Llanwrthwl horseshoe walk
The route begins and ends in the quiet village of Llanwrthwl and takes in fantastic panoramic views across the uplands of Brecon and Radnorshire, including the Cambrian mountains, the 'roof of Wales'.
The walk gives spectacular views of the 'roof of Wales' - the Cambrian Mountains.
Map
Start:
Llanwrthwl Church, grid ref: SN977638
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.
2
Take the right-hand track, still on the Wye Valley Walk, and pass through the wooden field gate. You are now onto National Trust owned land, as the sign for Trembyd mountain indicates. Follow the stone track upwards for approximately 1 mile (1.5km) at which point you will see the grassed bridleway heading up in front as the stone track turns left and downwards. Take the bridleway up until you reach a drystone wall and field gate at the top.
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 magnificent views from the hill-top, while you catch your breath from the climb up. From here, head towards Drum Ddu to the south-west.
4
Head across the saddle between the two hill tops. 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. Views from this point can be gained as far as the Brecon Beacons, as you look over the tops of the Epynt military range with its distinctive, square-shaped forestry blocks.
5
From the Drum Ddu cairn, follow the path along the ridge for approximately 400yds (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.
6
Once you have 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.
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 1969ft (600m).
8
From the trig point on Y Gamriw, follow the ridge line north-eastwards back towards Llanwrthwl. You will pass several ancient cairns on your way along, showing glimpses of the history that this area contains.
9
As you reach the end of the ridge you will 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:
Llanwrthwl Church, grid ref: SN977638
