Pen y Fan Hike for Hope

March 15

Enjoy the sunrise over Pen y Fan as you ‘Hike for Hope’ on Mother’s Day

From the first step to the summit, what better way to celebrate everything about your incredible mum or mother figure by seeing the sun rise at the top of the stunning Pen y Fan, followed by a celebratory drink and tasty treat.

Whether you’re walking to remember your mum or alongside her, you’ll create new memories to cherish for years to come. At the same time, knowing you’ve helped ensure bereaved children and young people don’t have to face grief alone.

By taking on this hike you’re showing bereaved children everywhere that challenges can be faced and that there’s help during the hardest of climbs. So, join us and hike to make a real difference to a grieving child’s life.

You will experience the magic of a Brecon Beacons sunrise from the summit of Pen y Fan, South Wales’ highest peak. Starting before dawn from Storey Arms, you’ll climb under starlight with headtorches guiding the way, making this adventure all the more memorable. The steady ascent suits all fitness levels and rewards you with breathtaking views as the sun breaks over the mountains.

  • Registration fee: £25
  • Minimum amount to raise: £160

Any questions or want to know more before signing up? Email us on events@winstonswish.org and we’ll be happy to tell you more.

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What you’ll get from us:

  • Charity branded top
  • Hike led by a professional guide
  • Celebratory drink and tasty treat after the hike
  • Support from our dedicated Sports and Challenges Officer
  • Access to training app from our partners GH Training
  • Fundraising resources
  • Access to our ‘Team Winston’ Facebook group
Sign up

More information about the hike:

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 4.9 Miles / 7.8 Km

Start Time: 0300 hrs Finish Time: 0700 hrs

Time: 3 – 4 Hours

Ascent: 541m / 1777ft

Start/Finish Point: Pont ar Daf National Trust Car Park 

ASCENT

We begin our ascent of Pen-y-Fan from the Pont ar Daf National Trust Car Park just south east of the Storey Arms Outdoor Centre.

The walk in daylight is a very straightforward one as the paths are well maintained and very wide in places. However, for our sunrise summit attempt we are walking in the dark so care and attention is needed at all times especially around the summit area and on the descent around Corn Ddu.

Crossing the Pont ar Daf and picking up the Beacons Way national trail we wind our way up past waterfalls climbing quite steeply before we arrive at Blwch Duwynt which is at 2.5km into our route.

By the time we reach the Bwlch most of the height gain has been achieved as we are now at 814m with only 72m left to climb!

The final 1km of walking is relatively straightforward as we contour around the cliff face of Corn Ddu (Black Horn) to reach the summit of Pen-y-Fan 886m with its well-preserved Bronze aged cairn.

DESCENT

Our descent begins by retracing our steps for 0.5km to an intersection of paths just below Corn Ddu. Instead of continuing down our ascent route we take the path to the right below the cliff face of Craig Cwm Llwch.

After approximately 300m we pick up our descent route heading south west for 1.5km until we cross Blaen Taf Fawr. We then have a short uphill section before our final 1km of descent down behind the Storey Arms.

Once back we pick up the path that runs parallel with the road for our final 1km walk back to the starting point.

  • Rucksack – about 35 litres
  • Boots (with ankle support and soles which will grip on rock, grass and mud)
  • Waterproof jacket (with hood)
  • Waterproof over trousers
  • General trekking trousers (not jeans or cotton material)
  • Thermal top
  • Fleece top
  • Gaiters (not always essential)
  • Warm hat 
  • Gloves or mitts
  • Spare layer e.g. fleece top
  • Torch (preferably a head torch)
  • Food & Drink
  • First Aid Kit (small)
  • Mobile phone 
  • Sunhat
  • Sun cream
  • Sunglasses

Details