Pengenffordd via Castell Dinas up Waun Fach: route map, distance and time
811 m · Brecon Beacons
Waun Fach is the highest point of the Black Mountains in south-east Wales, a broad, boggy summit on the main ridge above Pengenffordd.
A path past the hillfort of Castell Dinas onto the ridge and along to the summit.
Pengenffordd via Castell Dinas at a glance
| Distance | 6.0 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 580 m |
| Time up | 2h 10m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 3h 20m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Pengenffordd |
| Start grid reference | SO 172 300 |
| Summit grid reference | SO 215 299 |
Pengenffordd via Castell Dinas map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long Pengenffordd via Castell Dinas takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 45m | 2h 45m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 10m | 3h 20m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 2h 40m | 4h 10m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:42, sunset 18:12. Start by 13:52 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 20m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:44, sunset 18:10. Start by 13:50 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 20m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Waun Fach summit weather for this route
-
Marginal Today Sunday 18 October
Mostly dry, up to 6°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -2°C, summit wind 27 mph gusting 34 mph, 4% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:42, sunset 18:12.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Monday 19 October
Moderate rain, up to 7°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -1°C, summit wind 32 mph gusting 40 mph, 100% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:44, sunset 18:10.
Best day of the next seven for Pengenffordd via Castell Dinas: Sunday 18 October, with summit gusts around 34 mph and a 4% chance of rain.
Cloud inversion tomorrow morning: 26% (Low), best around 05:00. 7-day inversion outlook.
Hour-by-hour Waun Fach forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Waun Fach?
Before you go, also check: MWIS Brecon Beacons forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -2°C on top.
- A waterproof jacket. It can rain on the tops in any forecast.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 34 mph.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Waun Fach
Waun Fach is the highest point of the Black Mountains in south-east Wales, a broad, boggy summit on the main ridge above Pengenffordd. More about Waun Fach, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Hewitt, Nuttall, Marilyn.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Pen y Gadair Fawr (800 m), 1.9 km south-east
- Mynydd Llysiau (663 m), 2.2 km south
Challenges that include Waun Fach
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at SO 172 300, the summit at SO 215 299), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Pengenffordd via Castell Dinas: questions and answers
How far is Pengenffordd via Castell Dinas?
Pengenffordd via Castell Dinas is 6.0 km one way to the summit of Waun Fach, with 580 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 12.0 km.
How long does Pengenffordd via Castell Dinas take?
About 2h 10m to the summit of Waun Fach and 3h 20m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 4h 10m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Pengenffordd via Castell Dinas?
Pengenffordd via Castell Dinas starts from Pengenffordd. The grid reference is SO 172 300.
Is Pengenffordd via Castell Dinas suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start Pengenffordd via Castell Dinas today?
By 13:52 at the latest. Sunset on Waun Fach today is 18:12, Pengenffordd via Castell Dinas takes about 3h 20m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Pengenffordd via Castell Dinas?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).