Fan Dance Special Forces selection test in the breathtaking Brecon Beacons

The infamous Fan Dance is a test march carried out during both Special Forces (SAS/SBS) Selection and Pathfinder Selection. It takes place over the highest point in the Brecon Beacons, Pen Y Fan, hence the name.

Candidates have the choice of ‘tabbing’ over the route with a 35lb bergen or running the course carrying just the bare essentials in a daysack.

The Fan Dance route includes climbing the highest point in the Brecon Beacons, Pen Y Fan, then descending to a turn around point. Then it’s back over the ground you have already covered, back to the start point, 24km in all.