The Pen y Fan via Storey Arms route is the most popular and accessible way to reach the highest point in South Wales, making it the perfect introduction for those new to mountain walking. Often referred to by locals as “The Motorway” due to its well-maintained, wide path, this trail offers a straightforward ascent that rewards hikers with breath taking views of the central Beacons. Whether you are a casual walker or a seasoned hiker looking for a quick summit, this path is a staple of Brecon Beacons Day Hikes. While it is considered the easy route up Pen y Fan, it still requires a respectable level of fitness and respect for the unpredictable Welsh mountain weather.
Starting from the high pass on the A470 road, the Pen y Fan via Storey Arms trail cuts out a significant amount of the vertical gain compared to routes starting from the valley floors. This accessibility is why thousands of people flock to this specific Pen y Fan walk every year. However, its popularity does not diminish the sense of achievement one feels when standing at 886 metres above sea level, looking out over the Bristol Channel and the Cambrian Mountains. For those who find this route too simple and crave a more rugged challenge, the Pen y Fan Horseshoe Walk offers a much longer, more demanding alternative across the high ridges.
Pen y Fan via Storey Arms
Choosing the Pen y Fan via Storey Arms approach means you are following in the footsteps of generations of walkers, soldiers, and families. The route is steeped in local history and serves as the primary artery for the Brecon Beacons Pen y Fan hike experience. The path itself is a triumph of upland management, constructed with pitched stone to prevent erosion while providing a stable footing for those tackling the Pen y Fan Storey Arms route. It is important to remember that while the path is clear, you are entering a high-mountain environment where conditions can change in an instant.
The Pen y Fan via Storey Arms walk is not just about reaching the summit; it is about the journey through the heart of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. As you ascend, the landscape opens up to reveal the dramatic glacial cirques and the sharp escarpments that define this region. This easy route up Pen y Fan allows beginners to focus on the scenery rather than complex navigation, making it an ideal choice for a first mountain adventure. By following this guide, you will be well-prepared to navigate the Pen y Fan walk safely and enjoyably.
Route Overview and Key Facts
Before you lace up your boots for the Pen y Fan via Storey Arms, it is helpful to understand the basic statistics of the journey. Even though this is the easy route up Pen y Fan, knowing the distance and elevation will help you pace yourself and plan your day effectively. This Brecon Beacons Pen y Fan hike is a linear “out and back” route, though many choose to make a slight circular variation by visiting the summit of Corn Du on the way up or down.
- Total Distance: Approximately 6.5km to 7.5km (4 to 4.5 miles) round trip.
- Total Ascent: Roughly 450m (1,476ft).
- Time Required: 2 to 4 hours, depending on fitness and how long you spend at the summit.
- Starting Elevation: 440m at the Storey Arms.
- Summit Elevation: 886m (Pen y Fan).
- Map Reference: Ordnance Survey Explorer OL12.
The Pen y Fan Storey Arms route is favoured because it starts at a high point, meaning you have already “cheated” nearly half of the mountain’s height just by driving to the start. This makes the Pen y Fan walk achievable for children and those who might struggle with the 800m+ of ascent required from other starting points. Despite the shorter distance, the incline is steady and will certainly get your heart rate up, especially in the final push to the saddle between the two main peaks.
Storey Arms Parking and Starting Point
The starting point for the Pen y Fan via Storey Arms is located on the A470, the main road connecting South and North Wales. There are two primary parking areas: the Pont ar Daf car park (now managed by the National Trust) and the smaller lay-bys near the Storey Arms Outdoor Education Centre. The Pont ar Daf car park has recently undergone significant improvements, including the addition of modern toilet facilities and increased capacity, making it the preferred hub for the Pen y Fan Storey Arms route.
Because this is the most popular Brecon Beacons Pen y Fan hike, the car parks can fill up incredibly quickly, especially on weekends, bank holidays, and during periods of snow. It is not uncommon for the car parks to be full by 9:00 AM. If you are planning your Pen y Fan walk, arriving early is the single best piece of advice to ensure a stress-free start. There are often food vans at the base selling hot drinks and snacks, which are a welcome sight after a cold descent.
To begin the Pen y Fan via Storey Arms, look for the large wooden gate at the northern end of the Pont ar Daf car park. There is a clear signpost indicating the path to Pen y Fan. If you park at the Storey Arms centre itself, there is a separate path that eventually merges with the main “motorway” track. Both paths are easy to find and well-marked. For the latest updates on parking fees and facilities, check the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority website before you travel.
[IMAGE: A view from the saddle looking towards the flat-topped summit of Corn Du with the main path visible | alt=”The final ascent of the Pen y Fan via Storey Arms route towards Corn Du”]
Step-by-Step Route Description
The Pen y Fan via Storey Arms walk begins with a gentle incline through a wooded area before crossing a small bridge over a stream. From here, the easy route up Pen y Fan reveals itself as a broad, gravelled path that stretches out ahead of you. The first kilometre of the Pen y Fan Storey Arms route is a steady climb that allows your legs to warm up. You will notice the path is very wide, allowing plenty of room for the many walkers you are likely to encounter.
As you continue the Brecon Beacons Pen y Fan hike, the gradient increases slightly. To your left, you will see the impressive western face of Corn Du. About halfway up, many hikers choose to take a short detour to the Tommy Jones Obelisk. This small stone monument commemorates a young boy who was lost on the mountain in 1900; it is a sobering reminder that even on an easy route up Pen y Fan, the mountain environment must be respected. After the obelisk, the path steepens as it zig-zags up towards the saddle (Bwlch duwynt).
Once you reach the saddle, the Pen y Fan via Storey Arms route offers a choice. You can turn left for a short, steep scramble up to the summit of Corn Du (873m), or follow the main path that skirts around the side of Corn Du to lead you directly to the plateau between the two peaks. Most people choose to bag both summits. From the top of Corn Du, it is a simple, flat walk across the ridge to the iconic summit of Pen y Fan. The final few metres of the Pen y Fan walk bring you to the famous National Trust summit sign, where you can stop for the obligatory photo and take in the 360-degree views of the Welsh wilderness.
The return journey of the Pen y Fan via Storey Arms is simply a matter of retracing your steps. The descent is much faster but can be hard on the knees due to the stone-pitched surface. Take your time, enjoy the views of the reservoirs in the distance, and watch your footing on the loose gravel sections. By the time you reach the car park, you will have completed the most famous Pen y Fan Storey Arms route in the country.
Difficulty, Terrain and Navigation
In terms of technical difficulty, the Pen y Fan via Storey Arms is graded as easy to moderate. There are no technical scrambles, no narrow ridges with “death-defying” drops, and no need for complex route-finding in clear weather. This is why it is known as the easy route up Pen y Fan. The terrain consists almost entirely of a man-made stone path which is very stable underfoot. However, the constant incline of the Pen y Fan Storey Arms route can be tiring for those not used to hill walking.
Navigation on the Pen y Fan via Storey Arms is generally a matter of “following the person in front.” The path is so well-defined that it is almost impossible to lose it in daylight and good visibility. However, the Brecon Beacons are famous for “clag”—a thick, low-lying mist that can drop visibility to just a few metres. In these conditions, even the easy route up Pen y Fan can become disorienting. It is essential to stay on the main path, as the edges of the plateau drop away into steep cliffs that are dangerous in the fog.
For those attempting the Pen y Fan walk in winter, the difficulty level changes dramatically. When covered in snow or ice, the pitched stones become incredibly slippery. The Brecon Beacons Pen y Fan hike can require crampons or micro-spikes and an ice axe during the colder months. If you are a beginner, it is best to save the Pen y Fan via Storey Arms for a day with clear skies and no ice. Always carry a map and compass, even on this popular route, and know how to use them if the clouds roll in.
Safety, Weather and Planning Advice
Safety should always be your priority when embarking on the Pen y Fan via Storey Arms. While it is the easy route up Pen y Fan, it is still a mountain environment where the temperature at the summit is often 5 to 10 degrees colder than at the car park. Wind chill on the exposed ridges can be significant, making a pleasant day in the valley feel like a winter expedition on the peaks. When planning your Pen y Fan walk, check the mountain-specific forecast rather than just the local town weather.
To ensure a safe Brecon Beacons Pen y Fan hike, follow these essential tips:
- Wear Layers: Even in summer, carry a waterproof jacket and a warm fleece. The weather on the Pen y Fan Storey Arms route can change in minutes.
- Footwear: While some people attempt this in trainers, hiking boots with ankle support are highly recommended to prevent twists on the uneven stones.
- Hydration: Bring plenty of water. There are no places to refill your bottle once you leave the car park.
- Emergency Contacts: Ensure your phone is fully charged. If you get into serious trouble, dial 999 and ask for Mountain Rescue.
The Mountain Rescue England & Wales teams are frequently called out to the Pen y Fan via Storey Arms route to help walkers who have underestimated the conditions or are poorly equipped. Don’t be one of them—prepare properly. Finally, remember the “Leave No Trace” principles. The Pen y Fan walk is a beautiful part of our natural heritage; take all your litter home with you and keep dogs on a lead to protect the local sheep and ground-nesting birds. By planning ahead, your Pen y Fan via Storey Arms experience will be a highlight of your hiking year.
