The Begwns walk: all the views, none of the climb
The Begwns offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
It is possible to see almost the entire Brecon Beacons National Park from the Roundabout, hence all of the views none of the climb.
Map
Start:
Car park, grid ref: SO162443
1
Starting from the grass verge car park the Roundabout is at the top of the hill. The highest point on the Begwns - the Roundabout, which is surrounded by a dry stone wall with trees inside - will be your first goal.
The common
The Begwns is a 580 hectare common that was given to us in 1992 by the De Winton family. The common has five scheduled ancient monuments including a deserted medieval village on the western side.
2
Once you have reached the Roundabout, take time to rest and absorb the views if the weather permits. When you have done this, from the Roundabout retrace your steps for about 100yd (90m) downhill until you see a track heading right towards the woodland on the far side of the common.
The Roundabout
This was built by volunteers and staff to celebrate the millennium. A stone circular seat designed by a local architect was also built in 2000. The views are spectacular and you can see from Hay Bluff all the way to the Black Mountains in Carmarthenshire with the Brecon Beacons in the centre.
3
When you reach the wall by the woodland follow the fence line downhill and left, until you meet the tarmac road. Cross the road and follow the grass track uphill until the pond comes into view, walk down to the pond and turn left.
Monks pond
Referred to locally as the Monks Pond, this pond is man-made and supports a variety of wildlife. Curlew have been seen here and during very cold spells the footprints of an otter have also been sighted.
4
Follow the edge of the pond until you reach a bank at the top of the pond, turn right and follow this track across the wet ground onto a grass track. Turn left and follow the grass track that heads back to the tarmac road and turn right back towards the car park.
End:
Car park, grid ref: SO162443
