Route Description
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Introduction
A great way to find solitude in the heart of the Brecon Beacons even when the summit of Pen Y Fan is swarming with people. A peaceful walk up the lovely Cwm Crew passing numerous small waterfalls.
Conditions
Lots of pathless open hillside and mountain stream all linked together with intermittent paths.
Hazards and warnings
Boggy in places, waterproof boots and gaiters required. Slippery rocks if you take a direct route up the waterfalls of the Nant Crew. In poor visibility crossing from Craig Gwaun Taf to Craig y Byllfa can be confusing.
Detailed description
1. Head North along the A470 for 100 yards before crossing stile onto open hillside. Climb up boggy hillside keeping plantation to your right. Then drop down to the Nant Crew.
2. Head NNE up Cwn Crew, following the stream as closely as possible, best going is generally to the West of the stream. Any Waterfalls can be avoided on the left if required.
3. Towards the head of the valley head along the top of a ridge (Morraine) in the middle of the valley. Follow the faint path, when the path dissapears climb steeply North up onto the Craig Gwaun Taf ridge. If desired follow the broad ridge path via Bwlch Duwynt to corn Du and Pen Y Fan.
4. Follow the Eastern escapment of Craig y Byllfa, initially pathless but soon picking up a narrow path that hugs the escarpment.
5. Descend over Cefn Crew, avoiding fropping to low towards Cwn Crew below.