Black Mountain

Black Mountain

Black Mountain Group Walks | Join a Walk

704m Elevation
155m Prominence
Wales Country

Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!

Classifications

Marilyn Simm Hewitt Nuttall Historic County Top (pre-1889) Administrative County Top (1889 to 1996) Current County/UA Top

Looking for walking companions?

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

Elevation

704m

2,308 ft

Prominence

155m

Coordinates

52.0119, -3.0866

SO255353

OS Map

161

Explorer: OL13N

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a prominent trig point and a small stone shelter, making it a perfect spot for a well-deserved break. There's also a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding valleys.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of grassy trails and rocky outcrops with occasional boggy patches that might surprise the unwary. Good footwear is your best friend here!

Primarily composed of Old Red Sandstone, Black Mountain showcases stunning geological formations, which were formed during the Devonian period. The varying layers create striking contrasts and fascinating features, particularly evident in the crags and gullies.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the Black Mountain range stretching into the distance, the glistening waters of Llyn y Fan Fach, and the majestic Brecon Beacons further afield. On a clear day, it feels like you could see for miles!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Black Mountain' is derived from the dark-hued rock formations and peat bogs that dominate the area. It's not named after a grumpy old man, despite popular belief.

Historical Significance

Historically, this area has been significant for sheep farming and wool production, with remnants of old sheep droving trails still visible.

Popular Routes

Black Mountain Circular

Moderate

A scenic circular route that starts from the popular Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, leading up the gentle slopes of Black Mountain and offering breathtaking views.

10.5 km 4 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Layby parking available off the A4067 near the start of the circular hike. Spaces can fill up quickly on sunny weekends, so arrive early!

Public Transport

Regular bus services from nearby towns such as Swansea and Merthyr Tydfil operate during the day. Make sure to check the latest timetable.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities on the mountain itself, but you’ll find cafes and toilets in Llangadog. Always a good idea to empty your bladder before the hike!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of sudden weather changes, as conditions can shift rapidly in the mountains. Also, take care when navigating rocky areas, especially during 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 Mountain?

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

Are there other walkers around Black Mountain?

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

Can I organise a walk to Black Mountain?

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 Mountain.

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 Mountain?

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 Mountain 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