Fells/Fan Hir
Wales

Fan Hir

760M
2493FT
Rank
11th Highest in Wales
Parent Range
Brecon Beacons
Nearest Town
Penwyllt

About Fan Hir

Fan Hir, or 'Long Peak', is a four-kilometre stretch of sandstone that manages to feel twice as long on a wet Tuesday. It offers a dramatic escarpment and views of Llyn y Fan Fawr, provided the clouds haven't decided to take up permanent residence.

Key Statistics

Rank
11th Highest in Wales
Parent Range
Brecon Beacons
Nearest Town
Penwyllt
Prominence
?
42.7m
Geology
The ground beneath you is built from layers of hardy sandstone and fine-grained mudstones. These rocks form the Plateau Beds and Brownstones beneath your feet.

Did You Know?

  • The fell represents the easternmost point of the Black Mountain massif in the Brecon Beacons. Its dramatic eastern escarpment is composed of layers of Old Red Sandstone, carved out by ancient glaciers.
  • It is separated from the higher Fan Brycheiniog by the col of Bwlch Giedd. This pass features a distinctive stone staircase path that rises sharply from the shores of Llyn y Fan Fawr.
  • The mountain serves as a significant drainage area for the River Tawe. Rain falling on these slopes eventually journeys through the Swansea Valley before reaching the Bristol Channel.
  • Geologically, the area is part of the Fforest Fawr Geopark, recognized for its exceptional glacial features. The steep drop-offs into the cwm below provide some of the most dramatic scenery in South Wales.
  • The name 'Long Peak' is a literal warning from the ancient Welsh. Expect a ridge walk so deceptively vast that you’ll start checking your GPS to see if you’ve accidentally walked into a different county.

Find It

OS Grid Reference
SN830209
Latitude
51.8744°N
Longitude
3.7009°W

Explore Further

Wales Guide
Editorial guide for this region
TrailTrack map showing the location of Fan Hir
TrailTrack location
SN830209

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