SH8710 : Near the top of Esgair Ddu

Esgair Ddu

464m Elevation
224m Prominence
Wales Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

SH8710 : Near the top of Esgair Ddu

Steven Brown Photo source

Explore routes near Esgair Ddu

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

Cadair Idris - Pony Path

9 km ~3h Hard

View route

Aran Benllyn and Aran Fawddwy from LLanuwchllyn

17.5 km ~9h Moderate

View route

Mawddach Trail: Penmaenpool to Arthog Estuary Return

14.7 km ~4h 15m Easy

View route

Mawddach Trail: Penmaenpool to Dolgellau Riverside Return

7.3 km ~2h 30m Easy

View route

Route planning notes

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

Esgair Ddu Loop

A picturesque loop starting from the village of Trecastle, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

10.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill

Elevation

464m

1,523 ft

Prominence

224m

Coordinates

52.6817, -3.6682

SH873106

OS Map

124 125

Explorer: OL23E

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent trig point that acts as an excellent vantage point, along with expansive views over the surrounding landscapes.

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly grassy with some rocky outcrops providing a blend of easy walking and areas needing caution.

Esgair Ddu is primarily composed of Devonian sandstone, giving it a robust structure that has withstood the test of time. The area features interesting sedimentary layers that can be observed in the outcrops along the hiking routes.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Black Mountains and the rolling hills of South Wales.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Esgair Ddu translates roughly to 'Black Ridge' in Welsh, likely referring to the dark soil and rocky terrain found here.

Historical Significance

The mountain has historical significance in local folklore, often mentioned in stories about the dragons of the Brecon Beacons.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking can be found in Trecastle village, just a short walk from the trailhead.

Public Transport

Bus services run from Brecon to Trecastle, but check schedules as they can be infrequent.

Nearby Facilities

There are a few local cafes in Trecastle that offer refreshments and toilets for walkers.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks in some areas can lead to slips. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so prepare for a wet Welsh surprise!

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 Esgair Ddu?

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

Are there other walkers around Esgair Ddu?

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 Esgair Ddu search or of course create your own walk for Esgair Ddu

Can I organise a walk to Esgair Ddu?

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 Esgair Ddu.

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 Esgair Ddu?

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 Esgair Ddu 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: SH873106

View on OpenStreetMap

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

Nearby Hills

Aran Fawddwy

906m

Cadair Idris - Penygadair

893m

Pumlumon Fawr [Plynlimon]

752m

Arenig Fawr

854m

Y Garn

629m
See 5 more nearby hills