Drygarn Fawr Walk
This walk climbs to Drygarn Fawr in Powys. You can start the walk from the car park at the Caban Coch Reservoir, part of the Elan Valley Reservoirs.
From here a footpath heads south west to the Drygarn Fawr summit. The route takes you through remote and rugged moorland, offering expansive views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
The summit of Drygarn Fawr is marked by two large cairns, known as Bronze Age burial cairns, which are a striking feature of the landscape. These cairns, standing over two metres high, are among the most notable prehistoric monuments in the Cambrian Mountains and serve as a reminder of the area's ancient history. The surrounding terrain consists of heather moorland and grassland, creating a haven for wildlife.
The walk provides a sense of isolation and tranquillity, as the area is relatively undeveloped and offers an escape from urban life. The views from the summit extend across the Elan Valley, with its series of reservoirs and wooded slopes, as well as towards the Brecon Beacons to the south. On a clear day, the views are far-reaching and showcase the natural beauty of mid-Wales.
Drygarn Fawr Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Drygarn Fawr Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Drygarn Fawr OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Drygarn Fawr Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
This challenging yet rewarding walk is best suited for experienced walkers with good navigation skills, as the terrain can be boggy and uneven, and weather conditions may change rapidly. It is advisable to wear appropriate footwear, carry a map and compass, and ensure you are adequately prepared for the remote environment.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Summit cairn of Drygarn Fawr. This is the higher of the two cairns, and marks the summit. The beehive cairns are obviously of comparatively recent origin, reconstructed from ancient cairns, possibly to provide recognisable landmarks on the featureless Elan moors.
The flora along the route includes heather, bilberry, and mosses typical of upland habitats. In the wetter areas, you may encounter bog cotton and sphagnum moss, which contribute to the area's peatland ecosystem. These plants support a variety of insect species, including dragonflies, and provide an essential habitat for upland birds.
View east from Drygarn Fawr. Showing the extent of the eastern Elan moors, and how little height variation there is. On the horizon, on the right Gorllwyn, like Drygarn Fawr, exceeds 2000 feet, while in the centre Y Gamriw just falls under.
Birdlife is one of the highlights of the area, with sightings of red kites, buzzards, and kestrels often reported. The moorland is also home to ground-nesting birds such as skylarks and meadow pipits. During the summer, you may spot golden plovers and curlews, both of which rely on the moorland for breeding.