Llanwrthwl horseshoe walk
This trail begins and ends in the quiet village of Llanwrthwl and takes in panoramic views across the uplands of Brecon and Radnorshire, including the 'roof of Wales', the Cambrian mountains.
Near to
Abergwesyn CommonStart point
St Gwrthwl's Church, Llanwrthwl, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 6NT. Grid ref: SN975637Trail information
Blanket bog and open moorland
This walk is only suitable for experienced hill walkers due to the lack of clear paths. Proper walking footwear is recommended.
Total stages: 9
Total stages: 9
Start point
St Gwrthwl's Church, Llanwrthwl, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 6NT. Grid ref: SN975637
Stage 1
Starting the walk from the church in Llanwrthwl, follow the minor road that runs down the left hand side of the churchyard. This section of the route follows the line of the Wye Valley Walk recreational trail. Continue along this road for approximately 2 miles (3.5km) until you reach a fork in the road.
Stage 2
Take the right-hand track, still on the Wye Valley Walk, and pass through the wooden field gate. You're now onto National Trust land, as the sign for Trembyd mountain indicates. Follow the stone track upwards for approximately 1 mile (1.5km) at which point you'll see the grassed bridleway heading up in front as the stone track turns left and downwards. Take the bridleway up until you reach a dry-stone wall and field gate at the top.
Stage 3
Turn right in front of the gate and follow the fence line upwards, heading for the summit of Trembyd. At the top of Trembyd hill you will find a pile of stones that was once a burial cairn. Enjoy the views from the hilltop while you catch your breath from the climb up. From here, head towards Drum Ddu to the south-west.
Stage 4
Head across the saddle between the two hilltops. If you stay to the right of the wetland area you will keep your feet drier and pass by two further cairns. Once across the saddle, make your path diagonally left up the hillside, until you reach the top. From here you can walk along the flatter grassed path to the cairn at Drum Ddu.
Stage 5
From the Drum Ddu cairn, follow the path along the ridge for approximately 400 yards (400m), until you pick up the track heading off downwards to the right towards Rhos Saith Maen. This section of the route may not always be clear to see, so pick your best way down the hillside. As you walk down into valley, look up and ahead for the track heading up to the left on the hill opposite, up towards the summit of Y Gamriw. Known as Rhiw Saeson, this is the route to head towards as you cross the valley floor.
Stage 6
Once you've crossed over the track that runs through Rhos Saith-maen, follow the route to the base of Y Gamriw. This area can be wet underfoot for much of the year, so pick your route carefully. Follow the track that leads upwards to the ruins of a building at the top.
Stage 7
From here, turn right and take the route to the summit which goes from the left-hand side of the ruins. The summit cairn is reached before you arrive at the trig point, which marks the highest point of this walk at 1,969ft (600m).
Stage 8
From the trig point on Y Gamriw, follow the ridge line north-eastwards back towards Llanwrthwl. You'll pass several ancient cairns on your way, revealing glimpses of the history that this area contains.
Stage 9
As you reach the end of the ridge you'll need to pick out the zig-zag path that goes down to, and eventually through the woodland above Dol-lago farm. At the farm, follow the blue-arrowed bridleway signs that take you between the farm buildings and down the farm track that leads to the road. At the road, turn left and continue to the T-junction. Turn right here, and follow the road back through the village to the church.
End point
St Gwrthwl's Church, Llanwrthwl, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 6NT. Grid ref: SN975637
Trail map
Llanwrthwl Horseshoe walk map, Abergwesyn Common | © Crown copyright and database rights 2022 Ordnance Survey
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