Powys Walk
Corndon Hill from near Priest Weston
Maps

Ordnance Survey Explorer 216 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Anquet OS Explorer 216 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Ordnance Survey Landranger 137 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Anquet OS Landranger 137 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Walk Route Description
Although this is only a very short walk, it is rather excellent. Lofty Cordon Hill dominates the Marches for miles around, its distinctive bumpy shape a landmark, yet a surprisingly quiet one. Save this for a clear and warm day, the views are simply unrivalled. Park at the top of the road between Priest Weston and White Grit, where it turns sharply twice. There is small car park on the end of a track to Mitchell's Fold stone circle (Grid ref. SO302977).
Walk south along a track down the west side of the hill for a short way to the edge of a recently deforested wood (Grid ref. SO302971). Go though a gate and stile with an access sign on the left then follow the path uphill directly to the trig point, cairn and bench on the top, reached after an energetic climb. To return, simply use the outward route, ideally after a good hour on the top (Grid ref. SO305969).
At 1682ft (513 m), Corndon Hill sits just inside the English/Welsh border with Stiperstones, Long Mynd and the Clee Hills of Shropshire close by. The hill was formed by magma being thrusted though the Earth's crust then cooling, the dolerite rocks clearly visible on the east side. As far as hills go, Corndon Hill ranks in the highest order, the sense of height is tremendous with the Severn Valley being over 1300ft below and only the nearby Stiperstones is higher. The rolling grassy summit adds spaciousness to the top which looks out over quite simply one of the most beautiful and extensive views from any hilltop.
To the north the long line of Cadair Idris, the Rhinogs, Arans, Arenigs and Berwyns fill the skyline with the Clwydian Hills, Cheshire Plain and Staffordshire Moorlands slightly to the east. Past the Shropshire hills southwards lie the Malvern Hills, Black Mountains and Radnor Forest with the Elenydd and Pumlumon mountains to the west. In between is a seemingly endless patchwork of fields, woods and moors, a magical and captivating view, begging you to stay and gaze in awe.
Other walks nearby
Walk 1809 | Shelve & the Stiperstones, from the Bog | moderate | 9.0 miles |
Walk 2083 | Linley Hill and Linley from The Bog | moderate | 8.5 miles |
Walk 1072 | Stiperstones low level circular | easy | 4.0 miles |
Walk 3395 | The Stiperstones Ridge from the Knolls | easy/mod | 5.5 miles |
Walk 3422 | Ratlinghope & the Stiperstones from the Knolls | moderate | 7.5 miles |
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Further Information
Walk Location Map
Walking in Powys
Powys is a large county in east and central Wales, bordering England. The county features a rugged landscape of valleys and mountains, including most of Brecon Beacons National Park. The valley lowlands contrast with the highlands which include the Radnor Forest, the Black and Berwyn mountains, and the Brecon Beacons. The Offa's Dyke long distance path crosses the county on the eastern border with England. The county offers a wide range of walking from gentle valley paths to adventurous mountain walks.
Walk grading - Learn how each walk is assessed and select a walk to suit your ability and experience by going to Walk Grading Details.
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