Pen y Fan & Waterfalls: October 19th-20th
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£85.00
The Brecon Beacons
SATURDAY: Waterfall Country
We take a walk into the mystic wooded valleys of the Brecon Beacons, famous for being home to some of the most magnificent waterfalls in the UK.We then continue with a brief road section, before a cafe and toilet stop, which are then followed by the 2 largest and most impressive waterfalls of the day, Sgwd Isaf Clun-gwyn and Sgwd yr Eira, the last of which provides the highlight of the day, as we walk behind its incredible fall.
Time permitting, we may then take a short drive to Henrhyd Falls, the highest in South Wales, with a single drop of over 90ft. Formed at the end of the last Ice Age, millions of years ago, it was famously used as the entrance to the Bat Cave in the Dark Knight Rises movie and you can actually walk behind it!
Meet Instructions:
- 12noon outside the Angel Hotel, Glynneath, SA11 5NR.
- Free parking in the layby as you approach.
- Arrive early to secure a parking space.
- Public toilets at the start of the walk.
SUNDAY: Pen y Fan Horseshoe
The highest peak in South Wales provides a challenging climb to the summit standing at 886m. The horseshoe route is just over 9miles long and will take around 6 hours to complete. An early start sees us meet in the Brecon Beacon's Taf Fechan Forest and the walk begins with the steepest climb of the day. We continue with a more restful flatter ridge for around half an hour, before heading up to the first of our 4 summits, Corn Du. On a clear day, we start to take in the most magical view for miles, towering over the surrounding Welsh countryside.
After Corn Du, we drop a little, before climbing to our highest point, the impressive summit of Pen y Fan at 886m. A great place to stop for lunch, while enjoying the view on a nice day.
We continue around this circular horseshoe route with a quick descent before climbing once more to the top of the next peak, Cribyn. As we look back, the views of Pen y Fan's steep face arching around behind us is one of the most iconic in the Brecon Beacons.
Finally walkers have the option of either taking a well earned rest or tackling the shorter sharp out and back ascent of Fan-y-Big. This final peak is the home of the famous "Diving Board", from which the brave can take some impressively daring pictures!
Meet Instructions:
- 9am meet outside The Red Cow, Pontsticill, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2UN.
- We will then travel in convoy to Neuadd Car Park, Talybont-on-Usk, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2UT.
- When you arrive, please assemble with the Get Outdoors team at the far end of the car park and check-in again at the finish. The group will be led all the way, but we would like to make sure everyone gets home safely.
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Take a comfort break on the way; no toilets in the car park or on the walk.
Free parking, but we need to arrive early to secure parking spaces.
We only regret opportunities we don't take
Accommodation:
Recommendations:
Studios at Glenthorne: Self-catered studios. Clean, comfortable with good facilities and helpful staff. 15mins from Pen y Fan; 25mins from Waterfall Country (rating 9.2/10)
The Tiger Inn: Lovely clean and comfortable hotel with great hospitality (rating 8.3/10)
The Bessemer Hotel: This hotel is not the smartest, but at the cheaper end of the scale, it offers incredibly good value single, twin and double rooms with breakfast. 15mins from Pen y Fan and 25mins from Waterfall Country. (rating 7.7/10)
Bike Park Lodge (House): Excellent 4 bedroom house with mountain views and garden with patio. 20mins from Pen y Fan and 25mins from Waterfall Country. (rating 9.2/10)
IMPORTANT INFO:
- A WHATSAPP group will be created to share info and photos on the day. In signing up to the event you are agreeing to be added to this group, which will contain other participants. This is necessary so that details can be shared in the run up to the event, including last minute changes, reminders or cancellations.
- Charity involvement: many of our walks are being run in partnership with charities. As such, sign up information is shared with the charity involved for the purpose of running the event and communicating its purpose, which is to help raise awareness and funds for the charity. By signing up, you are agreeing to receive information from Get Outdoors and the charity.
- Kit: Packed lunches, walking boots, multiple layers and waterproofs (including trousers!) are essential. The weather could be very cold and wet. Please visit our recommended kit list.
- While on the walk: we ask you to remain with the group and following instructions from Get Outdoors leader(s), who have the final decision in all instances.
- Problems: on the day call Chris: 07885157903
- Dogs: are welcome on the walks, but are entirely the owner's responsibility, must have a lead and be under close control at all times. Please check your accommodation's policy.
- Livestock: If encountered do not walk too close or get between a cow and calf. If threatened, let go of your dog so it can escape and reduce the risk to yourself.
- Public rights of way: please keep to them and respect the landowner’s property at all times.
- Stiles: are often present on the route to negotiate on this type of walk.
- Countryside walking: can often include hills and uneven terrain. Our group ethos is to support everyone in group to achieve their maximum potential in terms of completing the route. As such, we endeavour to walk at a pace all participants are comfortable with. We apologise if this causes any frustration to fitter walkers.
- Health: please consult your doctor if you are at all worried about your fitness and ability to take part. Please inform the walk leaders, Get Outdoors, of any underlying health conditions that may affect your walking ability before signing.
Health & Safety Application Form:
If you haven't already (or if personal circumstances have changed), please complete the applicant health & safety form at this link, so we know how best to look after you.
Future Walk Info:
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Join us for a hike in beautiful places like the Brecon Beacons, Cotswolds, Malverns, Chilterns, Peak District, Oxford...
Perfect way to start your training for a challenge like the 3 Peaks or simply to get out into the countryside, while being sociable.
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