ST1684 : Gateway on track, Cefncarnau

Cefncarnau

272m Elevation
108m Prominence
Wales Country

Good walks are even better shared.

ST1684 : Gateway on track, Cefncarnau

M J Roscoe Photo source

Explore routes near Cefncarnau

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.

Cefncarnau Circular Walk

A delightful circular route starting from the village of Cwmcarn. The trail weaves through lush forests and opens up to stunning vistas.

5.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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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

Hump 200-299m hill

Elevation

272m

892 ft

Prominence

108m

Coordinates

51.5551, -3.2056

ST165847

OS Map

171

Explorer: 151E

At the Summit

The summit features a modest cairn and a panoramic view over the surrounding valleys, providing a perfect backdrop for a group selfie.

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly grassy with rocky outcrops and sections of dense woodland.

Cefncarnau is primarily composed of sedimentary rocks, mainly sandstone and shale, which create interesting formations and contribute to the rich ecosystems on the mountain.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, the views extend to the Bristol Channel and the nearby hills of the Brecon Beacons.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Cefncarnau translates to 'Head of the Grave' in Welsh, hinting at ancient burial sites or folklore related to the area.

Historical Significance

The area has historical significance, with ancient pathways and remnants of early settlement reflecting the rich human history.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Cwmcarn Forest Drive car park is the nearest, offering ample spaces and views right from the start.

Public Transport

Regular bus services run to Cwmcarn from Newport, making it accessible for those relying on public transportation.

Nearby Facilities

There is a café at the Cwmcarn Forest Drive car park where you can grab a cuppa and perhaps a piece of cake before your hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for muddy patches, especially after rain. Slips can happen faster than you can say 'slippery slope!'

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 Cefncarnau?

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

Are there other walkers around Cefncarnau?

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 Cefncarnau search or of course create your own walk for Cefncarnau

Can I organise a walk to Cefncarnau?

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 Cefncarnau.

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 Cefncarnau?

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 Cefncarnau 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: ST165847

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.