Offa's Dyke from Hay Bluff to Llanthony Priory

Paul Shorrock

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The Black Mountains form the eastern peaks of the Brecon Beacons. They tend to be rolling rather than rugged, but they make fine walking. This walk is a linear route along part of the Offa's Dyke path. It starts and finishes in Wales, but only just; for most of its length it straddles the border. Being a linear walk the logistics of transport become a little more complicated, but there are some pointers in the 'Walk Access' section in the route description. There is also a suggested route of epic proportions which some may enjoy.

The walk starts at Hay Bluff above Hay-on-Wye and follows the Offa's Dyke Path until leaving it to descend to Llanthony Priory. The views east into England towards Black Hill, otherwise Crib y Garth (The Cat's Back), or west towards the bulk of the Black Mountains (Y Mynyddoedd Duon) in Wales are impressive. The walking is good underfoot and the route easy to follow. Do remember though, that the greater part of this route is over 600 metres in height. The ridge you walk is exposed, without shelter, thus in bad weather there's nowhere to go but onward (or back). A lightning storm here would be a very serious matter.

Wales - Mid Wales - Powys - Black Mountains