Llangynog and Pererindod Melangell Circuit

Philip Ingram

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The Tanat Valley is a long and beautiful valley stretching into the heart of Wales. Llangynog these days is well off the beaten track but before the coming of the railway to other parts of Wales, drovers would have brought huge flocks of sheep through Llangynog on their way to English cities. At one time, there were lead mines in the area but these ceased production by 1880. See http://www.nmrs.org.uk/mines-map/metal/north-wales/llangynog-mine/

Until recently Llangynog was a mainly Welsh community, but the smart new homes and the reduction in the number of Welsh speakers at the last census show that it is changing. Tourism in the area is also changing, with old quarries becoming sought-after sites for mountain bikers.

This walk takes you out of the Tanat Valley and along the ridge that is initially the watershed between the Tanat and the Hirnant Valleys, later becoming the watershed between the Tanat and the Eiddew. After a climb through planted forests, you emerge on the open moor with magnificent views all round. If you look carefully you might catch a glimpse of Lake Vyrnwy. The return is a steady descent through a green valley with plentiful wildlife. In addition to the usual small birds and buzzards, pheasants and other game birds are usually plentiful. Shooting is an important source of revenue and employment in this otherwise economically depressed area.

The route celebrates St Melangell: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melangell

I don't recommend trying this walk in conditions where bad visibility is likely. You probably won't get lost as there are fences you can follow in places where there are no tracks but the views are very good and it would be a shame to miss them.

Wales - Mid Wales - Powys - Berwyn

Features

Great Views, Hills or Fells, Pub, River, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

6/18/2021 - Anthony Arkless

Completed walk on 13/06/21. Potentially excellent walk spoiled by bridleway leaving Llangynog being used by downhill mountain bike 4x4 transporters continuously on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, the dust caused by this improper use is very unpleasant for the mile climb involved. The drivers of these vehicles appear to take great delight in covering walkers in detritus. Unfortunately the downsides of this walk do not end there as forest felling has left a large section half way round looking like a World War battlefield. Plus points are the stunning views from the top of the route.