Tafarn-y-Garreg - Fan Hir - Fan Brycheiniog
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Carmarthen Fan is the highest point of the Black Mountain (Mynydd Du), which should not be confused with the Black Mountains that lie to the east. This walk starts at Tafarn-y-Garreg and follows a short section of the River Tawe, before ascending the Fan Hir ridge to reach a final section of dramatic yet easy ridge-walking between Fan Brycheiniog and Fan Foel.
Fan Gyhirych dominates the view to the east at first, with the twin peaks of Pen y Fan and Corn Du coming into view as one gains height. A Royal Air Force Vampire fast jet crashed on the slopes of Waun Haffes, to the west of Fan Hir, during a training flight in October 1953.
Some of the most extensive cave systems in the country lie beneath gently sloping ground to the south-west. The Cave Register for Mynydd Du lists numerous sinks, caves and digs in the Sinc y Giedd Area. Most are only accessible to experienced cavers, although the nearby Dan-yr-Ogof show-caves are open to the general public.
The imposing scarp face of the ridge, with cliffs formed from horizontal strata of old red sandstone, overlooks Llyn y Fan Fawr ("Big Lake of the Fan"), which can be reached via a short but steep path from Bwlch Giedd. In clear weather, there are views from the summit towards Exmoor in the south, Mynydd Preseli in the west and Cadair Idris in the north.
Wales - Mid Wales - Powys - Black Mountains
Features
Great Views, Mountains, Pub, Public Transport, River, Toilets
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