SO1964 : Approaching the mast on Black Mixen

Black Mixen

650m Elevation
45m Prominence
Wales Country

Good walks are even better shared.

SO1964 : Approaching the mast on Black Mixen

David Medcalf Photo source

Explore routes near Black Mixen

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Garn Whitchurch to Black Mixen

A predominantly grassy route that winds gently up to the summit, offering fantastic views of the surrounding valleys.

8 km ~3 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Simm Hewitt Nuttall

Elevation

650m

2,133 ft

Prominence

45m

Coordinates

52.2719, -3.1790

SO196643

OS Map

148

Explorer: 200E

At the Summit

The summit features a noticeable trig point, which is a welcome sight for those who like to tick off their summit bagging lists. There's also a small rock outcrop, perfect for a quick selfie!

Terrain & Geology

Grassy slopes with rocky outcrops leading to well-defined paths.

Black Mixen is primarily composed of Old Red Sandstone, which gives it its distinctive dark hue. The surrounding area is rich in geological history with remnants of glacial activity that shaped the landscape.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the Black Mountains, the Brecon Beacons, and even the distant Wye Valley.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Mixen' is derived from the old Welsh word for 'moss', likely referring to the lush flora found in the area.

Historical Significance

Black Mixen is often overlooked compared to its taller neighbours but offers a rich history as part of the Black Mountains range, steeped in local folklore.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small parking area at Garn-yr-Erw, just a few kilometres from the starting point. Parking is free but can fill up quickly during weekends.

Public Transport

The nearest bus service is from Abergavenny, which runs regular routes to nearby villages.

Nearby Facilities

Crickhowell hosts several cafes and pubs where hikers can find a hearty meal or a refreshing pint. Public toilets are available in the town centre.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be wary of sudden changes in weather, as conditions can be unpredictable in the mountains. Always carry adequate gear.

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 Mixen?

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

Are there other walkers around Black Mixen?

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 Mixen search or of course create your own walk for Black Mixen

Can I organise a walk to Black Mixen?

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 Mixen.

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 Mixen?

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 Mixen 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

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SO196643

View on OpenStreetMap

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