Walk 6: A ‘Ridgewalk’ In the Black Mountains
As the English name suggests, Y Grib (‘the Ridge) has a distinctive shape to it. It’s a narrow grassy ridge and at some points along it will feel only a few metres wide. In reality you could probably walk down each side if it was ever necessary. Waun Fach is also visited along this route, which, at 810m is the highest point within the Black Mountains range.
Will Says: “I love the views you get in this part of the Brecon Beacons. There’s an incredible contrast between the wild mountain moorlands and then the patchwork fields below which stretch right out into mid Wales. For a good pub lunch in the area, I’d head down the A479 to the Farmers Inn at Cwmdu.”
Walk 7: The Shattered Hill
Pronounced uh-skirrid-vower, this quirky little hill’s name translates as ‘great split’ or ‘great shattered’, a reference to the huge gap on its western flank. An Ice Age landslide is the geological explanation for this, while the more romantic or perhaps theological cause is a lighting bolt at the moment of Christ’s crucifixion. This route begins at the Skirrid Mountain Inn, the oldest and, reputedly most haunted pub Wales.
Will Says: “You can start this from right at the foot of the mountain and have a much shorter walk, but the Skirrid Inn is worth a visit, especially in winter when a huge open fire warms the room.”
Walk 8: The Black Mountain of the West
Not to be confused with the Black Mountains in the east, this mountain range is worth a visit for its dramatic escarpment which, with its green walls and dark lakes below, you could say has a northern Scandinavian look to it. Looking eastward from Fan Brycheiniog you can see right across the national park to Pen y Fan and beyond. The westward view gives a real sense of just how isolated this part of Wales is, with nothing but moorland stretching endlessly into the distance.
Will Says: “There’s an eerie tale about a lady of the lake here that, when combined with the effect of the towering dark walls and the often wild weather, gives this place a very surreal atmosphere. It’s one of the most dramatic places in Wales, for sure.”
Walk 9: The Canal Walk
A much easier walk than the others on this list, just a gentle towpath wander along the peaceful Monmouth and Brecon Canal. Here, boats chug by at walking pace, water life abounds, and not-so-distant mountain tops poke their heads over the trees that line the canal banks.
Will Says:“There are some lovely pubs at either end of this route, with the Bear at Crickhowell and Red Lion in Llangynidr. If you want an easy walk without hills in the Brecon Beacons, this is your best bet. Accommodation-wise, I once stayed atRock Cottage in Llangynidr and can highly recommend it.”
Walk 10: The End Of The World
There’s a lot to see on this walk. You’ve got a tiny little bothy at Grwyne Fawr, the quirky church with a wonky steeple at Capel-y-ffin, incredible views over the rest of the Black Mountains and of course the ivy covered ruins of Llanthony Priory. Mixing up moorland trails, bridleways and paths through gentle countryside within the deep valley, this is a route with plenty of variation and a couple of steep climbs where you’re made to work for the view at the top.
Will Says:“This is a fairly big day out but there are a few options for shortening it. I really recommend staying overnight at the farm’s campsite here. Firstly because when there’s no cloud, the night skies are incredible and secondly because there’s a great pub nearby underneath the priory!”
Walk 11: The Twin Peaks of Fforest Fawr
With their steep north faces and panoramic summit views, the mountains of Fan Nedd and Fan Gyhirych are real gems of the Brecon Beacons. Hidden gems, in fact, because these two 2000ft tops are off the beaten track, deep within the lesser trodden Fforest Fawr range of the Bannau. This is a there and back route with a slight variation so you don’t have to climb up to the top of the first mountain twice. There’s quite a steep climb involved to get to the top of Fan Nedd and this can be skipped out if you only fancy the one mountain on your walk. There’s also a bit of a steep drop below the path that skirts the northern slope of Fan Nedd, so you do need a bit of a head for heights.
Will says: “I’ve walked and run through here a number of times, including on the Cambrian Way, the Beacons Way and on my round of all 189 of Wales’s mountains, and I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen a single soul here. It’s got a very wild feel to it and can get very windy, so make sure you’re well prepared for the elements. The views from each summit are hugely rewarding as, on a good day, you’ll have a great view of the Black Mountain, Pen y Fan and also deep into mid Wales.”
About Bannau Brycheiniog / the Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Beacons, located in the heart of Wales, boast a rich and diverse history that spans millennia. These dramatic mountains, which stretch from Llandeilo in the west to the English border in the east, have witnessed the passage of ancient tribes, Roman conquerors, and medieval lords. Today, they offer hikers a vast area of upland wilderness with an extensive network of trails that wind through lush valleys, rugged peaks, and mountain lakes.
The Brecon Beacons National Park was designated as a national park on October 17, 1957. It was one of the three national parks established in Wales during the same year, along with Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire Coast National Parks.
Within it’s boundaries you’ll find well-maintained network of public rights of way, including footpaths, bridleways, and byways and some areas within the park – mainly the upland areas – are designated as open access land, granting visitors the freedom to roam and appreciate the natural beauty.
Note: Some of these walks are in challenging, wild terrain where a good level of fitness will be required. Only undertake them if you are able to navigate safely and have the appropriate outdoor clothing and equipment. Visit Adventure Smart UK for tips for enjoying Wales’s mountains safely.
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