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We recently climbed Pen y Fan with our two children aged 5 and 8 and honestly… I wasn’t entirely convinced it was a good idea.
As the highest peak in South Wales, Pen y Fan is one of the most popular family walks in the Brecon Beacons – but is it actually suitable for kids?
Here’s our honest experience walking Pen y Fan with children, including the route we took, parking, timings, what we packed and whether I’d recommend it for families.
Quick Overview
- Best for: Active families
- Suitable for kids? Yes, depending on age and fitness
- Route taken: Pont ar Daf
- Distance: approx 4 miles/6.4km
- Time taken: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Pushchair friendly? No
- Toilets? Yes at car park
- Parking? Pay & display (free for National Trust members)
- Hardest part? Mid way and Final incline
- Worth it? Absolutely
Where We Parked
We parked at the main carpark at Pont-ar-Daf (LD3 8NL).
The newly constructed carpark and visitor facilities are now open with plenty of parking (although it still gets very busy in peak periods).
It costs £7.50 per vehicle to park, payable via cash at a pay & display machine or by Pay By Phone.
The option to pay by card is available seven days a week between 8am and 4pm when staff are on site. Parking charges apply 24 hours a day.
National Trust members can park for free.
We arrived at 5pm on a weekday (which was probably a bit of a late start with the kids!) and there were only one or two other cars there.
The toilet facilities are located by the car park so that is the time to make sure everyone has an empty bladder before starting your ascent!
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Which Route We Took
We took the ‘motorway’ route from Pont-ar-Daf carpark.
You access through a gate and across a stream (there is a bridge or you can cross the stepping stones if you’re feeling adventurous!) and from there you follow the path up.
It took us 2 hours and 45 minutes up and down which includes stopping at the peak for a snack break.
It is quite steep most of the way up until you reach a mid section which is much flatter and wraps around the other mountain before you make another steep ascent to the peak of Pen-y-Fan.
It was a mild day when we went so even though everyone started off cold and in coats I ended up carrying them most of the time.
There are so really windy sections though and parts where coats were put back in.
The path itself can be quite rocky and you have to watch where you are placing your feet – my littlest is very clumsy so we had to remind her quite often to watch her step.
How Hard Is Pen y Fan With Kids REALLY?
Honestly, I think this completely depends on you and your family.
I myself am quite unfit but generally able – I might huff and puff my way through it – but I can manage Pen y Fan in a fairly respectable time.
My husband is built for endurance – he’s done multiple long distance treks and runs (think 30-50km) so Pen y Fan is no issue for him.
Our children are 5 and 8 – they are very fit and active and attend lots of sports clubs (swimming, gymnastics, martial arts) as well as the occasional junior park run.
That said they are LAZY and don’t like walking anywhere – so I did question my husband’s sanity when he suggested Pen-y-Fan.
However, I really was surprised.
I visualise the walk in my head in 3 parts – the steep first incline (i.e. the longest bit), the flatter middle section (where we can ‘rest’) and the climb to the peak.
They got about 3/4 of the way up the first bit without any whinging at all – in fact they were racing each other and putting me to shame. My eldest then started to flag and had to be bribed with a snack at the ‘easy’ bit.
The rest of the way up they did really well although we did do the final peak separately – my eldest found her second wind and raced ahead. I thought I was going to collapse trying to catch up with her! And my husband stayed behind with our youngest.
We reached the peak about 5 minutes ahead of them so it wasn’t too much difference. Honestly, I was amazed by how well my 5 year old and her little legs endured it!
When we had our obligatory trig point photos, we settled down for a snack break and to enjoy the views.
The pictures were unreal – the landscape looks like a painting! The walk is worth it for that view at the top but I would definitely say you want a dry day to do it with the kids – had it been raining and cold I think they would’ve complained a lot more!
The descent was a bit tough at around 3/4 down. My littlest really tired so my husband carried her on his back for a while but then my eldest needed the toilet so they took off ahead and me and my littlest took a slow, easy stroll down the final quarter.
All in all it took us 2 hours and 45 minutes which includes the snack stop. This is helped by the fact my husband carried the littlest for a while. I’d say expect 3-4 hours depending on your fitness levels.
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What We Packed
We wore our walking boots and the girls wore trainers. They do have walking boots but they find them quite clunky so we thought they’d be more comfortable in trainers.
My husband and I each carried a back pack – mine ended up filled with coats and he carried water, snacks, gloves/hats and extra layers.
I would recommend light waterproofs and layers so you don’t end up carrying thick coats like I did.
I’d also recommend packing gloves/hats/neck warmers/windbreakers as well as sunglasses and sun cream.
Oh and did I mention SNACKS?!
Things I Wish I Knew Beforehand
Start Early
Going after school wasn’t a bad shout because it wasn’t busy, although 5pm start was a bit late. We should’ve aimed for a 4pm start.
Weather Changes Fast
One minute you’re cold, the next you’re boiling. The wind picks up, the wind drops. Be prepared for it all.
Strong Winds
The mid section where it flattens out is usually quite windy and the peak can be too (although when we went there was no wind at all on the peak). A windbreaker around your neck to pull over your face can be really helpful.
No Shelter
Most of the walk you are completely exposed to the elements so you really do want to check the weather in advance. I’ve been up on a cold day with snow battering me directly in the face – you don’t want to do that with the kids! There is a section where the path wraps around another mountain where you are slightly shielded but overall you are exposed.
Parking
Although the car park now has a much larger capacity, it can still fill up at peak times.
Clothing
Check the weather beforehand and dress appropriately. Layers and light waterproofs would’ve been a much better option than carrying everybody’s thick winter coats!
Was It Worth It?
Absolutely. I don’t want to say it was easy because I do think we lucked out on the day in terms of the weather and the fact that the kids didn’t moan that much – it is a long walk and it is a tough walk.
However, the views at the top are incredible and both the girls felt such a sense of achievement – they asked me to send pictures to their class teachers so they could tell them all about it at school the next day.
For me, getting my kids to push themselves out of their comfort zone and believe they can do incredible things is so important.
And I was so proud of both of them for how well they managed this climb.
FAQs
Can children walk Pen y Fan?
Yes, lots of children can and do climb Pen y Fan. Little legs might struggle as it is a long and challenging walk, but active children with regular breaks and snacks should manage well.
What is the easiest route up Pen y Fan?
Many people consider the Storey Arms route the easiest way up Pen y Fan, although the popular Pont ar Daf ‘motorway’ route is also very family friendly and straightforward to follow.
Is Pen y Fan suitable for toddlers?
Pen y Fan is not ideal for toddlers unless parents are experienced walkers and prepared to use a child carrier if needed. Older children around age 5 and above are more likely to manage the walk independently.
How long does Pen y Fan take with kids?
Most families should allow between 3 and 4 hours to complete the walk up and down Pen y Fan with children, depending on fitness levels, snack breaks and weather conditions.
Are there toilets at Pen y Fan?
Yes, there are toilet facilities located at the Pont ar Daf visitor centre and car park before you begin the walk.
Is Pen y Fan buggy friendly?
No, the paths up Pen y Fan are rocky, uneven and steep in places so they are not suitable for pushchairs or buggies.
What should kids wear for Pen y Fan?
Children should wear comfortable clothing, suitable footwear and layers. Weather conditions on Pen y Fan can change quickly so waterproofs, hats and warm layers are recommended even on mild days.