Wales
Cribyn
794M
2604FT
About Cribyn
A distinctive, pointed peak in the Central Beacons, this Hewitt is often bypassed by those heading straight for Pen y Fan. Its grassy northern ridge offers a steep, classic ascent, leading to a narrow summit crest that feels significantly more mountainous and rugged than its neighbours' broader plateaus.
Key Statistics
Rank
8th Highest in Wales
Parent Range
Brecon Beacons
Prominence
?
127.6m
Nearest Town
Brecon
Geology
Cribyn is built from layers of hardy sandstone and softer, mud-like rocks. These alternating beds form the rugged foundation you are walking on today.
Find It
Latitude
51.8817°N
Longitude
3.4208°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is Welsh for 'crest' or 'ridge', derived from the word for a rake or a comb. It perfectly describes the mountain’s sharp, serrated profile when viewed from the Usk Valley to the north.
- •The summit provides arguably the finest perspective of Pen y Fan's dramatic north-eastern cliffs, known as Craig Cwm Llwch, and the deep glacial cirque that sits beneath them.
- •This peak is a formidable milestone on the 'Fan Dance', a legendary 24km march used by the British Special Forces as part of their selection process. Candidates must navigate the steep 'Roman Road' and the climb over Cribyn while carrying a 45lb Bergen.
- •To the south-east lies 'The Gap', a notable notch in the ridgeline. This was once a vital thoroughfare for drovers moving cattle from the Welsh heartlands toward the markets of Abergavenny and beyond.
- •Standing on the summit offers the quiet satisfaction of a clear, uncrowded view of the long queues of walkers waiting to touch the summit cairn on nearby Pen y Fan.