Mynydd Carningli

Mynydd Carningli

Mynydd Carningli rises above Newport/Trefdraeth in Pembrokeshire, its rocky summit overlooking Newport Bay and the surrounding Preseli countryside. The hill reaches 346.9 m and is crowned by extensive prehistoric remains. Its short approaches still involve steep, rough ground and careful route-finding among several moorland paths.

Summit and views

The recorded high point is a natural rock tor at SN 06243 37230. A tor 55 m south-southwest is of similar height; another 25 m south-southwest is 0.3 m lower. The remains of the hillfort occupy the summit area, but walls and cairns should not be treated as the natural high point. Take care on the irregular rocks and avoid disturbing old stonework. In clear weather, the coast around Newport Bay and the hills inland form a wide panorama.

From Newport

The National Park's Newport/Carningli walk begins in the town, with its start reference at SN056392. Follow the official map south through town past the church and castle, then along lanes and paths towards Carn Llwyd and the northern approach to the summit crags. After the summit-area loop, return north to the common-path junction and take the western branch across the common. The mapped lane and field-edge path lead north to the western end of Newport; turn east along the A487 to the town crossroads, then north to Long Street car park. The published base circuit is 5.6 km, with an estimated two hours of walking. Visiting the exact high tor may require a short deviation from that mapped loop; allow additional time for the rocks and archaeological remains. No separate distance or time is established here for a summit-extended version.

A longer return walk starts at the Parrog Road car park, SN052396. Walking Britain's guide follows Newport's streets and lanes to a field-edge path, then climbs the northern slope to the hillfort and high ground. Descend northeast to rejoin the approach and retrace it all the way to the same car park. The guide gives 7.3 km and about three hours ten minutes for the complete return walk.

The National Park also promotes 2.4 km and 1.6 km lower-slope circuits from the eastern car park at SN068376. These bypass the summit. Adding the rocky top changes their length and walking time.

Terrain and access

Expect uneven moorland paths, steep sections and rocky ground near the top. Wet rocks can be slippery, and cloud can make the network of paths confusing. Carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Check the forecast, wear suitable footwear and carry warm waterproof layers, food and water. Strong winds or poor visibility are good reasons to leave the summit rocks for another day.

The common is grazed by sheep, cattle and ponies. Keep dogs on a lead near livestock and follow access-land seasonal and local restrictions. Use public paths through enclosed land, leave gates as found and follow signs. Check current Natural Resources Wales access restrictions before setting out.

Geology and archaeology

British Geological Survey identifies a microtonalite intrusion at Carningli and describes frost-shattered blocks on the hill. Its precise geological origin is uncertain; the rocky outline should not be taken as proof of a surviving volcanic cone.

Stone ramparts, enclosures, huts and old field boundaries survive around the summit. Coflein's archaeological account stresses that the sequence of occupation is not fully understood. The familiar association with St Brynach, who is said to have communed with angels here, belongs to local legend. Leave archaeological stones where they are, avoid climbing on old walls and do not light fires.

Getting there

Newport is the usual base. Choose the town car park for the official circuit or the Parrog Road start for the longer return walk, and check signs and current parking arrangements. TrawsCymru's T5 serves Newport; check the current timetable and service updates for the day of travel and plan the return journey as well as the outward bus.

Other hills in the area

Cnwc yr Hydd (339.1 m), Foel Eryr (468 m) and Mynydd Dinas (307.8 m) are separate hills in this part of Pembrokeshire. Each needs its own access and route planning.