SH6634 : The long and winding wall

Foel Penolau

614m Elevation
32m Prominence
Wales Country
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SH6634 : The long and winding wall

David Medcalf Photo source

Overview

Foel Penolau

At an elevation of 622 meters, Foel Penolau is a striking peak nestled in the breathtaking Brecon Beacons. As a Marilyn, it offers not only a considerable height but also a prominent stance that draws in hikers from near and far. With its rugged sandstone geology, the mountain boasts rich flora and some of the region's most stunning landscapes.

Accessibility and Routes

Starting your journey at Cwmdu, the ascent to the summit can be tackled via a couple of routes. The more leisurely Cwmdu to Foel Penolau offers a pleasant hike of about 5.5 kilometers, taking around 2.5 hours. This moderate trail allows ample opportunity to soak in the beauty around you.

For the more adventurous, the Cwmcelyn Route is a bit steeper and more challenging, covering 6 kilometers in approximately 3 hours. It rewards hikers with magnificent views right from the beginning, so prepare yourself for an invigorating climb!

What to Expect at the Summit

As you reach the summit, you will be greeted by a sturdy stone cairn, symbolising the hard work that shone through the climb. Don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy the impressive views that unfold before you: the dramatic peaks of the Brecon Beacons and the expansive valleys offer a picturesque backdrop for a well-deserved break.

Hazards

Keep an eye on the weather—scorching sun can quickly turn to rain, so a good waterproof jacket always comes in handy. And if you happen to be someone with a tendency to trip over thin air, watch for the uneven terrain!

Facilities and Access

The nearest car park is conveniently located in Cwmdu, albeit small, so do arrive early to secure a spot! Public transport is also accessible via bus services running from Abergavenny, leading you right to the trailhead.

Once you've expended all that energy, Abergavenny will cater to your tired legs with its cafes and shops—a perfect way to reward yourself for the day’s exertion!

In conclusion, Foel Penolau is not merely a peak but an experience, rich in natural beauty and cultural significance. So why not lace up those hiking boots and give it a go? Happy hiking!

Explore routes near Foel Penolau

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

Northern Rhinogydd guided mountain walk

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Coed y Brenin: Pont Ty'n-y-groes and Mawddach Forest Trail

10.7 km ~4h Moderate

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Mawddach Trail: Penmaenpool to Arthog Estuary Return

14.7 km ~4h 15m Easy

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Mawddach Trail: Penmaenpool to Dolgellau Riverside Return

7.3 km ~2h 30m Easy

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Route planning notes

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

Cwmdu to Foel Penolau

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

5.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Cwmcelyn Route

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

6 km ~3 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Simm Hewitt Nuttall

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.

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

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

Location

Foel Penolau location map

Grid reference: SH661348

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

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