Black Hill
Good walks are even better shared.
Explore routes near Black Hill
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
St Abbs Circular with seal pups at Horsecastle Bay
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Duddo Stones (Standing Stones)
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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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