Walking Britain Cambrian Mountains Walk
Plynlimon from Esteddfa Gurig
Maps | |||
| Ordnance Survey Explorer 213 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Explorer 213 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Ordnance Survey Landranger 135 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Landranger 135 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
It is recommended you take a map. The preferred scale is 1:25k. | |||
Walk Route Description
Plynlimon is the highest point in mid-Wales and also the high plateau watershed from which two major rivers: the Severn and the Wye derive their source. A wild and barren place, its desolation belies its relative accessibility. This spectacular walk across barren wilderness affords panoramic views that more than rival Snowdonia, with the added bonus that practically nobody will be there to spoil your enjoyment of it. This walk is a serious undertaking suitable only for experienced hill walkers comfortable with finding routes across trackless wilderness. This route should not be attempted in poor visibility due to a lack of defined paths and landmarks on the high plateau. It is also recommended that the 1:25,000 Explorer map be used. The ground in this area can be boggy and treacherous, so poles are recommended for testing the ground ahead.
The start point for this walk is in the hamlet of Esteddfa Gurig at grid reference SN796840. The nearest roadside parking is up the A44 at SN799841. Although this requires a 300 metre walk to the start point, this is the most accessible parking. Enter the farmyard at the fingerpost and pass by a cage most likely filled with barking dogs. All the dogs were caged or tethered when I passed by, but be prepared just in case with a stick or pole. A metal gate marked "All Walks" at the time of writing ahead takes you to the side of a stream. Follow this along a well defined path initially going West and then turning North after a short while all the way up to some derelict mine workings.
Just before reaching the mine workings, the path turns off left (watch out for the waymark). The path deteriorates into little more than a sheep track in a very short space of time. Once you get close to the summit, the path becomes more distinct and cairns guide you to the summit of Pumlumon Fawr. A ladder stile crosses the fence and a dry stone walled refuge and trig point populate the summit. The views are truly magnificent and extend 360 degrees. It is worth exploring a little trying to find other viewpoints before returning by the same route to the start.
Other walks nearby
Walk 1102 Plynlimon and Nant-y-Moch Reservoir - hard - 11.0 miles/17.9 km
Walk 2048 Craig-y-Pistyll, Cambrian Mountains - moderate - 10.0 miles/16.3 km
Walk 3086 Pen y Garn from The Arch near Devil's Bridge - easy/mod - 6.8 miles/11.1 km
Walk 1705 Circular from Bont-goch (near Aberystwyth) - easy/mod - 4.5 miles/7.3 km
Walk 2736 Teifi Pools from near Strata Florida - easy/mod - 6.2 miles/10.1 km
Walk 1365 Strata Florida to Tregaron - moderate - 9.5 miles/15.4 km
Walk 1420 Coast from Borth to Aberystwyth - easy/mod - 6.5 miles/10.6 km
Walk 3297 Crugyn Ci, Esgair Perfedd & Penygarreg - Elan Valley - moderate - 7.5 miles/12.2 km
Walk 1363 The Elephant Walk from Tregaron - easy/mod - 5.5 miles/8.9 km
Walk 3317 A short walk from Happy Valley - easy - 4.2 miles/6.8 km
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