A trip to Twmpa and Hay Bluff
A moderate walk (mountain (above 600m)) in national park Brecon Beacons in Powys, Wales, about 16.60km (10.31 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 6:30h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
580m (1902ft)
Descent
580m (1902ft)
Max. Elevation
680m (2230ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
1160m (3804ft)
Start & End
Hay-on-Wye
Distance
16.60km
(10.31mi)
(10.31mi)
Duration
~6:30h
Difficulty
Moderate
Ordnance Survey Map
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).
Walk Functions
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Nearby Walks
Waun Fach and the Grwyne Fechan ridge
A strenuous, linear walk (mountain (above 600m)) starting in Powys, Wales, about 22.30km (13.86 mi) long, duration: ~8:45h.Hergest Ridge and Hanter Hill
A moderate, circular walk (countryside) starting in Powys, England, about 12.00km (7.46 mi) long, duration: ~4:15h.Walton to Kington - Offa Hoppa Walk 1
A leisurely, linear walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) starting in Powys, Wales, about 7.70km (4.78 mi) long, duration: ~2:45h.Walk Map
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Waypoints
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.
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.
About 2.94 km (~1.83 miles) from 
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.
About 3.06 km (~1.9 miles) from 
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.
About 2.43 km (~1.51 miles) from 
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.
About 1.54 km (~0.96 miles) from 
Back to Hay-on-WyeOS 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.
About 6.32 km (~3.93 miles) from 
