Pen y Fan and Corn Du Circuit
Libanus, Powys
Pen y Fan is the highest peak in southern Britain at 886 metres, and the Pont ar Daf circuit in Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons) is the main route up it. The summit is visible from the car park, which can make it look manageable. It is a serious mountain walk with roughly 400 metres of ascent over stony, eroded paths and weather that can shift from clear to cold and cloudy before you reach the ridge.
Dogs are on leads throughout. The CRoW Act requires it on open access land from 1 March to 31 July, and Welsh Mountain sheep graze year-round, so the practical advice is leads regardless of season. Several dogs have died of heat exhaustion on Pen y Fan in recent years. Not suitable for elderly dogs, young puppies, or flat-faced breeds in warm weather.
Natural streams run through the lower sections near Blaen Taf Fawr but can run low by late summer. Carry water for your dog whatever the conditions.
The Tai’r Bull Inn at Libanus is four miles down the A470 toward Brecon, offers free sausages for dogs on arrival, and is a reliable post-walk option.
Frequently asked questions
Can I let my dog off the lead on Pen y Fan?
No, and in spring and summer this is a legal requirement. From 1 March to 31 July, the CRoW Act requires dogs on open access land to be kept on a lead no longer than 2 metres to protect ground-nesting birds including skylarks and curlew. Outside these dates, sheep graze the hillsides year-round so close control or a lead is required anyway. The National Trust states dogs should be kept on a short lead throughout.
Is Pen y Fan suitable for all dogs?
No. This is a demanding mountain walk with approximately 400 metres of ascent over rough, stony terrain. Not suitable for elderly dogs, young puppies, or flat-faced breeds in warm weather. Fit medium to large dogs with good paw pads will cope well. Carry water as streams can be unreliable in summer.
Where should I park for Pen y Fan?
The main car park is Pont ar Daf (LD3 8NL), managed by the National Trust. It costs £7.50 per vehicle (free for National Trust members). There is also limited free layby parking near Storey Arms on the A470 roughly 1 km north, but it fills quickly on weekends.
Is the park still called Brecon Beacons?
The park rebranded to Bannau Brycheiniog on 17 April 2023. Bannau Brycheiniog is now the official name in both Welsh and English. Brecon Beacons is no longer used officially, though it remains widely used colloquially.
Plan this walk with live weather and dog-safe route info