Mountain rank by height: 64 out of 188
Height: 2,457ft | 749m
Region: Brecon Beacons
Grid ref: SN811218

One challenging aspect of the walk from the A4069 to Picws Du is that there are a lot more peaks than the six official mountains you summit. Picws Du is one of the higher mountains in Wales and to get to it from this direction you go up to 677m summit of Waun Lefrith, then drop down a little and go back up to reach the 749m summit of Picws Du.

Waun Lefrith
The summit of Waun Lefrith is marked by a Cairn. Picws Du is the higher point ahead. Tamron Adaptall SP 24-48 @ 35mm, f11.
A7R08951
Looking back towards Waun Lefrith you can see an alternative route up from the reservoir. A lone walker is walking up it. Tamron Adaptall SP 24-48 @ 48mm, f11.
The Black Mountains
Looking East from Picws Du, you can see the Beacon’s Way snaking up the steep hill. Tamron Adaptall SP 24-48 @ 48mm, f11.

This is a dramatic walk with very sharp drops to a reservoir below. The best views are from the reservoir approach, an approach I did not take and I wasn’t tempted to drop down for them – really didn’t fancy the trek back up again.

Picws Du
The Summit is marked by a pile of rocks and is quite broad and smooth. Tamron Adaptall Sp 24-48 @ 24mm, f11.
Picws Du
Views North are extensive. Tamron Adaptall SP 24-48 @ 24mm, f11.

You can drop down East from the summit and up the other side following the Beacon’s Way footpath which has steps and is well maintained. This leads you to Fan Foel, 781m, which is not an official mountain – probably due to lacking the appropriate drops around it.

Picws Du
Looking back at Picws Du. You can see the clear Beacon’s Way trail. Tamron Adaptall SP 24-48 @ 35mm, f11.
Fan Foel
The Cairn marking Fan Froel, not an official mountain. Tamron Adaptall SP 24-48 @ 24mm, f11.

To get to the next official mountain you need to head briefly right to the trig point which marks the 802m summit of Fan Brycheiniog.