Fan y Big, Mountain summit in Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales
Fan y Big is a summit in Brecon Beacons National Park that rises to 716 meters and features steep northern cliffs alongside grassy slopes on other sides. It forms part of the central mountain range and serves as a meeting point for several walking trails.
For centuries, people have crossed these slopes on paths that date back to ancient times, using the mountain as a natural route between valleys and settlements. These ancient ways remain visible in the landscape and continue to guide walkers today.
Local Welsh communities have woven this mountain into their stories and named it after the pointed shape that stands out across the landscape. The connection between the peak's form and its name reflects how people here read and describe their surroundings.
Several marked trails lead to the summit and converge at the cairn on top, with the shortest route starting from the Storey Arms parking area. Visitors should come prepared for changing weather and uneven ground, especially on the steeper northern slopes.
The western edge features a distinctive rock formation that creates a natural platform extending out over the steep cliffs below. This striking ledge is easy to overlook from the main trail, yet it offers an unexpected perspective on the mountain's structure.
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