Cefn yr Ystrad
Good walks are even better shared.
SO0813 : Small cairn northeast of Cefn Yr Ystrad summit
Nigel Davies Photo source
Explore routes near Cefn yr Ystrad
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Pen y Fan via Corn Du from Storey Arms
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Aircraft Crash Site - Wellington Bomber and Vampire Jet (Black mountains)
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Lower Failand–Priors wood
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Locking Parklands–Hutton–Christon
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Common Ridge Route
A lovely route that follows the crest of the ridge, providing panoramic views while being relatively straightforward.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Photo Gallery
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SO0813 : Small cairn northeast of Cefn Yr Ystrad summit
Nigel Davies
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SO0813 : Garn Felen summit trig point in hailstorm
Nic Howes
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SO0813 : Cefn yr Ystrad
Chris Andrews
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SO0813 : Descending from the Trig Point
Gareth James
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SO0813 : View across summit plateau towards central Beacons
Alan Bowring
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SO0813 : Cefn yr Ystrad
Rude Health
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SO0813 : View from the Trig Point
Gareth James
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SO0813 : Summit area of Cefn yr Ystrad
Trevor Littlewood
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SO0813 : Cefn yr Ystrad
Alan Richards
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SO0813 : Radio Marilyn
Nigel Davies
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
617m
2,025 ft
Prominence
177m
Coordinates
51.8147, -3.3259
SO086137
OS Map
160
Explorer: OL12E
At the Summit
The summit features a well-marked cairn and a wooden post indicating the peak.
Terrain & Geology
Cefn yr Ystrad is primarily composed of Old Red Sandstone, which gives it a distinctive reddish hue. The area features sedimentary rocks formed in the Devonian period, and offers fascinating geological insights into the region's past.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, including the Usk valley to the east and a sweeping panorama of the Brecon Beacons.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
Cefn yr Ystrad translates to 'ridge of the strait' in Welsh, referencing the landscape's narrow features.
Historical Significance
The area has historical significance as part of ancient trade routes and has been a local landmark for centuries.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
There is a small parking area near the village of Llangynidr, approximately 2 miles from the start of the trail.
Public Transport
Bus services run from Brecon to Llangynidr, with a bit of a walk to the trailhead.
Nearby Facilities
There are cafes and a public toilet in Crickhowell, providing essential refreshment and comfort after a long trek.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Occasional steep drops on the ridge; weather can change rapidly, so always be prepared.
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 Cefn yr Ystrad?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Cefn yr Ystrad through the maps
Are there other walkers around Cefn yr Ystrad?
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 Cefn yr Ystrad search or of course create your own walk for Cefn yr Ystrad
Can I organise a walk to Cefn yr Ystrad?
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 Cefn yr Ystrad.
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 Cefn yr Ystrad?
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 Cefn yr Ystrad 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
View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.
Grid reference: SO086137
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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