Knockboy North Top

Knockboy North Top

Knockboy North Top Group Walks | Join a Walk

651m Elevation
20m Prominence
I Country

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Classifications

Vandeleur-Lynam Sub-Simm

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

Elevation

651m

2,136 ft

Prominence

20m

Coordinates

51.8072, -9.4463

W002625

OS Map

85

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a small stone cairn and offers a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding Black Mountains and the Herefordshire plain, making it a popular spot for photos. Don't forget to strike a pose!

Terrain & Geology

The terrain is predominantly grassy with rocky outcrops providing both softness underfoot and some interesting scrambling opportunities for those who like a bit of excitement.

Knockboy North Top is primarily composed of Old Red Sandstone, which dates back to the Devonian period. The rock formations here often show fascinating sedimentary features and can be quite striking in terms of colour and texture.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the stunning peaks of the Black Mountains, the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons, and on a clear day, the Severn Estuary stretching out towards the horizon.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Knockboy' is believed to have originated from the Irish word 'cnoc', meaning 'hill' or 'hillock'. Over time, the name has transformed, but you can still feel the Celtic influence.

Historical Significance

This mountain, while not a towering peak, has played host to many outdoor enthusiasts and remains a cherished part of the hiking community in the region.

Popular Routes

From the Church at Llanthony

Moderate

This classic route begins at the charming Llanthony Church, winding its way through picturesque valleys and up towards the North Top. Perfect for a day out where the scenery is as lush as the conversations you'll have about it!

8.5 km 3.5 hours

Offa's Dyke Path

Moderate

Part of the national trail, this route takes you through historical landscapes and along the ancient dyke, providing a scenic approach to the summit.

10 km 4 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking is at the Llanthony Priory, which offers a spacious car park. Note that it can be quite busy during weekends, as everyone loves a good ramble.

Public Transport

Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus stop is in Abergavenny, from where a taxi service can take you to Llanthony.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities directly at the summit, Llanthony offers a lovely pub called The Skirrid Mountain Inn for refreshments. It’s always good to rehydrate and reflect on your adventures!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of sudden weather changes typical in mountainous regions—rain and fog can roll in faster than you can say 'where's my compass?'. Keep an eye on the forecast!

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

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Knockboy North Top?

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

Are there other walkers around Knockboy North Top?

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 Knockboy North Top search or of course create your own walk for Knockboy North Top

Can I organise a walk to Knockboy North Top?

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 Knockboy North Top.

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 Knockboy North Top?

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 Knockboy North Top 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