Fabulous Fan y Big
5 people attending
13 places left
Lose yourself here. Deep in the majesty of the Brecon Beacons in full summer.
The Bannau Brycheiniog National Park is magical at this time of year and our campsite on a working farm at the foot of Fan Y Big is right on the edge of the wilderness, with superb walking right from the tent flaps.
A camp fire under the stars, a fierce mountain day on Saturday, meals together each evening; just some of the treats that await.
The farm's three-acre campsite has beautiful views towards the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains. The old stables have been converted into two spacious showers, a toilet block, washing up facilities and a snug room with a fridge/freezer and darts, radio and mobile phone charging facilities.
We want to make the weekend accessible and sociable for newer campers, so there will be a central area for cooking and eating with tables and some spare stoves if you don't have one.
As we are a smallish group, the singular Saturday activity will be a walk high in the main fans of the Beacons; this will be physically strenuous but not technical. On Sunday morning there will be a shorter walk option.
Campervans, caravans, motorhomes: Sorry, but this site is suitable for tents only.
Dogs: Unfortunately this event is not suitable for your furry friend.
Want to Get Out More?
Why not check out the South Wales and South West Calendar here.
Photos: Taken by event leaders and used by OutdoorLads with full permission.
What to bring
**Things you must bring with you:**
Tent: we will be pitching in summer so a normal campsite tent should be perfectly adequate. A rubber mallet can be useful to get pegs into dry or hard ground.
Sleeping gear inc. sleeping bag, sleeping pad or air mattress, pillow.
Lights inc. torch or headlamp; a lantern.
Towel and toiletries.
Rubbish bags: you will need to take all rubbish away with you!
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain; breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry on warm days. Shorts are okay but don't provide protection from brambles or ticks.
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Plate and cutlery for meals as well as a cup, glass, etc. if you bring any drinks
**Things you are strongly advised to bring:**
Cooking gear inc. cooking utensils and washing-up gear; we will have a limited number of spare camping stoves to use in a shared area (bring yours if you have one)
Hat or cap: we will be spending two full days outside in open countryside in summer
Sunglasses: as above
Sun cream: as above
**Things you could bring if you have them:**
Camping chair and table: can make life much more comfortable and sociable when relaxing back at camp
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.; painkillers, insect repellent, antihistamine cream and sting relief cream just in case.
Waterproof trousers or gaiters: useful even in summer in case of wet conditions
Gloves: light gloves in case you get cold or need to negotiate brambles or rough surfaces
Battery pack(s) for convenience to charge your phone instead of charging it in the stables
Food & drink
Friday dinner will be bring-and-share (so we can all be sociable on the first night) and there will be a central area for cooking and eating with tables and some spare stoves at other times. There is a fridge-freezer on-site to keep stuff cool, but be aware there is no shop or pub within walking distance, so make sure to bring all other food with you.
You need to bring:
1) An item to contribute to the bring-and-share buffet dinner on Friday night
2) Breakfast items for Saturday and Sunday
3) Packed lunch and snacks for Saturday's walk
4) Food to prepare for dinner on Saturday night
5) Tea, coffee and any drinks you would like on Friday and Saturday evenings, like wine, beer, soft drinks, etc.