logo Walking Britain
Home About Holidays FAQ Email MENU ☰

Plynlimon from Esteddfa Gurig

Cambrian Mountains Walk

Region - Cambrian Mountains

County/Area - Ceredigion

Author - Peter Lane

Length - 5.0 miles / 8.1 km    Ascent - 1100 feet / 333 metres

Time - 3 hours 40 minutes    Grade - moderate

Maps Ordnance Survey Logo Anquet Maps Logo

Ordnance Survey Explorer 213Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer 213Digital Map1:25kBUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 135Sheet Map1:50kBUY
Anquet OS Landranger 135Digital Map1:50kBUY

Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Plynlimon
Click image to see photo 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 (Eryri), 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. An alternative route is available at Walk 2138.

The start point for this walk is in the hamlet of Esteddfa Gurig (grid ref. SN799841). 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 2048 Craig-y-Pistyll, Cambrian Mountainsmoderate10.0 miles
Walk 3086 Pen y Garn from near Devil's Bridgeeasy/mod6.8 miles
Walk 1705 Bont-goch Circular from near Aberystwytheasy/mod4.5 miles
Walk 1898 Severn Valley from Llanidloesmoderate11.3 miles
Walk 2736 Teifi Pools from near Strata Floridaeasy/mod6.2 miles
Walk 1365 Strata Florida to Tregaronmoderate9.5 miles
Walk 1420 Borth to Aberystwyth coasteasy/mod6.5 miles
Walk 3297 Crugyn Ci, Esgair Perfedd & Penygarreg - Elan Valleymoderate7.5 miles
Walk 1363 The Elephant Walk from Tregaroneasy/mod5.5 miles
Walk 3317 Happy Valley Circulareasy4.2 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

The Wales Coast Path

The Wales Coast PathA single guidebook to walking the whole Wales Coast Path - 1400km (870 miles) the length of Wales from Chester to Chepstow, including Anglesey, described in 57 stages. The route passes through the Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire National Parks and many AONBs and can be linked with the Offa's Dyke Path for a complete circuit of Wales.
More information

Messaging & Social Media

Message Walking Britain and follow the latest news.

Facebook  Twitter

Mountain Weather

Stay safe on the mountains with detailed weather forecasts - for iOS devices or for Android devices.