Painscastle walks

This Herefordshire walk offers some wonderful views of the Black Mountains without too much ascent. The route follows tracks and paths north of Craswall and includes the opportunity to visit the remains of Craswall Abbey. Despite the title, an ascent of Hay Bluff is not included but could easily be added to the route.

This walk passes through the recreation ground, up through Park Wood, with a steady climb to Hergest Ridge, with its superb views of the Black Mountains and Bradnor Hill. The optional loop round the old racetrack provides outstanding 360 degree views.

A gentle walk to the south of Kington offering fine views. This walk can be muddy in places and there is one short but steep climb. The route involves a mixture of stiles and gates.

A walk up to and around Bradnor Hill, circuiting the highest golf course in England which affords magnificent 360 degree views over Herefordshire and Wales. This walk crosses and goes close to Kington Golf Course: be prepared to wait and give way to golfers.

This walk leads you up into the black mountains starting along the cat's back, taking in 3 peaks, crossing the England/Wales boarder and across the highest road pass in Wales.

The route goes south from Llantony Priory over Hatterall Hill, where it joins the Offa’s Dyke for 4.5km, down to the village of Llanvihangel Crucorney, which has an inn that dates back to the 11th century and up The Skirrid (also known as Holy Mountain), which rises to 486m. Finally, the route finds its way into Abergavenny and terminates at the station.

This Powys walk starts from Cwmgwdi and visits Corn Du passing the monument to the Lost Lad before continuing to Pen y Fan, the highest point in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Continuing, the walk then visits the summits of Cribyn and Fan y Big before returning to the start along the western side of Cwm Cynwyn.

The route goes from YHA to YHA but essentially follows the Brecon Beacons Way going west-to-east. This section goes through a Site of Special Scientific Interest as it passes Llangorse Lake (Lyn Syfaddan). Formed in the Ice Age, it is one of the few naturally eutrophic lakes in Wales and is of national if not international importance.

The route continues on the west-to-east Brecon Beacons Way, now over halfway to its final destination at Abergavenny Station. This is possibly the most strenuous day's walking as there are a number of climbs, starting with Corn Du and Pen y Fan. However, on a clear day, the views are spectacular.

A circular hike which allows easy access to Pen y Fan (886 m); the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons and South Wales. A walk through stunning landscapes, surrounded by sheep.
Very busy intinerary in high season.

This route takes us across the River Usk and through Crickhowell, up Table Mountain to visit Crug Hywel (fort), over the Grwyne Fechan valley, up to Crug Mawr and down into Grwyne Fawr valley. It passes Partrishow Church, parts of which date from before 1065. Then it's a climb up Garn Wen and Bâl Bach before dropping down to Llantony and the Prior.

This Monmouthshire walk offers a short and direct ascent of the Sugar Loaf, which lies a few miles west of Abergavenny. The route is generally easy to follow and should be saved for a fine day as the views from the summit are excellent in fine weather.

The Skirrid (Ysgyryd Fawr) is a solitary hill rising from the countryside to the east of Abergavenny. This walk takes the most direct route to the summit and includes a steep ascent. The return route takes through pleasat woodland on the western flank of the hill.

This trail leads you to Sgwd-yr-Eira, Sgwd y Pannwr, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn and Sgwd Clun-Gwyn.

We're now well into the Brecon Beacons Way and this route begins with a walk through the Ogof Ffynnon Ddu National Nature Reserve, designated to protect its limestone pavements, associated flora and caves beneath. Then it heads north to climb up to Fan Llia and follow the crags over to Storey Arms. It then takes the Taff Trail to YHA Brecon Beacons.

Except for the final 1km (½ mile), the walk from Rhyd-y-benwch to the source of the river and back is almost entirely within the confines of the Hafren Forest. So, perfect on a fine day, not so good in the rain.

Enjoy spectacular views towards the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons, keep your eyes peeled for lots of wonderful wildlife, and discover hidden heritage along the way.