Highlight • Climb
Jacob's Ladder (Pen y Fan Ascent)
Hiking
4.9
(347)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
April 23, 2022
Hiking
May 31, 2022
Hiking
April 5, 2022
Hiking
Sign up for a free komoot account to get 7 more insider tips and takes.
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Jacob's Ladder (Pen y Fan Ascent)
4.8
(289)
1,829
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.
4.8
(246)
4,919
hikers
7.24km
02:37
440m
440m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(170)
1,884
hikers
9.84km
03:30
550m
550m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 830 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Monday 8 June
13°C
7°C
60 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 29.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December