Foel Penolau

Foel Penolau

Foel Penolau Group Walks | Join a Walk

614m Elevation
32m Prominence
Wales Country

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

Classifications

Sim Hewitt Nuttall

Looking for walking companions?

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

Elevation

614m

2,016 ft

Prominence

32m

Coordinates

52.8942, -3.9906

SH661348

OS Map

124

Explorer: OL18W

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find a stone cairn, which doubles as a perfect resting spot for those contemplative moments or just an excellent excuse for a snack break.

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly grassy with some rocky outcrops making it ideal for a variety of trail footwear.

Foel Penolau is primarily composed of sandstone, which gives it a rugged appearance and provides excellent drainage, resulting in lush vegetation. Its geographical position within the Brecon Beacons contributes to dramatic landscapes.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, you can witness the beautiful peaks of the Brecon Beacons, the distant hills of the Black Mountains, and even the sprawling valleys below.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Foel Penolau' is thought to derive from the Welsh words for 'hill' (foel) and 'with point' (penolau), referencing its distinctive peaked shape.

Historical Significance

Historically, the area has been a site for farming and grazing, and it carries cultural importance in Welsh history, associated with local legends and stories.

Popular Routes

Cwmdu to Foel Penolau

Moderate

A gentle ascent starting from the Cwmdu valley, providing scenic views before reaching the summit.

5.5 km 2.5 hours

Cwmcelyn Route

Challenging

This route starts slightly steeper but quickly rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the surrounding areas.

6 km 3 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small parking area at Cwmdu, which can accommodate around 10 cars. Arrive early, as it fills quickly on weekends!

Public Transport

Bus services operate from Abergavenny to the nearby village of Cwmdu, with a short walk to the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

The closest facilities are in Abergavenny, which hosts cafes, shops, and public toilets to cater for your post-hike needs!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for sudden showers. Also, some areas may have uneven ground, snorkel-ready for those clumsy folks!

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

Join friendly walkers exploring Foel Penolau and surrounding area

Can't find a walk? Organise your own!

Create a walk and let others join you. It's free and easy!

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Foel Penolau?

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

Are there other walkers around Foel Penolau?

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 Foel Penolau search or of course create your own walk for Foel Penolau

Can I organise a walk to Foel Penolau?

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 Foel Penolau.

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 Foel Penolau?

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 Foel Penolau 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