Llyn Y Fan Fawr, Picws Du, Fan Brycheiniog Walk

9 miles (14.5 km)

This challenging circular walk visits Llyn Y Fan Fawr and Llyn Y Fan Fach in the Brecon Beacons. These two beautiful, isolated lakes are located close to each other�on the northern margin of the�Black Mountain�in�Carmarthenshire. It's a very peaceful and remote area with stunning scenery for the duration of the route. The walk runs for a distance of about 9 miles with some challenging climbs to the mountains which rise up above the lakes.
Start the walk from the Llyn Y Fan Fach car park which lies about a mile north of the lake. From here you can pick up a track heading south to the lake and the dam. The trail then climbs around the western and southern side of the lake to Picws Du and then east to Fan Foel and Fan Brycheiniog. This hill stands at a height of 802 metres and commands breathtaking views over the area.
The path then descends from Fan Brycheinog to Llyn Y Fan Fawr where you follow a trail along the eastern side of the water. You then climb to a series of hills on the northern side of the range. You'll pass Pant Y Bwlch and enjoy views of the River Sychlwch on this section. The river leads into Llyn Y Fan Fach where you can follow the same trail north to return to the car park.

Postcode

SA19 9UN - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Llyn Y Fan Fawr Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Llyn Y Fan Fawr Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Llyn Y Fan Fawr OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Llyn Y Fan Fawr Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Despite being in quite a remote spot the lakes are a popular destination for hikers when the weather is good. As such it's a good idea to get to the car park fairly early as it's quite small and will fill up quite quickly in holiday season. There are two good campsites just to the east of the car park and the Red Lion Youth Hostel in nearby Llanddeusant. They are all good options if you would like to stay over.
For a longer, more challenging walk try the Llyn Y Fan Fawr Walk. This circular walk will take you to the neighbouring lake of Llyn Y Fan Fawr while also climbing to the hills of Picws Du and Fan Brycheiniog.
The epic Cambrian Way passes the lake. You could follow this south to visit the ridge walk along Fan Hir. This starts from near to the noteworthy Dan yr Ogof and the National Showcaves of Wales where you can explore a wonderful 11 mile long cave system.
A few miles to the north you'll find the Usk Reservoir. This is another significant body of water in the area and well worth a visit. There's nice trails around the water with attractive woodland and the opportunity to spot a few Red Kites soaring above the reservoir.
Just to the east there's also the Cray Reservoir. This lake has a different feel to it being surrounded by lush countryside. There's parking and a footpath on the eastern side of the water. To the south of the reservoir there's the climb to Fan Gyhirych which affords splendid views down to the lake below.
To the south east there's the splendid Craig-y-Nos Country Park. The park is a lovely place for walk with woodlands, meadows, wide lawns and trails along the River Tawe. There's good facilities with parking, a cafe and good footpaths at the site too.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Brecon Beacons Walks page.