A trip to Twmpa and Hay Bluff

Submitted by Timwoods on 12 February 2010

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(3 votes)

A circular, full-day mountain (above 600m) walk in Wales starting at Hay-on-Wye, Powys, about 18km (roughly 12 miles) long and unsuitable for families with children, prams/pushchairs, wheelchairs. The northern reaches of the Brecon Beacons offer some great, lower-level routes. This walk, from Hay-on-Wye to Twmpa - also known as Lord Hereford's Knob - via Hay Bluff combines some easy walking along the Offa's Dyke Path with a sharp climb up to the northern tip of the Black Mountains in the east of the park. Regular buses to Hay-on-Wye, and it's a good base for a longer stay (especially if you like books). Start: Hay-on-Wye, OS Grid: SO229424 Elevation Profile (x: waypoint number, y: metres)

Gain (+/- 10%): 918m (3014ft)

Total (+/- 10%): 1838m (6031ft)

Loss (+/- 10%): 919m (3017ft)

Max. Elevation: 680m (2230ft)

Public Transport

OS Explorer Map:

OL13 - Brecon Beacons National Park
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Waypoints

1. Hay-on-Wye

OS Grid: SO229423

Start your day in Hay-on-Wye. Head for the castle in the centre of town, and look for the sign pointing to the Offa's Dyke Path. Head south along it.

2. Tack Wood

About 3 km (roughly 2 miles) from 1 OS Grid: SO237395

Follow the ODP away from Hay-on-Wye and through the Welsh countryside. Lovely. Keep going past Tack Wood, and enjoy the views of Hay Bluff and Twmpa ahead.

3. Up Hay Bluff

About 3 km (roughly 2 miles) from 2 OS Grid: SO243366

The ODP crosses a narrow road and heads towards Hay Bluff. It's a steep but simple climb up. Pause at the top to enjoy the view back towards Hay-on-Wye.

4. Twmpa

About 2 km (roughly 2 miles) from 3 OS Grid: SO225349

Having gained the height, make the most of it! A path runs along the edge of Hay Bluff and, via a short dip, on to Lord Hereford's Knob (stop sniggering), which is known as Twmpa in Welsh.

5. Pen-yr-heol

About 2 km (roughly 1 miles) from 4 OS Grid: SO212357

Drop down from Twmpa on the western side. From here, it's a case of picking your own route back through the maze of footpaths and farms. A good opportunity to practise your low-level navigation skills.

6. Back to Hay-on-Wye

About 6 km (roughly 4 miles) from 5 OS Grid: SO226418

Hopefully your skills will lead you safely back to Hay-on-Wye, where a cup of tea or a pint awaits. And plenty of books; make sure you don't leave before browsing some of the dusty tomes that fill the many bookshops in the town.