'I woke up at 1.45am to climb Pen y Fan but was floored by what I found at top'
Emily White woke up as early as 1.45am to hike Pen y Fan, but it wasn't quite what she expected. She couldn't believe what she found at the top of the mountain after the big climb
The experience left her floored (stock image)
(Image:)
There's nothing like a hike up a mountain, especially in Wales. When the weather is on your side, and you have some time to yourself, there's nothing quite like exploring the wonders that our country has to offer; however, one woman was recently left gobsmacked after she climbed Pen y Fan, in the Brecon Beacons.
Emily White recently shared her experience on TikTok after admitting she woke up at 1.45am in a bid to see the sunrise as she reached the summit. After travelling to the area, and filling up on breakfast, she managed to arrive at Pen y fan by 4.20am, but by 5am things weren't looking so good.
Just under an hour later she reached the top of the mountain, but it wasn't quite the experience she hoped for. Instead of being met with gorgeous views and glorious sunshine, she was greeted by something rather different instead - a whole lot of fog.
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Dubbing the experience a "sunrise fail", she couldn't help but make light of the situation. After all, what else can you do but laugh after waking up so early just to be met with blurry views?
Based on the video, it appears many others also experienced the same blunder, as you could see other hikers in the distance too. As Emily was walking up the mountain, the weather looked a lot clearer, as she also filmed some ponies and sheep.
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Unfortunately, when she reached the top, it painted a very different picture. Emily just wasn't meant to witness the glorious views Pen y Fan has to offer when she visited, or so it seems.
No matter how much effort you put into hiking, sometimes the weather just isn't on your side. It's unfortunate, but it's just how it goes sometimes.
If you've never been to Pen y Fan, it is actually the highest peak in South Wales. It lies in the Brecon Beacons National Park and, at 886 metres (2,907 ft) above sea-level, it's also the highest British peak south of Cadair Idris in Snowdonia.
Both the mountain and surrounding area are owned by the National Trust who is working to try and tackle the erosion caused by the popularity of this peak with walkers. The mountain is also used by the military as part of the selection process of the UK's Special Forces personnel.
Visit Wales says: "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.
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"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."
If you plan to travel by public transport, you can take the train to Merthyr Tydfil or Abergavenny station and then hop on the X43 bus. In addition, you could also take the T4 bus from Cardiff to Newtown and get off at the Storey Arms.
To travel by car, follow the A470 road which connects Llandudno in North Wales and Cardiff in South Wales. This route passes right through Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park in Mid Wales and will take you alongside the mountain.
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