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Abergwesyn Common
A wild and ancient landscape with far-reaching views
Powys
Opening times for 3 May 2024
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Welcome on leads, please be aware of livestock
No formal car parks, some parking along the road side. Steep, uneven walking on a varied landscape.
Accessible route and/or map
Pathways - these are open mountain commons with no formal footpaths. Grounds - steep and uneven on the higher parts and wet and boggy throughout. For any queries about visits to Abergwesyn Commons, please contact our Brecon Beacons office on 01874 625515
By road
The A470 from Builth to Rahayder passes close to the village of Llanwrthwl, which is close to the eastern end of the property. The B4358 running southwest from Newbridge on Wye (also on the A470) takes you to the village of Beulah. From there drive northwest to the Nant Irfon valley; a spectacular valley and steep winding road that leads over the Devil's Staircase and eventually on to Tregaron. The Nant Irfon valley is at the extreme western end of the property. Other small lanes can lead you to the edges of the property
On foot
There are many access points onto the common. The Wye Valley long distance trail cuts along the eastern boundary of the property. This 136-mile trail is way-marked by the distinctive 'leaping salmon' logo and runs from the source of the River Wye in mid-Wales all the way to the mouth of the river near Chepstow Castle
By train
Given its remoteness this is a hard property to get to and from by public transport, but there are railway stations at Llanwrtyd (4 miles), Llangammarch (4 miles) and Sugar Loaf (5½ miles). For further information go to Transport Direct
By bus
Given its remoteness this is a hard property to get to and from by public transport, however the Number 100 from Llandrindod Wells to Abergwesyn Old Post Office runs twice daily Monday to Friday. For more information go to Traveline
By bicycle
National Cycle Route 8 (on-road) passes within 3 miles of the eastern boundary of the property and runs from Cardiff to Holyhead, passing through the heart of Wales. It links with route 42 on the banks of the River Wye. The roads along this route are usually quiet but can be busy in some sections. This route is quite strenuous and generally for the more experienced cyclist. Follow the route to the B4358 and from there onto the property. For more information go to Sustrans
Highlights
Mountain
A wild, remote and ancient landscape with evidence of human settlement dating back thousands of years.
Things to see and do
Article
Exploring the countryside at Abergwesyn Commons
Discover a place of unspoilt and dramatic landscapes, where steep-sided valleys give way to spectacular open commons with far-reaching views across to the Brecon Beacons.
Top trails
Trail
Llanwrthwl horseshoe walk
Take in panoramic views of the 'roof of Wales' on the challenging and rewarding Llanwrthwl horseshoe walk in Powys.
Places to stay
Dinefwr Home Farm
A traditional farmhouse with wooden floors, and a log burner on the beautiful Dinefwr Park.
About Abergwesyn Common
Abergwesyn Commons stretch for 12 miles between the Nant Irfon valley in the west and Llanwrthwl in the east. Drygarn Fawr is the highest point on the commons, lying above the Nant Irfon valley. From its summit it's possible to walk eastwards along the entire ridge almost on the level.
To the south, complex, steep - and sometimes craggy - valleys dip and sweep away from the ridge. To the north the ground falls away more gently to the edge of the Elan Valley reservoir. Walking along the bottom of these sheltered valleys, alongside rushing streams and through mature Oak woods, it's difficult to believe it's the same place.
Wild, remote and ancient
The summit ridge is a wild and bleak landscape with grand, spacious, expansive views across the roof of Wales. A walk across Abergwesyn can bring the experience of solitude, loneliness, remoteness or freedom in equal measure.
The commons are rich in archaeology, from Bronze Age ritual sites to deserted medieval villages. Wherever you walk you're likely to come across a cairn - a stone circle - or standing stone and other evidence of human activity dating back hundreds, if not thousands, of years.
You can spy Red Grouse amongst the heather, and watch out for Lapwing, Golden Plover and Red Kite. Abergwesyn is altogether a truly splendid place.
History
Article
History of Abergwesyn Commons
Discover a wealth of archaeological remains, including 14 Bronze Age cairns, undisturbed for thousands of years in the vast and wild landscape at Abergwesyn Common, Powys.
Our work
Project
Project
Welsh Peatland Sustainable Management Scheme Project
Learn about the importance of peatlands and the work of a Welsh partnership in Powys. From raising awareness to sustainable management, find out about the peatlands project.