So my first walk this year was Horseshoe Walk, here is a map which I created using google maps:
You can access this map following this LINK so you can zoom in an out and browse how to get there from where are you live, etc.
Basically the walk is about 10.5 miles (17km) and depend of how fit you are might take up to 8h (if you include some breaks to contemplate beautiful views and to get some rest after climbing on to the top of the mountains). I would say as a beginner, that this walk is very hard and sometimes a bit dangerous, but if you wearing proper shoes and windproof/waterproof clothes and you are careful you will stay alive ;) - little bit of muscle pain next day is a standard, so don't worry!
Walk's starting point is an car park near the lower Neuadd Reservoir (A465 Head of The Valleys Road then go through Panteg, Pant, up to Ponsticil, you will pass Ponsticil Reservoir and Pentwyn Reservoir on your right, go straight until you will find Parking space and Information Board on your left).
Go to the end of car park and use small pathway to get on to the right trail, then go straight till you get to the fork. Take route to the right, just by the forest. You will get to point 1 quite soon. Point one on this map is a start of Roman Road, which is ancient track with beautiful views on the left (Newydd Reservoir).
After few miles of walking you will see your next target to your left (point 2 on the map)- Ffan-Y-Big (719m). It's quite steep but not the hardest peak to climb onto. Simply follow zig-zag shaped track straight to the top!
On the top of Ffan-Y-Big you will find famous 'diving board' which is slab of rock sticking out of the mountain. Views from the top are stunning - green valleys and colorful fields. I needed proper break when I get to the top. I was contemplating beauty of Wales eating my lunch with friends - what else do you need to be happy and forget about everyday life? :)
Next part of the walk is to go down from Ffan-Y-Big and climb onto next mountain which is Cribyn (point 3 on the map). Crybin (795m) is quite sharp and bit higher than Ffan-Y-Big, but views from the top are even better than from the first peak. Weather was stunning but proper windproof jacked was very useful as wind on the top of each mountain was very strong.
Next and probably the hardest point of the trip is to go down and climb Pen-Y-Fan which is the highest mountain in Southern Britain (886m)! Breath taking views!!!
Next part of the walk is no 5 - Corn Du - second biggest peak in Southern Britain- 873m. You can see small lake looking down this mountain. Not as hard climb as Pen-Y-Fan and if you've done with this two, you can probably breathe a sigh of relief as the rest of the walk is easier and don't involve much of climbing only a little bit to the top of Bwlchygwynt (no 6 on the map).
- View from between Pen-Y-Fan and Corn Du
When you reach mound of stones that's mean you reach your way down from Bwlchygwynt. It's a dangerous bit, so be careful and watch your every step, as you can fall down. Path will lead to the lower Newydd Reservoir. There is a gate on the end of the path. Open it and walk through there, you will pass abandoned pump room on the right, then cross small bridge and you will see abandoned Newydd House. Turn right - thats the way to the car park and end of the walk! Voila!
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