Black Mountains Traverse Challenge

Summary

The Black Mountains Traverse Challenge is a very demanding walk which takes an undulating route across the Black Mountains ridge in the Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales. The route purposefully aims for the highest peaks and lowest valley points in a continuous 24-mile walk with nearly 2,400 metres of ascending and descending. From the start in Llangors, the route heads east to the trig point at 609 metres altitude on Mynydd Troed. The route then follows the ridge before descending to the valley of Afon Rhiangoll, before climbing straight up to the trig point of Pen Allt-mawr (719 metres) and turning sharply in direction from east to north to Pen Twyn Glas, before descending to Tal-y-maes Bridge. The descent to the bridge is a morale-sapping move, as the way continues straight back up the same path just descended to continue north and climb to the highest point of the walk on Waun Fach (810 metres). Down the route goes to Grwyne Fawr Reservoir, and up the route goes to Twyn Talycefn. The trig point at Rhos Dirion is next reached (713 metres), and then the way drops to a pass before climbing to Lord Hereford's Knob (Twmpa) and descending to Gospel Pass. Up one more via Ffynnon y Parc to the Hay Bluff trig point (677 metres), and then the Offa's Dyke Path is followed on the ridge of Llech y Lladron before a final descent to the Olchan Valley. As the pain is not quite over, a final stiff ascent of Black Hill (Crib y Garth) is required to tap the trig pillar standing at a height of 640 metres before one final descent to the finish at Craswell. Phew!