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Main Boards => General Walking Discussion => Topic started by: Vincent82 on 17:24:10, 19/01/19

Title: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: Vincent82 on 17:24:10, 19/01/19

Hello
I'd like to go to Brecon Becons, possibly Pen-Y-Fan or other walks near Storey Arms, the first weekend of February. Do you know if it's ok at that time of the year?  I'd be travelling from London but could wait until last minute to check the weather and book train and hotel.


Thank you in advance
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: phil1960 on 18:01:15, 19/01/19
It’s fine at the moment if a little damp, if it’s an option for you to do as late as possible then I would. There is some snow forecast and the weather does change here quite quickly, but it doesn’t seem to stop the hundreds of people every weekend taking the tourist route up Pen y Fan so I wouldn’t worry.
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: Vincent82 on 18:19:41, 19/01/19
Thank you, I thought it might be pretty with the snow actually, but only if possible to walk then.
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: phil1960 on 18:59:36, 19/01/19
This should help
http://www.mwis.org.uk/english-welsh-forecast/BB/ (http://www.mwis.org.uk/english-welsh-forecast/BB/)
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: GnP on 19:23:06, 19/01/19
If you plan on walking up at higher altitudes then check the forecast before you go. https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Pen-Y-Fan/forecasts/886 (https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Pen-Y-Fan/forecasts/886)It also very much depends on what clothes/footwear you intend wearing as to if it will be ok or not.Down at the Storey Arms it can be very different to walking around on the top of Pen Y Fan. If you plan a walk around and near to the Story Arms and stay at lower altitudes then still check the forecast but it it tends to be a little more benign than higher up of course.If you are lucky even in February it can be nice & dry, although cold but still a fine walk up to the top of Pen Y Fan, (assuming you go straight up from the Storey Arms along, whats sometimes called the motorway and descend along a different path which will take in about four miles). It is very manageable.
..
Lots of people use that particular route so maybe not to everyones liking but it is still a great day out, if it is your first time..Much depends on what previous experience you have, & there are lots of people on here that have much more than me, & likely to give great advice.

..
My wife & I took our (then) 8 year old daughter years ago, up Pen Y Fan when it was around 5C as we got out of the car but 3/4 the way up the ground was freezing and the wind made it bitterly cold. My daughter had a few tears at one stage, and I told her we could go back down. But after some hot chocolate, and by coincidence meeting a guy coming down who walks up & down regularly just for excercise, who gave my daughter a chocolate bar. He told her a story about how his Dad took him up for the first time when he was 6 years old.She really perked up and we made it to the top. I stayed very much conscious of what was happening weatherwise though. But it turned out sunny and bright so, the forecast that day was correct. O0
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: BuzyG on 21:03:24, 19/01/19
Take a look at this website for a decent weather forecast.


https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Pen-Y-Fan/forecasts/886 (https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Pen-Y-Fan/forecasts/886)


The met office also forcast for several summits in the Brecons.


I was actually thinking of heading there next weekend myself, as it looks likely there will be plenty of snow on the tops.  If I do I will post it here.


If you are coming in from the South, then the car park below lower neuadd resovoir, Grid SO 036170, is a great start point to walk the Pen y fan horseshoe route. 


Be sure to rap up warm.  I recall the last time I walked there, this time of year, the wind chill was -14 C.
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: phil1960 on 21:41:04, 19/01/19
Here’s an offer for you Vincent, I live close by and have done my whole life, if you want some company let me know and I will walk it with you, I’ve walked it dozens of times, no problem if not but the offer is there.
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: Vincent82 on 09:46:14, 20/01/19

Hello
Thank you everyone for the responses. Yes I guess if it's too difficult to go to the top, I could walk somewhere else around Storey Arms. I'll still check the weather a few days in advance and decide then.
Thank you for the offer Phil, I'll check with my friend an let you know.
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: Vincent82 on 17:01:33, 27/01/19

Hello, sorry, I have another question.  Do you know where's a good place to stay (for someone going with no car)? I've been told Merthyr Tydfil might not be the nicest place to stay. There's also Brecon but longer to get too. Or maybe just Cardiff for the first night and then bus from there?
Thanks again.
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: phil1960 on 17:49:07, 27/01/19
Merthyr has changed quite a bit in recent years and you should be fine if just looking for a one night stay. But Brecon is much better and much easier than Cardiff if it’s Storey Arms you want to get to, the bus stops right there. Try the Wellington it’s a 2 minute walk from Brecon bus station. The Nant ddu lodge is also very close
http://www.nant-ddu-lodge.co.uk
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 18:16:04, 27/01/19
Currently my friend, who is in his final two months training at Sandhurst, before joining his new regiment, is sleeping out somewhere in the Beacons.
He has been there since Friday, and the sleep out, is for five continuous days. :D
If conditions are anything like it was in the Carneddau last week, then i do not envy him one little bit, very deep snow, knee deep at low levels, and hard going.

Years ago, i can remember my balaclava freezing solid, on the Gap ridge towards Cribyn, whiteout conditions, and boy was it cold, windy as well.

Checking out the weather forecast is vital for a winter jaunt in the Beacons, and having the right equipment is also essential, as the main ridges radiating towards Pen Y fan attracts some of the most hostile weather anywhere in Wales.

It was on the path leading to the summit of Pen Y fan from Corn Ddu, that i had to crawl on all fours, such was the strength of the wind.

Ive never encountered wind like it, anywhere in Snowdonia, i was a lot younger and daft as a brush, so relished the excitement.

Best advice, go well equipped, check the National Park weather forecast, and if the weather looks changeable, head back to the car.
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: sussamb on 20:30:30, 27/01/19
It was on the path leading to the summit of Pen Y fan from Corn Ddu, that i had to crawl on all fours, such was the strength of the wind.

Yep, can get quite windy there as you 'crest'  O0
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: BuzyG on 20:39:35, 27/01/19
Yep, can get quite windy there as you 'crest'  O0


I took a photo, a few years back, of my son leaning into the wind, from the top of the ridge. It looks like he is about to take off. ;)


(Stayed on Dartmoor this weekend.  Will be checking the snow conditions agian in the Brekons for next.)
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: phil1960 on 20:58:37, 27/01/19
I took this a couple of years ago of Cribyn and Pen y Fan from Cefn Cyff, it gets windy there too. By the way it really is the Beacons or Brecon Beacons, not anything else  ;)
(https://i.postimg.cc/cCWq0wk1/8-C1423-BD-E276-4030-8-BFC-32489827-E435.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JDpYQDWS)
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: phil1960 on 21:17:52, 27/01/19
This shows the gap road (not ridge) that DA refers to in the centre of the pic with Cribyn on the left. This was taken descending Fan y Big down Craig Cwmoergwm.
(https://i.postimg.cc/dDMg4drc/A796120-F-3517-4-C66-B44-C-78-B9-BC4-CF208.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5Q3PtXss)
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: sussamb on 21:48:09, 27/01/19
Nice pics Phil  O0
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: phil1960 on 21:57:07, 27/01/19
Surprisingly few people about that day Jon, unusual for the central Beacons  O0
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: GnP on 22:00:53, 27/01/19
Yep, can get quite windy there as you 'crest'  O0
It can get windy on the way up there too  :) this is the path leading past Tor Glas near Fan Y Big, at a lower level, eventually leading to Pen Y Fan via Crybin
http://www.fotothing.com/photos/767/767af38978888a370b69a9f15c62496b_33f.jpg
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: BuzyG on 22:04:00, 27/01/19
Great photos guys.  Fingers crossed we get some proper snow.
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: phil1960 on 22:06:58, 27/01/19
It can get windy on the way up there too  :) this is the path leading past Tor Glas near Fan Y Big, at a lower level, eventually leading to Pen Y Fan via Crybin
http://www.fotothing.com/photos/767/767af38978888a370b69a9f15c62496b_33f.jpg (http://www.fotothing.com/photos/767/767af38978888a370b69a9f15c62496b_33f.jpg)
That’s the gap road, reputedly Roman but no proof of that, although it does pass close to a Roman fort.
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: GnP on 22:14:00, 27/01/19
That’s the gap road, reputedly Roman but no proof of that, although it does pass close to a Roman fort.

Now you mention it, it feels like an old Roman road/track with whats remaining of all the cobbles/stone and it is fairly straight too..
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: sussamb on 07:32:13, 28/01/19
Surprisingly few people about that day Jon, unusual for the central Beacons  O0


Lucky day then  :)
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: BuzyG on 20:34:07, 29/01/19
Well the weather forecast for Saturday is looking perfect for the Brecons.  If a little windy.  If it holds and the roads are passable then I will be heading up there from Cornwall first thing Saturday morning.  If any one else is up there and free, it would be really nice to meet someone else from the forum.


Apologuse for the thread highjack.  :)
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: GnP on 20:46:55, 29/01/19
Well the weather forecast for Saturday is looking perfect for the Brecons.  If a little windy.  If it holds and the roads are passable then I will be heading up there from Cornwall first thing Saturday morning.  If any one else is up there and free, it would be really nice to meet someone else from the forum.


Apologuse for the thread highjack.  :)
Yes it loks like a wrap up well and enjoy the day, day... :) . Have you made plans as to where you will be walking.?
Edit : Just read the Mountain forecast...Pen Y Fan for 3pm "feels like -12C" brrrr :o 
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: phil1960 on 21:09:42, 29/01/19
Brecons  :tickedoff: :tickedoff: whereabouts were you thinking of going Buzy? I’m only down the road but unsure of plans yet  O0
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: sussamb on 21:43:06, 29/01/19
Brecons  :tickedoff: :tickedoff: 


 >:(  yes. It's Brecon Beacons or Beacons, never Brecons  :knuppel2: :knuppel2:
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: BuzyG on 22:37:40, 29/01/19
Brecons  :tickedoff: :tickedoff: whereabouts were you thinking of going Buzy? I’m only down the road but unsure of plans yet  O0
That will be the brecon beacons then.  O0


I am hoping to walk the horse shoe. Anti clockwise starting from the car park SO042164. My planed route is 20k and 800m of ascents.
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: phil1960 on 06:24:30, 30/01/19
I know it well, surprised you didn’t pick the car park a bit closer to the filter house though. Are you including Fan y Big or just gap road then Cribyn and so on?
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: sussamb on 06:59:41, 30/01/19
Agreed, I'd be tempted to park further up the road, but depends on your route of course.  From there you can take the route up towards Waun Rydd, then via Fan y Big, Cribyn etc.  Be a shame to go all that way and miss Fan y Big.  I have a gpx file if that would be of use.
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: Vincent82 on 16:25:37, 30/01/19
BuzyG / Phil, where would you walk from on Saturday? I'll be in Abergavenny and then in Brecon, but a bit worried about the roads being closed. And also do you need crampons or anything?
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: phil1960 on 16:32:39, 30/01/19
You may well need spikes or possibly crampons if the forecast snow comes to fruition in the next day or so. I’m still unsure yet it all depends on swmbos work, but otherwise from the Taff Fechan upper car park.
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: GnP on 17:36:58, 30/01/19
That will be the brecon beacons then.  O0


I am hoping to walk the horse shoe. Anti clockwise starting from the car park SO042164. My planed route is 20k and 800m of ascents.
That will be a tough one, especially if the snow is more than a few centimetres.  A friend and me did the four peaks from down near Blaen Y Glyn & my legs still shake when I think about it.
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: BuzyG on 18:27:27, 30/01/19
I know it well, surprised you didn’t pick the car park a bit closer to the filter house though. Are you including Fan y Big or just gap road then Cribyn and so on?
If the higher car park is accessible then I may indeed park up there.  I am heading east to Craig y Fan Ddu first , then walking around the edge to Pen y Fan, probably missing out Cribyn.  Last time I walked the horse shoe in winter it was from the higher car park and we went clockwise. -14 wind chill that day, but no snow. 

Would you recommend crampons or just spikes for the route with snow?  I don't recall it being particularly steep.  All relative I guess.  I will carry my axe either way. 
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: phil1960 on 19:23:11, 30/01/19
The path up to Graig Fan Ddu is much better now it’s been regraded and I’ve gone up there in just boots in snow with no problems. Having said that it’s worth taking both as if the forecast holds true there will be up to 20cm and it will freeze hard, but it’s the Beacons so anything could happen  O0
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: BuzyG on 22:09:54, 30/01/19
The path up to Graig Fan Ddu is much better now it’s been regraded and I’ve gone up there in just boots in snow with no problems. Having said that it’s worth taking both as if the forecast holds true there will be up to 20cm and it will freeze hard, but it’s the Beacons so anything could happen  O0


Have sent a PM Phil.
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: BuzyG on 22:40:21, 30/01/19
BuzyG / Phil, where would you walk from on Saturday? I'll be in Abergavenny and then in Brecon, but a bit worried about the roads being closed. And also do you need crampons or anything?
Looks like a good covering of frozen snow.  That will require something on your feet for decent grip micro spikes /crampons or both and an ice axe, for safety.  Plus a healthy set of legs and lungs. 

Can not tell from your profile.  You may be a 26 year old elite athlete like my son, who just turns up and does such things without any prior preparation. (I love him realy)
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: GnP on 13:18:56, 31/01/19
Great photos guys.  Fingers crossed we get some proper snow.
Looks like proper snow is on its way. O0 Seems to be forecast more for south Wales/south west England. Might be that 4x4 vehicles would be a bonus just to get to the Beacons in the first place....
edit : https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47071846
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: BuzyG on 20:47:17, 31/01/19
Looks like proper snow is on its way. O0 Seems to be forecast more for south Wales/south west England. Might be that 4x4 vehicles would be a bonus just to get to the Beacons in the first place....
edit : https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47071846 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47071846)
Our fine highways agency will have that lot cleared by Saturday.  I hope ;)


Front wheel drive skinny tyres and a shovel with have to do.
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: GnP on 21:08:22, 31/01/19
Our fine highways agency will have that lot cleared by Saturday.  I hope ;)


Front wheel drive skinny tyres and a shovel with have to do.
Where theres a wheel, thers a way....
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: BuzyG on 23:08:45, 02/02/19
Fantastic walk today.  An early start from Cornwall, meant I arrived around 8:30am . Unfortunately Phil had to re jig his day and was a few hours ahead.  Happily that meant I received a road condition warning and parked up safely a mile or so further down from the planned start point. 

Other walkers were doing the same and I joined a chap planning the same walk.  We headed up the road and cut off left onto the forest track.  The snow was less deep than I was expecting, which boded well decent progress.  We climbed up to the ridge at the end of the Forrest track and made fast progress up to Corn du.. and on to Pen Y Fan.  Busy, but Les busy than last time I was up there, we stopped breifly for a cuppa and a bite to eat.   The run down from the top was great fun, sliping and sliding in the  snow, ice axe out wide expecting at any moment to be on my butt. Happily we both remained upright and after the slog up and  down Cribyn, I was looking forward to the slightly shorter final climb of the day up to Fan Y Big, having not done that top before.

It was well worth the effort and as we continued around the rim, the views back toward the earlier peaks just got better and better.  The now Blue sky adding the final perfect shine to an unforgettable day in the hills. The breathtaking winter views continued all the way to Craig y Fan Ddu, were we decended to theTaff Trail. 

One final unplanned treat lay in wait, as we headed along the lanes back to the car park. Pentwyn Reservoir,  normally mearly glanced from the car, presented a final photo opportunity, as the setting sun glowed orange on the snow covered far bank.

That one goes down as one of the best walks I have ever completed. O0
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: phil1960 on 06:32:23, 03/02/19
Well done Buzy, that bit of road sure was icy wasn’t it, glad you had a good day  O0
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: GnP on 10:44:04, 03/02/19
Sounds perfect & with the sun out too ! :)
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: BuzyG on 23:20:05, 03/02/19
Here is a link to a few pictures from this weekend.  Hope they do it justice.  (I am yet to work out how to post here.)

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=112065 (https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=112065)
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:24:12, 04/02/19
Lovely photos, Buzy G. How I hanker to get into the mountains when I see snow like that!
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 11:59:37, 04/02/19
I used to be in that frame of mind, when i saw fresh snow in the mountains, but Ive discovered traversing deep snow, is tiring and energy sapping, it almost spoils a great day in the hills.
Easy snow conditions of around a foot in depth, is OK, but last week i was in snow above my knees for around three miles, and it was a damn nuisance, and there was no escaping it, the snow was of this depth for miles around.
It turns what is usually an easy walk, into something far harder.
Had it not been for my friend wanting to try out a new pair of winter boots, i would have called it a day far earlier.
A walk of only around six miles felt like something over twenty.

Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: GnP on 13:26:21, 04/02/19
I used to be in that frame of mind, when i saw fresh snow in the mountains, but Ive discovered traversing deep snow, is tiring and energy sapping, it almost spoils a great day in the hills.
Easy snow conditions of around a foot in depth, is OK, but last week i was in snow above my knees for around three miles, and it was a damn nuisance, and there was no escaping it, the snow was of this depth for miles around.
It turns what is usually an easy walk, into something far harder.
Had it not been for my friend wanting to try out a new pair of winter boots, i would have called it a day far earlier.
A walk of only around six miles felt like something over twenty.
;D ..I sometimes feel like you when hiking across wet, soggy newly ploughed fields..I`m never quite sure if It`s best to shake the huge gobs of mud off the soles of my boots every so often which in itself is tiring...or wait till chunks fall off because of it`s own sheer weight and the force of gravity.. :o
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 19:35:45, 04/02/19
;D ..I sometimes feel like you when hiking across wet, soggy newly ploughed fields..I`m never quite sure if It`s best to shake the huge gobs of mud off the soles of my boots every so often which in itself is tiring...or wait till chunks fall off because of it`s own sheer weight and the force of gravity.. :o
Many years ago I was hiking from Marsden to Edale in January. The peat was extremely sticky and it took a great deal of effort to lift each boot out of the gloop. This got progressively worse as each boot acquired a huge platform heel of heavy, wet peat. Lifting this weight over the big tussocks was extremely tiring and not at all enjoyable.
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: GnP on 20:30:40, 04/02/19
Many years ago I was hiking from Marsden to Edale in January. The peat was extremely sticky and it took a great deal of effort to lift each boot out of the gloop. This got progressively worse as each boot acquired a huge platform heel of heavy, wet peat. Lifting this weight over the big tussocks was extremely tiring and not at all enjoyable.
Tall tussocks of heavy grass is my pet hate...A big failing of mine, when planning a walk,  is I just vaguely take in what the effects of ascents/descents will be, but rarely acknowledge what the effects will be of the terrain...although I suppose its just not possible sometimes, until actually slogging across it, whatever it turns out to be..
Edit : I just noticed online that the  MRT rescued somebody off the main pathway up to Pen Y Fan yesterday
https://www.facebook.com/breconmountainrescue/videos/2223015858015471/
Title: Re: Brecon Becons in February
Post by: BuzyG on 21:18:12, 04/02/19
;D ..I sometimes feel like you when hiking across wet, soggy newly ploughed fields..I`m never quite sure if It`s best to shake the huge gobs of mud off the soles of my boots every so often which in itself is tiring...or wait till chunks fall off because of it`s own sheer weight and the force of gravity.. :o
Have to Agree.  After 17mles of tussocs and peat bogs, on a damp, gale assisted, trek around the Dartmoor 600s last weekend. 15 miles of snow and a similar amount of ascents, in the sun shine and lighter winds, was a dream come true.  O0