SO3318 : The summit of Ysgyryd Fawr

Ysgyryd Fawr

486m Elevation
342m Prominence
Wales Country
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SO3318 : The summit of Ysgyryd Fawr

Jeremy Bolwell Photo source

Explore routes near Ysgyryd Fawr

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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Lower Failand–Priors wood

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Failand–Abbots Fish pond–Long Ashton

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Route planning notes

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

Ysgyryd Fawr Circular Route

Starting from the village of Little Mill, this scenic circular route offers a mix of paths and forest trails, culminating in a rewarding ascent to the summit.

7 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

North Face Ascent

This direct route up the northern face is steeper and provides a thrilling experience for those seeking a challenge, with spectacular views along the way.

3.5 km ~1.5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill

Elevation

486m

1,595 ft

Prominence

342m

Coordinates

51.8591, -2.9726

SO331182

OS Map

161

Explorer: OL13S

At the Summit

The summit features a stone cairn and a prominent trig point, both offering excellent vantage points for taking in the surrounding landscapes.

Terrain & Geology

Rugged and rocky with grassy patches offering a mix of challenges underfoot.

Primarily composed of volcanic rock, Ysgyryd Fawr showcases fascinating geological formations from the Variscan Orogeny, including the distinctive remnants of a once-active volcano.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Black Mountains, the Brecon Beacons, and even as far as the Malvern Hills on a clear day.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Ysgyryd' is derived from the Welsh word for 'shattered', referencing the mountain's volcanic origin and appearance.

Historical Significance

Ysgyryd Fawr has cultural importance in Welsh history, often linked to local folklore and ancient migration routes.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is parking available at the small layby near the Little Mill village, though spaces can fill quickly on weekends.

Public Transport

The nearest train station is in Abergavenny, which is approximately 8 km away. Local buses may run seasonally.

Nearby Facilities

Amenities are sparse directly near Ysgyryd Fawr; however, Abergavenny offers cafes, shops, and public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of slippery rocks, especially after rainfall. The northern approach can be steep, so proceed with caution.

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 Ysgyryd Fawr?

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

Are there other walkers around Ysgyryd Fawr?

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 Ysgyryd Fawr search or of course create your own walk for Ysgyryd Fawr

Can I organise a walk to Ysgyryd Fawr?

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 Ysgyryd Fawr.

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 Ysgyryd Fawr?

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 Ysgyryd Fawr 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

Ysgyryd Fawr location map

Grid reference: SO331182

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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