Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), near Brecon, Powys
Corn Du
Viewpoint
Place photograph
6.8
Wildland
Half day
Time
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Cost
Wild
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.8Corn Du’s broad summit sits beside Pen y Fan, with a Bronze Age cairn marking the high ground and far-reaching views when the weather clears.
Corn Du earns its place through the combination of a high, open mountain setting, a summit cairn and a rewarding ridge walk with views across Bannau Brycheiniog. The landscape feels expansive, but the exposed terrain calls for proper preparation rather than a casual stroll.
Wild · Dramatic · Big-sky
Find your way
Open mapBannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), near Brecon, Powys
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The experience
A strenuous-feeling mountain outing on an exposed upland route. The National Trust’s circular walk links Corn Du and Pen y Fan and is listed as moderate, 6.4 km and 3 hours 30 minutes.
Things to do
Walk the Corn Du and Pen y Fan circuit
Follow the National Trust’s circular mountain route from Pont ar Daf. It covers both summits on uneven upland paths.
3 hours 30 minutes
Find the summit cairn
Look for the Bronze Age cairn at the summit of Corn Du.
Pause at Bwlch Duwynt
On the National Trust route, this pass provides a point to look across the Neuadd Valley towards the reservoirs above Merthyr Tydfil.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Check route length and timing before setting out
Quick summit outing
- 01
Use a current, suitable map to plan a route to Corn Du from a confirmed access point.
- 02
Climb to the summit, look for the Bronze Age cairn and take in the views if visibility allows.
- 03
Return by your planned route; do not continue onto a ridge unless conditions and preparation support it.
Half day · 3 hours 30 minutes; 6.4 km
Corn Du and Pen y Fan circular
- 01
Start at Pont ar Daf car park and follow the National Trust circular route.
- 02
Climb towards Bwlch Duwynt, then follow the path towards the saddle between Corn Du and Pen y Fan.
- 03
Visit the summits and return by the circular route, allowing extra time for conditions and breaks.
Verified history
A Bronze Age cairn stands at Corn Du’s summit. The supplied route source identifies the cairn but gives no further account of its date or origins.
Hidden details
A cairn on the summit — The Bronze Age cairn is a specific historical feature to look for at the summit of Corn Du.
When to go
May · June · July · August · September · Choose a clear, settled forecast and allow plenty of daylight for the mountain route.
The route source identifies late spring to early autumn as the preferred visiting period. Mountain conditions can change quickly, and winter snow and ice require appropriate experience and equipment.
The summits and ridges are exposed to wind and storms, and visibility can be poor. Check the forecast, carry suitable navigation and clothing, and reassess if conditions deteriorate.
The route
- stiles
- Access may be by gate or stile; check route conditions.
- surface
- Uneven mountain paths; a mixture of grass, gravel and stone-pitched surfaces, varying in width.
- distance
- 6.4 km
- duration
- 3 hours 30 minutes
- difficulty
- Moderate
- route shape
- Circular
- start point
- Pont ar Daf car park, grid reference SN988199.
- parking start
- Limited parking spaces at Pont ar Daf; the National Trust recommends using public transport where possible.
- Summit of Corn Du
- Summit of Pen y Fan
- Views towards the Neuadd Valley
- Upland mountain scenery
Worth pairing with
Pen y Fan
The National Trust circular walk links Corn Du with the neighbouring summit of Pen y Fan.
Llyn Cwm Llwch and Tommy Jones Memorial
A longer route described by AllTrails passes the lake and the memorial before climbing towards Corn Du. This is a separate, longer outing, not an add-on to the National Trust circular.
What to look for
Look for the Bronze Age cairn at Corn Du’s summit and the changing path surfaces as the route climbs. On a clear day, take time to scan the surrounding mountain landscape.
The story
Archaeology
Best time to go
Late spring to early autumn
Late spring to early autumn is identified as the better season for the mountain route. Start in settled weather and allow conditions at the summits to guide your plans.
How long to spend
Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Solo · Groups
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The National Trust describes a circular walk to Corn Du and Pen y Fan from Pont ar Daf car park. Mountain paths are uneven, steep in places and exposed; weather can change rapidly. Check current access and conditions before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
Limited parking is available at Pont ar Daf. Check current arrangements and consider public transport.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
Dogs are welcome on the National Trust route; keep them under close control and on a short lead near livestock.
Accessibility
Not suitable for all visitors: the route includes steep climbs, uneven and narrow mountain paths, steps and mixed grass, gravel and stone surfaces.
Cost
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Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Corn Du
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
