SN8850 : Pen y Garn-goch: ancient cairns & trig

Pen y Garn-goch

487m Elevation
160m Prominence
Wales Country

Good walks are even better shared.

SN8850 : Pen y Garn-goch: ancient cairns & trig

Rob Woodall Photo source

Explore routes near Pen y Garn-goch

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

Route planning notes

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

Cwm Clydach to Summit

A scenic route starting from Cwm Clydach that takes you through lush valleys and rugged terrain before reaching the summit.

7 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill

Elevation

487m

1,598 ft

Prominence

160m

Coordinates

52.1395, -3.6309

SN884502

OS Map

147

Explorer: 187N 187S

At the Summit

The summit is crowned with a large stone cairn, which is a great spot for a photo op. On a clear day, the views from here are simply breathtaking!

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with occasional boggy patches.

The mountain is primarily composed of Old Red Sandstone, which gives rise to its distinct rocky outcrops and steep slopes. The geological formations here have shaped the landscape over millions of years, making it an interesting spot for geological enthusiasts.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the sprawling landscape of the Brecon Beacons, including Pen y Fan and the Black Mountains. In the distance, the shimmering waters of Llangorse Lake are a glorious sight.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Pen y Garn-goch' translates to 'The Hill with the Red Cairn', a nod to the reddish colour of the stone in the area.

Historical Significance

Historically, this area has been important for agriculture and has connections to local folklore, including legends about the surrounding hills.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking is at Cwm Clydach, a small car park accommodating around a dozen vehicles. It's free, but fills up quickly during weekends.

Public Transport

Regular bus services run from Brecon to Cwm Clydach, although infrequent. It's advisable to check the local timetables.

Nearby Facilities

In Brecon, you'll find plenty of cafes, shops, and public toilets. It's a good idea to stop here before your hike for refreshments.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of loose stones and mud on paths, particularly after rain. The weather can change quickly so always check forecasts before heading out.

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 Pen y Garn-goch?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Pen y Garn-goch through the maps

Are there other walkers around Pen y Garn-goch?

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 Pen y Garn-goch search or of course create your own walk for Pen y Garn-goch

Can I organise a walk to Pen y Garn-goch?

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 Pen y Garn-goch.

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 Pen y Garn-goch?

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 Pen y Garn-goch 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: SN884502

View on OpenStreetMap

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