The Beacons Horseshoe

John Thorn

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From the lower Neuadd Reservoir, follow the Roman road to the top of the pass, circle Cribyn then climb to the peak of Pen-y-fan. Descend for a magnificent escarpment walk before dropping back to the start.

Wales - South Wales - Brecon - Brecon Beacons

Features

Birds, Flowers, Great Views, Lake/Loch, Mountains, National Trust, Wildlife

28/11/2006 - Bob Cresswell

Walked this yesterday in winds of 40-50 mph after several days of heavy rain. I think the steep descent at the end of the walk, a bit like walking down a muddy waterfall, would be better attempted at the end of the walk (that is descending) than the beginning as would be needed with Martin's suggestion. Also, I wasn't anticipating needing to cross a fast flowing stream some 6 inches higher than my boots at the beginning of the walk! Very enjoyable.

29/09/2006 - Martin Rocke

This is a fantastic walk, but I'd suggest walking it clockwise and not anti-clockwise as suggested. The views (in my opinion) open up better in this direction, but more importantly you get nearly all the climb out of the way in the first 55 - 60mins - much easier for older legs, fast up when you're fresh and easy down at the end saves the knees! A superb walk, but with big drops in places, leave it for a good day!

26/11/2003 - Andrew GILL

Andrew ROUND is quite correct. This walk takes in the highest point in South Wales and weather conditions can deteriorate rapidly. It is often underestimated because the paths are well marked. It should never be taken lightly without proper walking equipment. The man with the seven year old child and a two year old child was one of those who had walked up by an easier route but was probably totally ill equipped for the area he was in. Ask the Beacons Mountain Rescue team how many such people they have carried off this mountain.

26/08/2003 - John Thorn

Yes it goes up high - but (apart from one steep descent) the paths are all well-worn and present no difficulty. It's not very long and the 'precipitous drops' are a few yards from the path. Last time we walked it we met a guy with a seven-year-old and a two-year-old in a baby carrier. Don't let the new grading of "Hill Scramble" put you off.

26/08/2003 - ANDREW ROUND

I would rate this more than a moderate walk...this walk takes in peaks above 2000' and should be treated as serious mountain walking with precipitous drops.