SO1544 : Inside the Begwyns Roundabout

The Begwns

415m Elevation
157m Prominence
Wales Country
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SO1544 : Inside the Begwyns Roundabout

Christine Matthews Photo source

Explore routes near The Begwns

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

Pen y Fan via Corn Du from Storey Arms

7.2 km ~3h Moderate

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Aircraft Crash Site - Wellington Bomber and Vampire Jet (Black mountains)

20.6 km ~6h Hard

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Carding Mill Valley and The Long Mynd walk

15.3 km ~5h Moderate

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Lightspout Waterfall via Carding Mill Valley Circular

4.3 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.

Merthyr Cynog Start

A delightful circular route beginning from the village of Merthyr Cynog, taking you through lush fields and up to the summit with stunning vistas.

6.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Cwm Ffrwdfch Route

A shorter trail that leads directly to the summit, perfect for those keen on a quick jaunt or a family outing.

3.2 km ~1.5 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill

Elevation

415m

1,362 ft

Prominence

157m

Coordinates

52.0916, -3.2348

SO155444

OS Map

148 161

Explorer: OL13N 188

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find a distinctive trig point which serves as a fantastic photo op. On a clear day, you might even get a friendly wave from the distant peaks!

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with some rocky outcrops the terrain can be quite muddy after rain. Pack your wellies just in case!

The Begwns are primarily composed of Old Red Sandstone, which gives the terrain its distinctive reddish hue. The geology here tells a tale of ancient river systems and sea beds, sculpted over millennia.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of the Black Mountains, the Brecon Beacons, and to the north, the rolling hills of the Welsh countryside. On a clear day, you might even spot the Severn Estuary!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Begwns' is believed to derive from the Welsh 'begwn,' meaning 'little peak.' Not too shabby for a little hill that packs a monumental punch in terms of views!

Historical Significance

The Begwns have long been a spot for locals’ leisurely walks and sheep gatherings, deeply embedded in the community's rural culture.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at Merthyr Cynog village, where you can find a small car park beside the church. It’s free, so don't forget to leave a thank you note to the local residents!

Public Transport

The nearest bus service runs from Brecon to the village of Merthyr Cynog, with a lovely timetable that changes more often than the weather.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities directly on the Begwns, Brecon offers a variety of cafes, shops, and public toilets. Don't forget the all-important post-hike slice of cake!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for sheep on the paths—look but don't chase! Fog can roll in unexpectedly, so make sure you have a map and a sense of direction.

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 The Begwns?

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

Are there other walkers around The Begwns?

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 The Begwns search or of course create your own walk for The Begwns

Can I organise a walk to The Begwns?

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 The Begwns.

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 The Begwns?

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 The Begwns 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: SO155444

View on OpenStreetMap

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