Fan y Big the edge of its precipitous western face. The view of this face from Cribyn is regarded as very striking. Fan y Bîg has since lost its mountain status. The peak is prominent on the north facing escarpment of the central part of the Brecon Beacons and several footpaths cross 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
Pen-y-Gwryd was developing in North Wales. In May 1898 "The Climbers Club" originated at Pen-y-Gwryd, as it is recorded in its first journal "...its natural birth at Pen-y-Gwryd" and "...its congenial atmosphere... ("The Climbers Club") first struck its roots". The "Climbers Club" is now based at "Helyg" on the A5 between Capel Curig and Ogwen Cottage. In 1870 the "Society of Welsh Rabbits" (c.1865) was founded with the objective of exploring Snowdonia in winter (and as close to Christmas as possible). Ann Owen said in 1895 that the society had written an article "praising Pen-y-Gwryd as an excellent resort at Christmas".