Скачать или смотреть Carn Pica Walk - A Beautiful and Moderately Challenging Hike in the Brecon Beacons National Park

Trail Guide: https://roamingspices.com/carn-pica-w...

Carn Pica Walk Description

Endless Gates

From the parking area, head north along the country road for approximately 200 metres.

Immediately after the road crosses the small stream (Nant Tarthwynni), turn left through the first of many gates during this initial section of the Carn Pica walk.

Around 50 metres into the field, turn right and follow the trail through two more gates, close to one another. Then, cross the field to another gate shortly before passing a white stone house off to the left.

Soon after, pass through two more gates, crossing a driveway, in the process, and enter the field directly ahead of you.

Continue ahead, passing through the gate at the top, leading into a small wooded area. Continue straight for about 60 metres, passing through the gate on the right.

Cross the field through gate number nine and turn left, along this tree-lined track for approximately 200 metres, where you will arrive at gate number ten.

Thankfully, this is the last of the gates during the climbing portion of the Carn Pica walk!

Steep Climb to Twyn Du

Now it’s time to put your fitness to the test as the trail winds its way up the steep, bracken blanketed flanks of Twyn Du. Over the next 660 metres, you will experience a gain of 100+ metres in elevation.

As you progress, the trail becomes less steep, eventually flattening as you reach the Twyn Du ridge. Here, you will almost certainly be ready for a breather, giving you a chance to enjoy the wide-ranging views back to the east.

In the foreground sits Talybont Reservoir, with Tor y Foel rising sharply behind. Further to the east is the distinctive conical-shaped Sugarloaf Mountain, in addition to many other peaks of the Black Mountains.

The bracken-coated mountainside now gives way to a carpet of heather. For approximately 800 metres, you can enjoy this relatively flat section along the Twyn Du ridge in preparation for the final steep ascent to Carn Pica.

Carn Pica

Approximately 1.1 km from the summit of Carn Pica, the final ascent commences, gradual at first. However, the path soon steepens as the dirt trail makes way for a purpose-built rock path to aid the steep climb up the slopes of Craig y Fan.

In the last 300 metres of the ascent alone, there is an elevation gain of around 100 metres. A large stone cairn marks the 750-metre summit of Carn Pica and sits a short distance back from the escarpment edge.

This summit is an excellent spot for enjoying a well-earned rest following the testing climb, especially if you have picked good weather to enjoy the Carn Pica walk.

From here, you have an abundance of wide-ranging views to enjoy. To the east, you can see Talybont Reservoir at the end of the Nant Tarthwynni Valley; to the north is the town of Brecon and Llangorse Lake, and the Black Mountains are off to the northeast.

Waun Rydd

Once you have enjoyed the splendid vistas, continue to follow the trail in a westerly direction across the flat, boggy, nondescript plateau. In approximately 350 metres, you will reach the modest stone cairn marking the summit of Waun Rydd to your left.

Waun Rydd sits at 769m (2,523 ft) above sea level, only a few kilometres east of the central peaks of the Brecon Beacons.

Allt Lwyd

From Waun Rydd, head in a south-easterly direction across the marshy plateau. There is no discernible path at first, so you may wish to keep your eyes on your hiking app to ensure that you stick to the track.

After approximately 500 metres, you will arrive at the edge of the sheer slopes of Craig y Fan. At this point, the ridge narrows with steep drop-offs into the valleys on either side, whilst the trail descends sharply towards the subsidiary peak of Allt Lwyd.

Soon after reaching the 653-metre dome-shaped summit of Allt Lwyd, the trail swings to the northeast and begins a further steep descent towards the valley. Keep tracking towards the left-hand edge of Talybont Forest, and you will not go far wrong.

Picturesque Valley Return

Upon reaching the forest edge, negotiate two more gates and then continue as the trail slides gently towards Talybont Reservoir directly ahead.

Two more gates, a few hundred metres apart, lead you back to the small country road and the car park is directly in front of you.

The Carn Pica walk is complete!