The Garth West Top

The Garth West Top

The Garth West Top Group Walks | Join a Walk

334m Elevation
30m Prominence
Wales Country

Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!

Classifications

300-399m Tump

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

Elevation

334m

1,095 ft

Prominence

30m

Coordinates

52.1055, -3.2840

SO121460

OS Map

148

Explorer: 188

At the Summit

At the summit, you will find a modest stone cairn and a majestic view to boot. On clearer days, the beauty of the region unfolds in a panorama that feels like a painter's easel.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy slopes with rocky outcrops occasionally boggy in lower sections.

The Garth West Top features sandstone and mudstone formations typical of the region, formed during the Jurassic period. The rock types provide a stunning contrast against the green hills, and you'll find some interesting sedimentary structures if you look closely.

Views & Scenery

Breathtaking views of the surrounding Brecon Beacons, including Pen y Fan and the North Somerset Levels on a clear day.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Garth' is derived from the Welsh word meaning 'enclosure' or 'yard'. It reflects the historical significance of the area as a site of settlements.

Historical Significance

The Garth West Top is part of local folklore, with tales of ancient guarding spirits said to roam these hills, but don’t worry—they’re generally friendly!

Popular Routes

The Garth Circular

Moderate

A popular circular route starting from the north, offering views of the surrounding areas as you ascend towards the summit.

8.5 km 3.5 hours

Direct Ascent from the South

Challenging

A direct route leading straight to the summit, perfect for those looking for a quick challenge.

3 km 1.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking is at the Garth Mountain car park, located off the main road near the village of Gwaelod-y-Garth. There's ample space, but it fills up quickly on weekends!

Public Transport

Regular bus services run from Cardiff to Gwaelod-y-Garth. The T9 service provides convenient access; check local schedules for the best timings.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities directly on the mountain, Gwaelod-y-Garth offers a local pub and a café for some post-hike refreshment. Public toilets can also be found in the village.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of sudden changes in weather, as the area can be foggy and wet. The ground can be slippery, especially after rain.

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

Find Walking Companions

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up The Garth West Top?

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

Are there other walkers around The Garth West 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 The Garth West Top search or of course create your own walk for The Garth West Top

Can I organise a walk to The Garth West 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 The Garth West 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 The Garth West 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 The Garth West 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