SO1555 : Heather moor on Gwaunceste Hill

Gwaunceste Hill

542m Elevation
165m Prominence
Wales Country
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SO1555 : Heather moor on Gwaunceste Hill

Jeremy Bolwell Photo source

Explore routes near Gwaunceste Hill

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

Elan Valley: Reservoir Trail to Pen y Garreg Dam

15.9 km ~5h Easy

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Brecon Basin to Brynich Aqueduct: Canal Towpath Walk

7.3 km ~2h 15m Easy

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Croft Castle: Fishpool Valley and the Gothic pumphouse

2.3 km ~1h 15m Moderate

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Berrington Hall: woodland, lake and Windmill Hill

5.2 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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Route planning notes

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

From Cwmdu

A scenic route starting from the village of Cwmdu, weaving through fields and ascending gradually to the summit.

4.5 km ~2 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Dodd Dewey

Elevation

542m

1,779 ft

Prominence

165m

Coordinates

52.1917, -3.2329

SO158555

OS Map

148

Explorer: 200E

At the Summit

The summit features a small stone cairn and a wooden post marking the high point. Occasionally, you might stumble onto a few sheep who seem to have taken up permanent residence.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with sections of rocky outcrops. Be prepared for a bit of a scramble in places.

Gwaunceste Hill is primarily composed of old red sandstone with some deposits of mudstone and conglomerate. This geological mix has created a unique landscape that offers a mix of grassy slopes and rocky outcrops.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers are treated to stunning views of the surrounding Beacons, including Pen y Fan and the lush green valleys below. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the Severn Estuary.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name Gwaunceste is thought to derive from Welsh origins meaning 'the hill on the meadow', giving a nod to the lush landscape.

Historical Significance

The hill is part of the rich cultural heritage of the Brecon Beacons, often frequented by local hikers and explored in folklore.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park at the base of the hill in Cwmdu, with enough space for about 10 cars. It's free but can fill up quickly on weekends.

Public Transport

Buses run from Brecon to Cwmdu several times a day. However, check the timetable in advance, as services can be limited on Sundays.

Nearby Facilities

The closest facilities, including a pub and a café, can be found in Cwmdu and Crickhowell. They serve a lovely cup of tea and cake to celebrate your conquest of the hill!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be mindful of changing weather conditions which can turn from sunny to damp in a blink. The terrain can be slippery when wet, so proper footwear is a must. Also, keep an eye out for grazing livestock!

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 Gwaunceste Hill?

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

Are there other walkers around Gwaunceste Hill?

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 Gwaunceste Hill search or of course create your own walk for Gwaunceste Hill

Can I organise a walk to Gwaunceste Hill?

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 Gwaunceste Hill.

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 Gwaunceste Hill?

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 Gwaunceste Hill 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: SO158555

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Nearby Hills

Carneddau

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 Cribyn

Cribyn

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Pen y Fan

886m

Stiperstones

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Long Mynd - Pole Bank

517m
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