Top 11 Lakes around Cray
Best lakes around Cray are found within the Black Mountain range in Powys, Wales, an area characterized by its glacial landscapes and natural lakes. This region features prominent summits and deep valleys, offering views of the surrounding rugged terrain. The natural features include significant escarpments and glacial cirques, which contribute to the area's distinct character. Notable landmarks and viewpoints provide perspectives over the lakes and the wider landscape.
Best lakes around Cray
- The most popular lakes-related highlight is Fan Brycheiniog summit and stone shelter, a summit that marks the climax of a striking escarpment edge in the Black Mountain range. This location offers views of the rugged landscape and down onto Llyn Y Fawr.
- Another must-see spot is Picws Du summit & view of Llyn y Fan Fach, a summit providing views across Llyn y Fan Fach and the valley. Visitors can expect to see diverse birdlife due to the remote landscape.
- Visitors also love Llyn y Fan Fach, a beautiful lake situated below the Black Mountain escarpment. This glacial cirque is known for its scenic beauty and is a short walk from a car park.
- Cray is known for natural lakes, glacial cirques, and mountain viewpoints. The area offers a variety of lakes and associated features to explore, from high-altitude tarns to larger glacial lakes.
- The lakes around Cray are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 140 upvotes and 70 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
Fan Brycheiniog summit and stone shelter
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Picws Du summit & view of Llyn y Fan Fach
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Llyn y Fan Fach
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Tommy Jones Memorial
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Llyn y Fan Fawr
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Tips from the Community
The views down onto Llyn Y Fawr from here is pretty spectacular. This is one of the nicest places in the Brecon Beacons to walk along. Once you have put in the effort to get here, the ridge has a good footpath, there's a nice walled shelter and the views down towards the lake is pretty awesome on a good day.
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Ahhhh Llyn Y Fan Fawr, this glaciated lake is about the nicest place you can be on a hot summers day or even a cold winter's morning. It has been central to my working life in the hills for nearly forty years. It is just so perfectly locacted and makes for a good check point with groups, a rest spot, a camping spot and a perfect wild swimming spot on a hot day. Don't listen to the naysayers, this has been an iconic wild swimming spot for eons. Apart from that it will be a tad cold, it is just about one of the best swim spots in the Brecon Beacons.
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A quieter route that leads to the lake. Beautiful and challenging. ideal for all weathers.
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Fan Brycheiniog is the highest peak at a height of 802.5 metres in the Black Mountain region of the Brecon Beacons National Park in southern Wales. There is a trig point at the peak and on the edge of the escarpment, and nearby, a stone shelter with an inner seat.
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Fan Brycheiniog is the highest peak at a height of 802.5 metres in the Black Mountain region of the Brecon Beacons National Park in southern Wales. There is a trig point at the peak and on the edge of the escarpment, and nearby, a stone shelter with an inner seat.
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Llyn y Fan Fawr is a natural lake in the county of Powys, Wales. It lies at the foot of Fan Brycheiniog, the highest peak of the Black Mountain range within the Brecon Beacons National Park. Created as a result of glacial action, it is one of the largest glacial lakes in southern Wales. The lake is roughly rectangular in shape with its long axis oriented roughly north–south.
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Picws Du is the second highest peak of the Carmarthen Fans in the Carmarthenshire section of the Black Mountain in the west of the Brecon Beacons National Park in south Wales.Picws Du is formed from the sandstones and mudstones of the Brownstones Formation of the Old Red Sandstone laid down during the Devonian period. Its summit and southern slopes are formed from the hard-wearing sandstones of the overlying Plateau Beds Formation which are of upper/late Devonian age.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see around the lakes in Cray?
The lakes around Cray are primarily found within the Black Mountain range in Powys, Wales. This area is characterized by its dramatic glacial landscapes, featuring prominent summits, deep valleys, significant escarpments, and glacial cirques. You'll encounter rugged terrain and stunning views over the natural lakes.
Are there specific viewpoints or notable natural features to visit near the lakes?
Yes, several spots offer exceptional views. Fan Brycheiniog summit and stone shelter provides incredible views of the rugged landscape and down onto Llyn Y Fawr. Another must-see is Picws Du summit & view of Llyn y Fan Fach, offering amazing perspectives across Llyn y Fan Fach and its valley.
What are some of the main lakes to explore in the Cray area?
Key lakes include Llyn y Fan Fach, a beautiful glacial cirque known for its scenic beauty and folklore, and Llyn y Fan Fawr, a natural lake at the foot of Fan Brycheiniog, popular for wild swimming on warm days.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes in Cray?
The area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy walks like the Llyn y Fan Fawr loop, and more challenging routes like the Fan Hir Ridge, Fan Brycheiniog & Lyn y Fan Fach loop. There are also cycling routes, such as the Usk Reservoir Track, and running trails available.
Are there family-friendly options for visiting the lakes?
Yes, there are options suitable for families. For instance, Llyn y Fan Fach is a short walk from a car park, making it relatively accessible. There are also easy hikes around Cray that could be suitable for families, such as the Llyn y Fan Fawr loop.
What historical or cultural sites are near the lakes?
Near the lakes, you can visit the Tommy Jones Memorial, a somber obelisk marking the spot where a boy went missing in 1900. Additionally, Llyn y Fan Fach is famously associated with the Welsh folklore legend of 'the Lady of the Lake'.
Is there parking available near the lakes?
Yes, for Llyn y Fan Fach, there is a car park at the bottom of the track. However, it is noted to be small and can get busy, so it's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak times. When driving to the car park, be aware that the roads can be quite narrow.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Cray?
Visitors frequently praise the spectacular views, especially from summits like Fan Brycheiniog, which offers perspectives down onto Llyn Y Fawr. The serene beauty of the glacial lakes, the opportunity for ridge walking, and the remote, untouched landscape that allows for diverse birdlife sightings are also highly appreciated.
Can I go wild swimming in any of the lakes?
Yes, Llyn y Fan Fawr is highlighted by the komoot community as an iconic and excellent spot for wild swimming, particularly on a hot summer's day. It has been a popular swimming location for many years.
Are there any specific considerations for dog owners visiting the lakes?
While the region is generally dog-friendly due to its natural setting, specific rules for dog walking areas are not detailed in the provided information. It's always recommended to keep dogs under control, especially in areas with livestock or protected wildlife, and to follow the Countryside Code.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Cray?
The area offers different experiences throughout the year. While specific seasonal advice isn't provided, the mention of 'wild swimming on a hot summer's day' at Llyn y Fan Fawr suggests summer is popular. Winter walks are also possible, but conditions can be challenging due to the rugged, high-altitude terrain.
Are there challenging hiking trails available for experienced hikers?
Absolutely. The Black Mountain range offers several challenging routes. For instance, the Fan Hir Ridge, Fan Brycheiniog & Lyn y Fan Fach loop is a difficult trail that provides a rewarding experience for experienced hikers and runners.
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