Black Hill

Black Hill

Black Hill Group Walks | Join a Walk

223m Elevation
60m Prominence
England Country

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Classifications

200-299m hill

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Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Black Hill together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

223m

732 ft

Prominence

60m

Coordinates

51.0603, 0.1028

TQ474311

OS Map

188 198

Explorer: 135

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent trig point, surrounded by a stone-built cairn, offering a perfect backdrop for photos (and those all-important social media posts).

Terrain & Geology

A mix of grassy ridges and rocky outcrops interspersed with some boggy patches particularly after heavy rainfall.

Black Hill is predominantly formed from Old Red Sandstone, providing a rocky and rugged terrain with some sandy deposits and areas of heathland. It showcases the typical geological features of the Black Mountains, exhibiting a dramatic landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can enjoy spectacular views over the rolling hills of the Black Mountains, the Wye Valley, and on a clear day, even as far as the Brecon Beacons.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Black Hill' is derived from its dark, moorland appearance, especially when viewed from a distance; it may also refer to the heather that blooms on its slopes.

Historical Significance

Besides being a natural beauty spot, Black Hill is steeped in local folklore and has been a popular hiking destination for generations, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking the tranquillity of nature.

Popular Routes

The South East Route

Moderate

A popular route starting from the car park at the foot of the hill, winding gently uphill through grassy slopes before reaching the summit.

5 km 2 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park at the end of a lane near the village of Hay-on-Wye, about 3 miles from the hill's base. Parking is free but limited, so arrive early.

Public Transport

Buses from Hereford and Brecon run to Hay-on-Wye; the nearest bus stop is a short walk from the car park.

Nearby Facilities

Hay-on-Wye offers plenty of cafes, pubs, and public toilets. Don't forget to indulge in some cake after your hike!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loosely packed rocks on steeper slopes may cause slips; be cautious in wet conditions.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Find Walking Companions

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Black Hill?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Black Hill through the maps

Are there other walkers around Black Hill?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Black Hill search or of course create your own walk for Black Hill

Can I organise a walk to Black Hill?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Black Hill.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Black Hill?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Black Hill here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible