Скачать или смотреть Vale of Ewyas Horseshoe Walk from Llanthony Priory

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Vale of Ewyas Horseshoe Walk Description

Llanthony Priory to Hatterrall Ridge (Offa’s Dyke Path) - 1.37 miles (2.2 km)

From the car park, head back in the direction of the entrance, passing through the gate adjacent to the parking area for Cross Farm. Turn right, head through another gate and follow the dirt track for approximately 200 metres.

Turn left, signposted ‘All Routes’ and then proceed through the gate signposted ‘Hatterrall Ridge’. Now, follow the trail as it ascends gently across two fields, separated by a missing gate (14.1.22), arriving at the first of three wooden stiles.

It’s at this point that the climb steepens considerably as you make your way to the top of Hatterrall Ridge. Along this stretch be sure to stop and savour the glorious southerly views of the Ewyas Valley towards Llanthony Priory and beyond.

As you progress, the gradient flattens out as you make your way across the broad ridge ultimately reaching the junction of Offa’s Dyke Path, marked with a stone cairn.

Junction of Offa’s Dyke Path to Hay Bluff - 5.47 miles (8.8 km)

With the toughest section of the entire Llanthony Priory circular walk behind you, it’s time to enjoy this long gently undulating northerly section of the walk along Hatterrall Ridge towards Hay Bluff.

As you make your way northwards, the distinctive Cat’s Back ridge leading to Black Hill can be seen across the Olchon Valley to the east. Whilst off to the northwest you should also get to enjoy sweeping views into the once glaciated Ewyas Valley.

Further along, you will cross the peak of Black Mountain (Twyn Llech), the highest point along Hatterrall Ridge at 703 metres. This is a fairly nondescript summit, sitting within the broad ridge and marked by only a small grouping of stones.

Shortly after Black Mountain there is a short descent in the trail, after which Offa’s Dyke Path veers off to the right. However, you continue straight ahead and in just under 1 km you will arrive at the trig point indicating the 677-metre summit of Hay Bluff.

Located immediately adjacent to the steep mountain escarpment, the views from Hay Bluff are worth taking a well-earned break to enjoy. To the north, fabulous views are on offer to the Wye Valley and the hills and mountains of mid-Wales.

Out to the west, far-reaching views can be had across the northern reaches of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Hay Bluff to Rhos Dirion - 3.23 miles (5.2 km)

The next stage of the Vale of Ewyas horseshoe walk leads you in a south-westerly direction across the head of the valley. You first descend into the valley at Gospel Pass, the highest road pass in Wales, before the gentle climb to the summit of Twmpa (Lord Hereford’s Knob).

From the 690-metre summit, there are wonderful views back towards the Hay Bluff escarpment as it slides dramatically into the valley below. Additionally, and subject to weather, you may also get to enjoy the far-off peak of Pen y Fan to the south west.

Continuing to the southwest, the trail drops into a shallow valley before the gradual ascent to the 713 metre peak of Rhos Dirion, marked with a trig point.

Rhos Dirion to Junction of the Beacons Way - 5.97 miles (9.6 km)

From the summit of Rhos Dirion, a glance to the southeast and you can see the long, broad, flattish ridge stretching out ahead of you.

The first part of this section may well be a little samey to some, owing to its flat and nondescript nature.

However, as you make the gentle climb towards the 679 metre summit of Chwarel y Fan, the ridge narrows significantly adding both variety as well as greatly improved views towards both the Ewyas Valley and Grwyne Fawr Valley.

Furthermore, from this location you can now catch a glimpse of the Grwyne Fawr Reservoir to the northwest, as well as the Mynydd Du forest that adorns the valley sides to the southwest. The flat-topped summit of Waun Fach is also clearly visible

It is now a nice pleasant descent to the final trig point indicating the peak of Bal Mawr at 607 metres. From here, the descent steepens and the trail swings to the southeast before arriving at a stone marker signifying the junction of the Beacons Way.

Junction of the Beacons Way to Llanthony Priory - 1.43 miles (2.3 km)

Turn left at the marker, following the gently descending trail. After approximately 500 metres, the path breaks to the right, steepens considerably and follows the Cwm Bwchel (stream) into the valley via a narrow, muddy and rocky path.

You eventually reach the first of 8 gates, many with accompanying signs leading you seamlessly back towards Llanthony. Here you cross the River Honddu via a footbridge, pass through Treats campsite and within minutes you will arrive back at the starting point alongside Llanthony Priory.