Pen Lan-fawr

Nestled in the under-appreciated Cambrian Mountains, Pen Lan-fawr is the perfect spot for hikers who find the nearby Elan Valley dams a bit too 'populated.' At 526m, it offers stellar views of the 'Welsh Lake District' without the bothersome crowds or anything resembling a flat path.

• •It overlooks the stunning Claerwen Valley, home to the last great dam built in the Elan Valley. This massive structure was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1952.
• •The summit area is part of the vast Cwmdauddwr Common, a landscape used for traditional hill farming. It remains one of the most sparsely populated areas in Wales.
• •Geologically, the hill consists of Silurian gritstones and shales. This composition creates the characteristic rugged and rolling profile of the Mid-Wales uplands.
• •While not a 'Munro' or even a 'Hewitt,' its status as a TuMP gives it some mountain status. It provides a respectable challenge for those who like to avoid the crowds.
• •Navigating the summit plateau is less about following a trail and more about a strategic game of 'don't sink.' The local bogs are surprisingly ambitious and have a taste for expensive leather boots.