The name means "top of the peak" — from Welsh pen (top/head) + y (the) + fan (peak/place).
Pen y Fan is a 886m (2907ft) Wales hill classified as a Hewitt, one of 523 Hewitts in Wales. It has a prominence of 672m, making it a particularly independent summit. Check today's Pen y Fan summit weather including wind speed, temperature, rain risk and cloud cover before heading out. Weather on the Welsh hills can change quickly at this altitude.
Pen y Fan is the highest peak in South Wales, situated in Brecon Beacons National Park. At 886 metres (2,907 ft) above sea-level, it is also the highest British peak south of Cadair Idris in Snowdonia.
Geology: The bedrock here is Brownstones Formation — Interbedded sandstone and argillaceous rocks — a sedimentary rock formed from compressed sand grains. Age: Lochkovian Age.
Planning to walk Pen y Fan? Our summit weather forecast shows live conditions at 886m including wind speed, wind chill, temperature, freezing level, cloud base and rain risk. The forecast updates hourly using data from 7 weather models blended into the HILLANDGLEN ensemble — accuracy-weighted so the best-performing models have the most influence.
Key conditions to check before climbing Pen y Fan: wind chill (the real temperature you'll feel on exposed ridges), freezing level (whether ice and snow are likely on the summit), cloud base (whether you'll have visibility at 886m), and wind gusts (which can be significantly stronger on exposed summits than in the valley below).
Pen y Fan weather can change quickly at 886m. Valley conditions often differ from the summit — our forecast applies lapse rate adjustments to give you the actual temperature and wind at the top, not the nearest town. Check the 14-day outlook to find the best day to walk Pen y Fan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Pen y Fan?
Pen y Fan is 886 metres (2907 feet) above sea level. It is classified as a Hewitt in Wales.
What is the weather like on Pen y Fan?
At 886m, conditions on Pen y Fan are noticeably different from the valley floor. Expect temperatures 4-6°C colder at the summit, stronger winds on exposed sections, and cloud that can sit on the tops. Check the live summit forecast on hillandglen.com for wind chill, rain risk and visibility before your walk.
Is Pen y Fan a difficult walk?
Pen y Fan at 886m is a hill walk requiring reasonable fitness. The main challenges are weather-related: wind, rain and poor visibility can make navigation harder. Check the summit forecast before setting out and carry waterproofs, warm layers and a map.
What is a Hewitt?
A Hewitt is a mountain in England or Wales over 2,000 feet (609.6 metres) with a drop of at least 30 metres on all sides. There are 523 Hewitts. The list was compiled by Alan Dawson and includes all major peaks south of the Scottish border.
When is the best time to climb Pen y Fan?
The best months for climbing Pen y Fan are typically May to September, when days are longest and weather is generally drier. Summer offers the most stable conditions and longest daylight hours. Autumn can also be excellent with clearer skies and golden light.
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