Vale of Ewias (AHW)

We begin at Gospel Pass, the highest road pass in Wales, from which we ascend gently to Lord Hereford's Knob with panoramic views over mid-Wales and Herefordshire.  From here we follow a pleasant ridge walk south, gently undulating with views occasionally on both sides, before descending steeply to the atmospheric ruins of Llanthony Priory (and lunch).

The first part of the afternoon takes us partway back up the hill, then onto a set of poorly-maintained paths with some awkward stiles.  This brings us to a splendid path that contours along the side of the ridge, with changing views across the beautiful Vale of Ewias.  After afternoon break we descend into Capel-y-ffin to pick up the Cambrian Way, which takes us up our main climb of the day onto Darren Lwyd.  There will be plenty of pauses to take in the valley, opened out spectacularly behind us.

Finally, some gentle ridge walking will take us back to Lord Hereford's Knob and thence back to the cars.

NB if you’re new to Bristol Ramblers please read on:
This is a more demanding walk than usual (AHW) and is at the hard end of our walk categories. As such we don’t recommend this walk to anyone who’s not previously been on A walks. These walks are likely to involve some very steep ascents and descents. It’s likely there will be pathless, rough (possibly very rough) ground in high hill country. You need to be a regular hill walker used to multiple climbs and thousands of feet of “up and down” at a strong pace for several hours. There is unlikely to be a pub stop or indeed shelter in the event of poor weather. Irrespective of the weather forecast you need to be fully equipped for all conditions.