The second full day of our visit to #BannauBrycheiniog was devoted to visiting #PenYFan, the tallest #peak in south #Wales. This was a very nice #walk of 15 km with some steep ascents and descents but no climbing.
Starting from the car park, a path started to climb gently upwards. You can see Pen Y Fan on the horizon near the centre of the image.
As we approached the #mountain, we could make out a #path up towards the summit.
The path passes a small #reservoir and the #dam has an interesting castellated feature on it.
Along the way there are several valleys leading to #farm #fields.
As the path turns, you can see where you've just come from.
The land around the mountains are used for grazing #sheep. Here are two who have been shorn of their winter #fleeces.
On the final steeper ascent up Pen Y Fan you can here see the craggy north side of the neighbouring mountain, #Cribyn.
Looking back south, you can make out the edge of the reservoir we passed.
The path gets steadily steeper and is partially paved to provide durability and grip. The view keeps getting better.
Arriving at the summit with some effort, you are rewarded with an all-round view. We were very lucky as I was told by someone that the day before, the peak had been shrouded in cloud. Dozens of other people were also enjoying the spectacle.
Here I am at the summit at an elevation of 886 m. From the start point, that's a climb of about 650 m.
The path back to the start is along a #ridge affording views of the valleys either side.
The path on the ridge is not dangerous unless you get carelessly close to the edge but it is uneven and has large stones in places whereas in others, it is covered in black #peat.
Looking back towards Pen Y Fan, you can just make out the figures of people waling on the horizon.
The valley edge looks precarious but in summer, I don't think it is a great danger.
In the south western horizon are a group of #WindTurbines. I am sure wind will be an important energy resource for #Wales in the coming decades.
The return to the car park as along this path down across the valley.
To get to it, required us to descend some steep roughly buiilt stone stairs. For me this was the most hazardous part of the walk as I was tired by now and my knees were getting very sore. It was a relief to get back to the car.
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