The Cat's Back and Bull's Head

John Thorn

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From the Black Hill Picnic Place climb the ridge of Crib-y-Garth (locally known as the Cat's Back) and follow the ridge north then north-west, to join the Offa's Dyke Path near Hay Bluff.

Descend from the mountain, then follow a 'green lane' to a country pub and return to the start.

After the initial climb, the rest of the walk is downhill or gently uphill. There are some muddy stretches but no scrambling.

Apart from the very short stretch below Hay Bluff (Waymarks 7 and 8) the paths are well-defined. An alternative to this 'cross-country' section is to continue another 200 yards towards the road and then turn back right onto the track.

England - Central England - Herefordshire - Black Mountains

Features

Birds, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Mountains, Pub, Wildlife

4/13/2017 - Annie Jones

Hi Guys, Great walk, we walked this route Today 13 th April The weather was kind to us and we throughly enjoyed it. A couple of things to point out ....At WP8 it says to ' Turn left across the stream' but this would take you further down the hill we did find the whole of this section confusing but we made our way ok also at WP24 it says ' Bear right rather than turning left then take the gate on the left, this didn't match up with the rest of the walk details but it did get us up to the correct point and it was worth the detour though you may feel you've gone completely wrong again this section was rather vague. A great day out though. Excellent walk & we will do it again. Thanks

12/5/2014 - Joyce Pentland

Hi Guys, Great walk, we walked this route on the 3rd December 2014, a bright sunny clear day & well worth braving the cold. At wp 23 there are also 2 blue arrows, turn left here. We 'veered' right thinking we missed wp 22 & wound up going the wrong way, an hours scrambling over bracken to get back to car park. A great day out though. Excellent walk & we will do it again. Thanks

8/9/2014 - Michael Corfield

This is a stunning walk, the only thing stopping five stars is the lack of 'facilities' if you are walking on a day that is not Friday or Saturday - the only days that the Black Bull is open. We were walking when there had not been much rain for a long time, but found the path from waypoints 22 to 25 a real struggle. This section is now clearly used for motorbike cross country 'fun', resulting in massive ruts and sections impassable after wet weather. I recommend simply staying on the lane and only turning right on reaching the crossroads, to join waypoint 25.

5/25/2013 - Joy Addinsell

Lovely walk and the Black Bull is excellent. However, they no longer do B&B and haven't done 'huffers' for seven years they said! An update to the walk needed here please

3/22/2011 - Walkingworld Administrator

Our thanks to John Thorn for his update for this walk. Adrian (Admin)

5/26/2009 - Robin Philpott

I did this walk on a lovely clear and sunny 24/5/09 and it's a gem. A good climb to start and then fabulous views all around - incredibly beautiful. The walk back along the valley through lush green farmland is also thoroughly enjoyable. A great day out.

7/11/2008 - Walkingworld Administrator

The Bull's Head is now open again.

6/3/2007 - little john

This is a great walk, we stayed at a great cottage located right on the mountain side itself, it's ideal. www.yewtrees.co.uk