Llyn Y Fan Fach, Brecon Beacons

Location: Brecon Beacons, Wales

Length: 10 miles

Time Taken: 4 Hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 703m

Find the map at the bottom of the page.

Llyn Y Fan Fach, meaning ‘Little Lake near the Peak’ - how cute!

This 4 hour hike begins in a little lay-by on the side of a quiet lane in the heart of the Brecon Beacons. The walk from the car to the first lake follows a small river with lots of waterfalls and a few plunge pools. It’s slightly boggy in places so I have added a second hiking route at the bottom of the page if you wanted to stick to the paths.

Once I got to the first lake (Llyn Y Fan Far), the mountain behind began to emerge out of the mist and what a sight it was.

After I had taken in all of the beauty of Llyn Y Fan Fawr, I took the trail up the mountain towards the top of Fan Brycheiniog, 805m above sea level. At this point, I was fully in the clouds and couldn’t see a thing, but on a beautiful sunny day, I’m certain you can see for miles.

I followed the trail along the edge of the mountain ridge for a few miles until Llyn Y Fan Fach came into sight (this is the second lake.)

I love how dramatic the mountain face is and how it just plummets into the lake.

I then took the trail all the way back to the first lake and then joined the same, slightly boggy path back to the car. I say it in one sentence as if it’s a gentle stroll back to the car park however, it’s still about 5 miles away haha.

I crossed paths with a group of wild ponies, several worried-looking sheep and quite a few birds singing unfamiliar songs.

I couldn’t believe how quiet and peaceful it was when I went, I couldn’t hear a single voice, vehicle or any sign of mankind. I felt like I had the whole place to myself.

The route I took:

Alternative route avoiding the bog:

@amys_littletrips x