Walk the Beacons Way or the Cambrian Way to the northern edge of the Black Mountain and you will be rewarded with the sight of one of Britain’s most dramatic landscapes.
Where is Llyn y Fan Fach?
Llyn y Fan Fach is a cwm, or glacial lake, lying in a hollow 500m up in a pleasingly remote corner of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons National Park).
Overlooked by several peaks, including Picws Du and Waun Lefrith, glittering Llyn y Fan Fach is equally photogenic shot from its shore or from the bridleway that skirts the top of the billowing ridge above.
What is the legend of Llyn y Fan Fach?
Llyn y Fan Fach is the subject of a curious local legend. A young fairy princess is said to have emerged from it one day and married a young local farmer on the understanding that he wouldn’t hit her three times.
Years later, he did just that, so she returned to the lake, leaving her sons behind but taking her team of oxen with her.
What to do nearby Llyn y Fan Fach
Nearby you can also take a ride on the Heart of Wales, one of Britain’s finest railway lines.
Trains take the 90 scenic miles from Shropshire’s Craven Arms to Llanelli in Carmarthenshire at an agreeably relaxed pace. Credit: Getty
Dan-yr-Ogof, The National Showcaves Centre for Wales, offers not only a series of stunning subterranean caverns but also a dinosaur park, a Victorian farm and an Iron Age village.
Plus, there's a Shire horse centre, where you can meet representatives of a breed whose misfortune it has been to be found useful to humans.
Where to stay near Llyn y Fan Fach
The Plough Rhosmaen
10 miles from Llyn y Fan Fach, a four star hotel on the edge of the Brecon Beacons.
A40 at Rhosmaen, Llandeilo SA19 6NP
Pentre Riding Stables
Five miles from Llyn y Fan Fach, B&B accomodation next door to the riding stables and trekking centre.
Brecon Road, Penycae, Brecon Beacons National Park SA9 1GJ
Pentre Stables & Accommodation
Looking for more spectacular walking destinations?
Be inspired with our guide to the best walks in the Brecon Beacons, or check out our comprehensive collection of expert walking guides around the UK.
And for more information about Llyn y Fan Fach, visit the National Park.
