Black Hill
Good walks are even better shared.
Overview
Black Hill Overview
Black Hill, standing tall at 703 meters, is a magnificent Marilyn located in the enchanting Welsh Borders. With its striking rock formations and lush surroundings, it’s a must for any hiker in search of stunning vistas and invigorating walks.
Geology
This majestic hill is formed primarily of volcanic basalt, with beautiful surrounding layers of Old Red Sandstone. The geology here not only provides stunning visuals but also a fascinating insight into the Earth's history.
Routes to the Summit
There are several popular routes to reach the summit:
Hay-on-Wye to Black Hill
Starting from the historic and charming town of Hay-on-Wye, this route is a delightful trek through picturesque fields. It’s a moderate walk, approximately 12 km long, which usually takes about 4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how many times you stop for photos of the local sheep.
Llandegfedd Reservoir Loop
This leisurely route is 8.5 km in a circular format, offering a gentle ascent. It’s perfect for those wishing to soak in the views without the sweat, typically taking around 3 hours.
Summit Features
The summit is dominated by a sizeable stone cairn, an ideal resting spot for weary walkers. The views from the top are incredible, especially on clear days - just remember to bring your binoculars!
Terrain Type
Expect a mixed terrain of grassy slopes interspersed with rocky regions; muddy patches can be a cheeky menace, especially post-rain. Certainly not the place in which to wear your finest gear!
Scenic Views
From the summit, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramas of the Black Mountains to the south and the Brecon Beacons to the west. Spring and autumn are particularly stunning seasons to experience this, providing a riot of colours or blooming wildflowers.
Safety and Hazards
With great views comes some hazards! Fog may intrude when least expected, so having a map and compass handy is wise. Additionally, watch out for the occasional muddy patches that might try to ambush your hiking boots!
Nearby Summits
In the vicinity, adventurers can also enjoy the stunning Hay Bluff and the rocky ridges of the Black Mountains themselves.
Access
Access to Black Hill is a breeze; the nearest parking area can be found at Hay Bluff. If you're opting for public transport, there are services running to Hay-on-Wye, which is approximately 6 km from the walk's start, making this a convenient destination.
Facilities
Once you’ve conquered the hill, returning to Hay-on-Wye offers numerous cafes and shops, reputed for their selection of literature and local cuisine.
A Touch of History
The name 'Black Hill' reflects its dark volcanic rocks and its significance. A landmark for ages, it serves as a guiding beacon for both locals and visitors alike.
Enjoy your time on Black Hill! It’s a hike that promises exercise for the legs and rejuvenation for the soul!
Explore routes near Black Hill
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
East Calder: Almondell, Mandela Bridge and River Almond Circuit
View route
Artists’ walk in Craigmillar Castle Park (group meeting)
View route
To Absent Friends: Holyrood Park walk
View route
Dalkeith Country Park: Estate and North Woods Green Trail
View route
Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Hay-on-Wye to Black Hill
A scenic route starting from the historic town of Hay-on-Wye, gradually ascending through picturesque pastures.
Llandegfedd Reservoir Loop
A circular walk that takes you around beautiful Llandegfedd Reservoir, with Black Hill visible in the distance, leading to a gentle ascent towards the summit.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
501m
1,644 ft
Prominence
185m
Coordinates
55.8549, -3.2983
NT188631
OS Map
65 66
Explorer: 344
At the Summit
The summit is topped with a large stone cairn, offering a perfect spot for family photos and a well-deserved snack while taking in the panoramic views.
Terrain & Geology
Black Hill is primarily composed of volcanic rock, particularly ancient basalt, giving it a distinctive rugged appearance. The surrounding area features Old Red Sandstone, which contrasts beautifully with the darker hues of the hill.
Views & Scenery
On a clear day, you'll be greeted with scenes of the Black Mountains to the south and the stunning Brecon Beacons to the west.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Black Hill' comes from the Hill's dark volcanic rock and terrain, which can look quite foreboding under overcast skies.
Historical Significance
Black Hill has been a significant landmark for centuries, often serving as a orientation point for locals and visitors alike.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
There is ample parking available at the bottom of Hay Bluff (Grid Ref: SO 229 401), which is approximately 6 km from the start of the Black Hill walk.
Public Transport
Buses run from Hereford to Hay-on-Wye, with additional services from Brecon, providing a handy link for those preferring to leave the car at home.
Nearby Facilities
Cafes and shops abound in Hay-on-Wye, renowned for its literature scene, and there are public toilets available near the town centre.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Fog can roll in unexpectedly, so it's advisable to have a map and compass, lest you fancy taking a scenic detour.
- Muddy patches and uneven ground can make footing tricky, especially after rainfall.
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
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
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
Grid reference: NT188631
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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