for a quieter time. The walk round the reservoirs is good but close to the A road - so not that tranquil with the sound Of Rhondda 500s belting through the valley. There is only one hotel at Nant Ddu. Not a walk I would do again - but good enough if getting into the heart of the Brecons.

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