Fan y Big

At 716.7 m (2,351 ft),[1] Fan y Bîg lies at the western tip of the Gwaun Cerrig Llwydion plateau. Its name translates as 'point of the peak' - perhaps in allusion to its striking pointed shape, as seen from some directions. The circumflex accent ('tô bach' in Welsh) over the 'i' lengthens the sound so that it is pronounced 'van-euh-beeg' rather than 'van-euh-big'. The summit is smooth and grassy, but marked by a cairn, which stands on the edge of its precipitous western face. The view of this face from Cribyn is regarded as very striking.[2] Fan y Bîg has since lost its status as a Hewitt.[3]

The peak is prominent on the north facing escarpment of the central part of the Brecon Beacons and three footpaths meet at the summit. All the surrounding land is open access and so walkers can go where they wish. In poor weather however, the paths are the safest route for access. The peak is often crossed by hikers aiming for Cribyn, Pen y Fan and Corn Du, and also forms part of the Fan dance, or Horseshoe Walk, a circular route that traverses four peaks.[4]

In common with other peaks of the Brecon Beacons, the upper slopes of Fan y Bîg are formed from sandstones of the Brownstones Formation of the Old Red Sandstone laid down during the Devonian period. The lower slopes of the hill are formed from sandstones and mudstones of the underlying Senni Formation. The rock strata tilt gently southwards. The valleys to the northwest and east nurtured small glaciers during the last ice age. This glacial erosion resulted in the very steep northern face which the mountain possesses.[5]