Wales

Brecon Beacons (all 2000 footers)

Character: A nifty variation to tie up all the Brecon Beacon high peaks on the main ridge. Grassy ridge walk with little exposure but the exhilaration of being on a high ridge.

Ascent: 2500 feet

Time: 5-8 hours

Map: Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure Map 11 (1:25,000) (Brecon Beacons - Central)

From The Storey arms at The Western end of the main ridge, follow the standard route East over all the main peaks. The only route finding difficulty is found at the Eastern end, where the flat featureless moor of Gwaun Cerrig Llwydion is traversed to find Waun Rydd, and from here the last summit, SE, Allt Lwyd. It is probably easiest in poor visibility to head for the southern escarpment of Cwar y Gwigfran and Gwalciau'r Cwm, and follow the edge NNE then nearly due W to find the arete. After this, the terrain poses no difficulty to the top of Allt Lwyd.

The variation:- Retrace all the way back to Gwaun Cerrig Llwydion, but from this top do not head NW towards Fan y Big, but head down the Western flanks of the mountain towards the dam acroos Upper Neuadd Reservoir.

This is a 100 foot descent, but takes in a water mass (always a good thing for a complete walk!), and saves the boredom of a complete retrace. It also has the advantage of then naturally including the last mountain of the group, Craig Gwaun Taf, without a retrace, and includes the magical arete of Rhiw yr Ysgyfarnog, which otherwise would not be seen. But is all this worth the extra 700 feet or so ascent you ask yourself? Try it and see!

The dam is crossable, and on the Western side, head due West up the hillside for the top of Graig Fan Ddu. The ground then naturally guides you gently over the tops of Craig Gwaun Taf and on to Corn Du, for the descent to The Storey Arms.