Builth Wells to Crossgates Y Groes
A moderate walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) starting and finishing in Powys, Wales, about 15.90km (9.88 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 5:45h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
375m (1230ft)
Descent
298m (977ft)
Max. Elevation
420m (1377ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
673m (2207ft)
Start
Builth Wells
End
Crossgates y Groes
Distance
15.90km
(9.88mi)
(9.88mi)
Duration
~5:45h
Difficulty
Moderate
Ordnance Survey Maps
Powys is home to some fabulous walking. What the hills lack in height, they more than compensate for in green-ness and rolling-ness. This walk, between the towns of Builth Wells and Crossgates Y Groes, provides a memorable day of ambling through the beautiful countryside of mid Wales. Both start and finish can be reached by bus and are on the same railway line, but note that the railway station for both places is a little way out of town.
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- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid SO043511
From the centre of Builth Wells, cross the River Wye and take the footpath towards Llanelwedd. Cross the A481 and take the bridleway that winds up the southern slope of Carneddau.
OS Grid SO067541
Regular hill walkers in Wales may recognise this name from the range in Snowdonia... 'Carnedd' means 'heap' or 'cairn', so is commonly used for hills in Wales. Keep on the bridleway and continue northwards to Castle Bank.
About 3.76 km (~2.34 miles) from 
OS Grid SO085556
Down and then up again - that's the nature of this route. The two small summits of Castle Bank are easily reached, before crossing over the road and towards Gilwern Hill.
About 2.48 km (~1.54 miles) from 
OS Grid SO092583
A bridleway leads on to Gilwern Hill. The countryside is starting to really look like Tellytubby land, so picturebook pretty as it is!
About 2.79 km (~1.73 miles) from 
OS Grid SO083602
From Gilwern, a footpath leads over Careg-wiber Bank and joins a byway - it's possible to have a shorter day out by following this to Llandrindod Wells. But those with time to spare should take the footpath heading north from the hamlet instead.
About 2.06 km (~1.28 miles) from 
OS Grid SO083615
The nature of the walk changes here, as the footpath picks up the route of the Afon Ieithon. No more climbing, just a mix of farmland, woods and riverside walking.
About 1.30 km (~0.81 miles) from 
Crossgates Y GroesOS Grid SO087648
There are several criss-crossing footpaths between the woods and Crossgates Y Groes, but the most enjoyable route is to stick close to the river. At Crossgates Y Groes, there are buses, or Penybont station is a short walk to the east. A glorious day out in mid Wales!
About 3.34 km (~2.08 miles) from 
