Black Mountains
Join Felicity Aston on a marathon circuit around the heights of the Black Mountains, taking in the highest peak in the region – Waun Fach. Often ignored in favour of the neighbouring and better-known Brecon Beacons, the Black Mountains are a soaring cluster of fabulous hills hidden away in the north-east corner of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Not quite as high as some of the best-loved Brecons, the Black Mountains still offer tremendous views, dramatic heather-carpeted hills and some fantastic walking. Starting in the quiet village of Llanbedr, this circular route climbs high and stays high as it takes a lofty line around a horseshoe of the region’s highest peaks. Striding over eight peaks of differing heights, the route includes Waun Fach (which at 811m/2,661ft is the tallest mountain in the area) and its neighbour the slightly shorter but equally windswept Pen y Gadair Fawr. Having completed most of the hard work in the first half of the route, the second half is a more sedate sweep along broad and elevated ridgelines that are an absolute pleasure. At 18 miles this is a full day’s walk but the sole-thumping is worth the blisters for some of the most inspiring views that the Black Mountains have to offer.
the Red Lion, Llandbedr – tel. (01873) 810754
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