Highlight • Summit
Corn Du summit
Hiking
5.0
(809)
Running
5.0
(2)
Mountaineering
5.0
(1)
As the first summit you might reach, depending on your choice of route, standing on Corn Du provides a sense of relief, a burning desire to have a sit down and then a breathless silence as your surroundings sink in.
Far-reaching views across stunning South Wales
In the heart of the Brecon Beacons, from here you’ll have an exquisite view south over the lower hills and mountains and even to the Bristol Channel. Looking down into the extraordinary Pen y Fan horseshoe, you’ll see the mountainside drop away to the Upper Neuadd Reservoir and Taf Fechan’s mystical forest.
Northwards, the undulating, verdant landscape of Mid Wales sprawls out before you while the west displays the rest of the Brecons and distant Black Mountain range. Eastwards, you can admire the peaks of Pen y Fan, Cribyn and Fan y Big as they curve around to create a photographer’s dream shot.
Hiking trails to Corn Du are usually accessible all year round although heavy snow, rain or strong winds are times to avoid the climb. Spring and summer holiday periods bring crowds so it’s best to start early for a quieter hike. Changeable weather can happen any time, so keep an eye on the forecast as well as the sky and be prepared for wet weather, wind and even harsh sun.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
May 7, 2017
Hiking
On clear days, you can see all the way to the Severn Bridge and beyond, as well as much of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Be careful in bad weather conditions: visibility can shrink to zero on one of the regular foggy days and strong winds will try and blow your sandwiches away!
October 30, 2018
Hiking
October 22, 2020
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Corn Du summit
4.8
(600)
5,181
hikers
7.56km
02:44
450m
460m
Embark on the Pen y Fan and Corn Du Circular Walk, a moderate hike that takes you through the heart of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. As you ascend, you will experience well-trodden upland footpaths that give way to uneven surfaces and steep steps near the summits. This 4.7-mile (7.6 km) route, with an elevation gain of 1491 feet (454 metres), offers a true mountain experience, typically completed in about 2 hours and 43 minutes, surrounded by grassy hills and heather.
Before you set out, remember that weather conditions on these peaks can change quickly; always check the forecast and pack waterproof clothing, a map, and a compass. You can find parking for the Pen y Fan circular walk at the popular Pont ar Daf car park, which serves as a convenient starting point. Be aware that a section of the route might be closed for forestry work between December 2025 and March 2026, so plan your visit accordingly.
This trail is renowned for its spectacular panoramic views from the Pen y Fan and Corn Du summits. On a clear day, you can see far-reaching vistas that include the Black Mountains, the Bristol Channel, and even the distant Cambrian Mountains. The route provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the rugged beauty and expansive landscapes that define this iconic Welsh national park.
4.8
(328)
1,952
hikers
The Pen y Fan Horseshoe Ridge offers a challenging and rewarding hike through Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. This classic circular route covers 11.5 miles (18.5 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2370 feet (722 metres), typically taking around 5 hours and 55 minutes to complete. You will traverse well-worn mountain trails, rocky sections, and grassy ridges, encountering numerous steep ascents and descents, including pitched stone staircases. From the summits of Corn Du, Pen y Fan, and Cribyn, you can enjoy magnificent 360-degree views across the Brecon Beacons and towards the Neuadd Reservoirs below.
Rated as difficult, this route demands good fitness and sturdy footwear. The trail can be a mixture of mud, rock, and stony paths, with some sections becoming boggy, especially in winter. The ridge sections are exposed, so be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather and potential wind. Starting your hike early is often recommended to secure parking and experience quieter sections of this popular trail.
This route is celebrated as one of the best ridge walks in southern Britain, forming a distinctive U-shape around the Taf Fechan glacial valley. It includes Pen y Fan, the highest mountain in South Wales, along with Corn Du and Cribyn, all featuring Bronze Age burial cairns. The challenging conditions and varied terrain also make it a famous training ground, notably used by UK Special Forces for their selection process.
4.2
(23)
79
hikers
13.1km
04:11
540m
540m
Hike the moderate 8.1-mile Pen y Fan and Corn Du Circular Walk in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park for stunning mountain views.
Details
Informations
Elevation 880 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 24 September
17°C
8°C
41 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h
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