This is a classic mountain horseshoe walk along the Vale of Ewyas, in the Black Mountains.

Approaching 9 miles in length, this is a moderate walk after a steep climb to the top of the mountain.  We will be stopping at times to catch our breath on the climb, but it is manageable, and flatter in places, and should take less than an hour to climb.  Once we reach the giant cairn that marks the top however, the climbing is over (except for a short climb onto Twmpa) and the reward is a truly fabulous mountain walk across the giant whaleback that makes up the Ffawyddog ridge.

At Pen Rhos Dirion, we will nudge 2,300 feet, and with favourable weather, take in the sweeping panorama into eastern and central Wales, and western England, over the Wye Valley, and Twmpa, and beyond that, the Gospel Pass and Hay Bluff, at the eastern end of the Black Mountains escarpment. Towards the end of the walk at the southern tip of the ridge, we will take in the amazing view of the U-shaped Llanthony valley, before dropping steeply off the mountain back to the start.

A great walk for dogs, but there may be sheep around on the climb up and wild horses on the tops. There are only three styles to cross, at the end of the walk, two of which have dog gates.