A woman who woke up at 1.45am to climb Pen y Fan, in the Brecon Beacons, was left shocked when she reached the top of the mountain – and it wasn’t because of the early start
There’s no adventure quite like a Welsh mountain hike and, when the elements align with some precious alone time, it’s an opportunity to discover the natural treasures Wales has to offer. Yet, one woman’s recent ascent of Pen y Fan, in the Brecon Beacons, left her utterly flabbergasted.
Emily White took to TikTok to recount her early morning trek, revealing she had set off at the ungodly hour of 1.45am, all in the hopes of catching a breathtaking sunrise from the peak. After fuelling up with breakfast, and making her way to Pen y Fan by 4.20am, her optimism was high but, by 5am, the outlook was grim.
An hour shy of reaching the summit, Emily’s anticipation turned to disappointment as she encountered not the stunning views she envisioned, but a blanket of thick fog.
She coined the term “sunrise fail” for her misadventure, yet managed to find humour in the anticlimactic end to her early rise, because sometimes laughter is the only response to such a misty letdown.
The video suggests she wasn’t alone in her mistimed journey; other hikers loomed in the foggy backdrop. On her ascent, the weather seemed promising, with clear skies and even local wildlife, including ponies and sheep, making an appearance on camera.
Alas, the summit offered a stark contrast to her expectations. It seems that the majestic views of Pen y Fan were not meant for Emily that day.
Despite your best efforts to plan a perfect hike, sometimes the weather simply refuses to cooperate. It’s a bit of a downer, but that’s just how it goes sometimes.
For those unfamiliar with Pen y Fan, it holds the title of the tallest peak in South Wales. Nestled within the Brecon Beacons National Park, this mountain towers at 886 metres (2,907 ft) above sea level, making it the highest British peak south of Cadair Idris in Snowdonia.
The National Trust owns both the mountain and its surrounding area, and is actively working to combat the erosion caused by the footfall of countless walkers. The mountain also serves as a training ground for the UK’s Special Forces personnel during their selection process.
Visit Wales describes Pen y Fan as one of Wales’ most frequented walks, stating: “Pen y Fan is one of the most popular walks in Wales. When the weather is fine, the views are truly splendid.
“Mile upon mile of rolling hills disappear into the distance, fringed by eons-old sheer cliffs. Just like Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), its popularity can detract from the experience, as trails get very busy at peak times.
“If you’re visiting in mid-summer you might want to try the nearby Black Mountains or the Cambrian Mountains – particularly if you like to walk without lots of other people around.
“To get to Pen y Fan you can walk along the Beacons Way or the Taff Trail. If you prefer to cycle, you can take National Cycle Network Route 8 or the Taff Trail.”
For those intending to use public transport, you can catch a train to either Merthyr Tydfil or Abergavenny station, and then board the X43 bus. Alternatively, you could take the T4 bus from Cardiff to Newtown, alighting at the Storey Arms.
If you’re driving, take the A470 road that links Llandudno in North Wales with Cardiff in South Wales. This route goes straight through Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park in Mid Wales, providing a scenic journey alongside the mountain.
