Corn Du Brecon Beacons
Conquer the dramatic peaks of Corn Du and Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons for unparalleled views and a true Welsh adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Corn Du Brecon Beacons
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer the dramatic peaks of Corn Du and Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons for unparalleled views and a true Welsh adventure.
"The hike up the face of Corn Du is quite steep and challenging, but absolutely worth every step!"
🎒 Pack for All Weathers
Weather changes rapidly! Waterproofs, layers, and sturdy boots are essential.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Popular car parks fill up fast. Aim for early morning, especially on weekends.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Corn Du Summit
Brecon Beacons National Park
Reach the plateau summit with its Bronze Age cairn for breathtaking panoramic views. A dramatic peak offering a rewarding climb.
Pen y Fan Ascent
Brecon Beacons National Park
Conquer South Wales' highest peak for unparalleled 360-degree vistas. Often combined with Corn Du for a classic hike.
The Horseshoe Ridge Walk
Brecon Beacons National Park
A challenging yet spectacular 10-16km loop taking in Corn Du, Pen y Fan, Cribyn, and Fan y Big. Epic scenery guaranteed.
Henrhyd Falls (Batcave)
Near Coelbren, Brecon Beacons
Discover South Wales' tallest waterfall, famously used as the Batcave entrance in The Dark Knight Rises. Walk behind the cascade!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Weather Watch is Key
Parking and Trailheads
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack for All Weathers
Weather changes rapidly! Waterproofs, layers, and sturdy boots are essential.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Popular car parks fill up fast. Aim for early morning, especially on weekends.
🗺️ Navigation is Key
Mist can reduce visibility drastically. Carry a map and compass, or use a reliable GPS app.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes like the horseshoe.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack for All Weathers
Weather changes rapidly! Waterproofs, layers, and sturdy boots are essential.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Popular car parks fill up fast. Aim for early morning, especially on weekends.
🗺️ Navigation is Key
Mist can reduce visibility drastically. Carry a map and compass, or use a reliable GPS app.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes like the horseshoe.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is stunning! Don't forget your camera or phone for epic shots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking views and rewarding climbs of Corn Du and Pen y Fan, highlighting the dramatic landscapes. The park is well-organized with clear parking and trail access. However, the unpredictable and often harsh weather can significantly impact the hiking experience, with some finding the conditions challenging and even scary.
"Such a lovely climb to the Corn Du and Pan y Fan!
The place is very organized, the parking costs about 6 pounds a day, and the view is astonishig!"
Guy Tsur
"This is a more dramatic mountain than the slightly higher Pen Y Fan, which is just a short walk away. The hike up the face of Corn Du is quite steep and challenging in the final stretch. There is an easier route from the main Pen Y Fan car park, which will bring you round via the gentler sloping side of the mountain."
Ian Scott
"Corn Du provides one of the better approaches to the Pen y Fan summit.
Craig Cwm Llwch is a fine airy ridge, with starting points to the west or north.
Almost as good as the direct north ridge to Cribyn.
Perhaps a linked circuit of the two would provide a fine day out"
Simon Cooper
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Brecon Beacons National Park is accessible by car via major roads like the A470 and A40. For Corn Du and Pen y Fan, the most popular starting points are the National Trust car park (near Brecon) or the Neuadd car park (CF48 2UT). Public transport options are limited, with bus services connecting some towns but not directly to trailheads.
The National Trust car park near Pen y Fan is a common starting point, offering access to both Pen y Fan and Corn Du. Alternatively, the Neuadd car park is used for the Pen y Fan horseshoe route.
While direct access to trailheads is limited, you can reach towns like Brecon or Abergavenny by bus or train. From there, local bus services might connect to some areas, but it's often easier to drive or arrange a taxi.
From London, it's approximately a 3-4 hour drive. From Cardiff, it's about 1-1.5 hours.
There isn't direct parking at Corn Du itself. You'll need to use nearby car parks such as the National Trust car park or Neuadd car park, which are a walk away from the summit. Parking fees typically apply.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Corn Du and the surrounding Brecon Beacons National Park is free. However, parking at designated car parks usually incurs a fee.
The Brecon Beacons National Park is open 24/7, as it's a natural landscape. Car parks typically have set opening and closing times, usually from dawn till dusk.
Parking fees vary by car park, but expect to pay around £5-£7 for a full day at popular spots like the National Trust car park.
Generally, parking is on a first-come, first-served basis, and advance booking is not usually an option for the main car parks. Arriving early is the best strategy.
No permits are required for general hiking in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Enjoy the trails freely!
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike up Corn Du can be steep and challenging, especially the final stretch. An easier route is available from the main Pen y Fan car park.
A hike to Corn Du and Pen y Fan typically takes 2-4 hours, depending on your pace and the route taken. The horseshoe walk can take 5-7 hours.
Sturdy hiking boots are essential due to the terrain. Wear layers of clothing, including waterproofs, as the weather can change quickly.
Basic facilities like toilets are usually available at the main car parks. Cafes or shops are typically found in nearby towns like Brecon or Abergavenny, not directly at the trailheads.
While the main peaks can be challenging, there are easier trails in the Brecon Beacons suitable for families, such as the Elidir Trail with its waterfalls.
📸 📸 Photography
The summits of Corn Du and Pen y Fan offer incredible panoramic views. The horseshoe ridge provides dramatic vistas, and Henrhyd Falls is a unique photographic subject.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light, but be mindful of weather conditions and hiking safety. Midday can be harsh but still offers expansive views.
Drone usage is generally restricted in National Parks to protect wildlife and the landscape. Always check the latest regulations before flying a drone.
TikTok and Instagram feature many stunning shots from the summits, the horseshoe ridge, and the unique Henrhyd Falls.
A lightweight camera or smartphone is ideal. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a sturdy tripod if you plan for low-light photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Solo Adventurers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking the Peaks: Corn Du & Pen y Fan
Navigation is paramount here. The weather can change in an instant, with mist rolling in rapidly, severely reducing visibility. It's crucial to be prepared with appropriate gear, including waterproofs and sturdy hiking boots, and to carry a map and compass or a reliable GPS device. Popular starting points include the National Trust car park and Neuadd car park, both of which can get very busy, especially on weekends. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a parking spot.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, wild camping is permitted in certain areas of the Brecon Beacons, though it requires careful planning and adherence to 'leave no trace' principles. The views from the summits, especially during sunrise or sunset, are spectacular, making the challenging climb well worth the effort.
The Brecon Beacons National Park: More Than Just Peaks
For families, the Elidir Trail is a fantastic option, featuring a 7km loop that takes you past four beautiful waterfalls and is considered family-friendly. For those looking for unique stays, glamping sites like Danybryn Retreat offer a chance to disconnect and immerse in nature. The park's beauty has even been humorously compared to Scotland, highlighting its picturesque scenery.
Getting around the park without a car can be challenging, as public transport is limited, especially to more remote trailheads. However, towns like Brecon and Abergavenny serve as good bases, with some local bus services connecting to surrounding areas. The park is a haven for outdoor activities, from challenging mountain hikes to gentler walks, making it a versatile destination for a variety of visitors.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit