Best attractions and places to see around Llanfihangel Cwmdu With Bwlch And Cathedine are situated within the Black Mountains, part of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park in Powys, Wales. This region features a combination of historical landmarks and diverse natural landscapes. Visitors can explore ancient sites and numerous mountain peaks, offering varied outdoor experiences. The area provides opportunities for hiking and discovering natural features like waterfalls.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
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Popular around Llanfihangel Cwmdu With Bwlch And Cathedine
O Fon i Fynwy — Exploring Wales on foot from top to bottom
Mountain biking in the Brecons Beacons and Black Mountains
Hiking around Llanfihangel Cwmdu With Bwlch And Cathedine
Cycling around Llanfihangel Cwmdu With Bwlch And Cathedine
Road Cycling Routes around Llanfihangel Cwmdu With Bwlch And Cathedine
Running Trails around Llanfihangel Cwmdu With Bwlch And Cathedine
MTB Trails around Llanfihangel Cwmdu With Bwlch And Cathedine

Gravel biking around Llanfihangel Cwmdu With Bwlch And Cathedine

Mountain Hikes around Llanfihangel Cwmdu With Bwlch And Cathedine
Pen y Gadair Fawr stood at an impressive height of 800 metres, and is an subsidiary summit of the highest peak within the Black Mountains … and that is the summit that is of Waun Fach-(811m). Pen y Gadair Fawr is the second highest peak that’s located in the Black Mountains in south-eastern Wales. Marked by a medium-sized cairn, it is a much more distinguished top than its parent 1.5 km to the northwest. Its 658 metres high top Pen Twyn Mawr is about 2 km to the southeast.
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Nice path to summit with some large stepping stones depending on which way you go.
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A fine viewpoint, but the cairn has gone (was getting a bit big).
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In terms of height, Pen y Gadair Fawr plays second fiddle only to Waun Fach as the Black Mountains' second highest summit. However, where Waun Fach's top is broad and relatively uninspiring, Pen y Gadair Fawr's is a little more like a peak in character. The summit is at a junction of paths: head east for Chwarel y Fan and the Mynydd Du Forest, venture south to Pen Twyn Mawr, or stride northeast to Waun Fach.
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The Diving Board on Fan y Big is one of the most photographed locations in the Brecon Beacons. The views over towards Cribyn and Pen Y Fan are super good, as are the views down towards the Gap. It is great to come up here on a winter weekday, when it is a bit quieter too. It is also a very popular spot for your sunrise and sunset shots. It is easier than it looks to get here, and it doesn't matter which way you come up; the effort is absolutely well worth it.
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The walk to the top of Fan y Bîg. takes in some of the most incredible ridge lines in the Brecon Beacons. It’s a steep start, but then you have around 6km of easy ridge line walking, with simply sensational views all the way. Reaching the top is the icing on the cake, and if you luck out with good conditions, with breathtaking views it’s really a very hard spot to leave. As well as the views, you'll also have the chance to step out onto the diving board, one of the most photogenic spots in the area.
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Pen Y Gadair Fawr has a big cairn on its summit at 800m. It's a subsidiary peak of Waun Fach but probably offers better views standing at the head of the Grwyne Fechan valley. Normally run as part of the excellent Waun Fach horseshoe from either Llanbedr or Crickhowell.
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Mynydd Llangorse is a great summit ridge standing between the Waun Fach mountains to the east and the higher Pen y Fan group to the west. It's a nice run from Llangorse Lake or Cwmdu and is also an outlier on the Black Mountain Round. The top is at 1,690 feet (515 m), but the trig point stands at the western end of the ridge at 1,660 feet (506 m).
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The region offers several prominent peaks with stunning views. You can visit Fan y Bîg Summit and Diving Board, known for its panoramic vistas and unique rock formation. Another excellent choice is Pen Cerrig-calch summit, offering spectacular views over the River Usk valley. Don't miss Twmpa (Lord Hereford’s Knob), an iconic local peak easily accessible from Gospel Pass, or the easily accessible Mynydd Llangorse Summit and Mynydd Troed Summit.
Yes, the area is rich in natural beauty. You can explore several waterfalls, including the beautiful Blaen-y-Glyn Waterfalls and the River Ennig Waterfalls. The region is also home to Fedw Wood, Cwmdu, a mixed woodland offering walking paths and managed for biodiversity. The entire area is nestled within the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons), providing a dramatic backdrop of the Black Mountains.
The region, being part of the Black Mountains, offers a variety of hiking experiences. You can find challenging mountain hikes, such as the Pen y Gadair Fawr Summit – Pen y Manllwyn Summit loop or the Craig Cwareli – Fan y Big loop. For more options, explore the Mountain Hikes guide for the area.
Absolutely. The region provides excellent opportunities for both mountain biking and road cycling. Mountain bikers can enjoy routes like the Brynich Aqueduct – Talybont Tramway Bridleway loop. For road cyclists, there are routes such as the Cwm Cadlan Nature Reserve – Blaen-y-Glyn Climb loop. You can find more detailed routes in the MTB Trails guide and the Road Cycling Routes guide.
The area is rich in history. You can explore the 'two-in-one architectural wonder' of Tretower Court and Castle, showcasing 900 years of history. St Michael's Church in Cwmdu has origins dating back to the 11th century. Further afield, you'll find Bronllys Castle and the timeless Llanthony Priory. Don't miss Coed y Gaer, an ancient earthwork enclosure indicating prehistoric settlement.
Beyond historical sites, the area offers cultural insights. The Former Cwmdu Primary School has been repurposed to host an art gallery, contributing to the local cultural scene. In Bwlch, you can see the Celtic Cross Bwlch War Memorial. Cwmdu village itself provides amenities like the Farmers Arms pub and the Mynydd-Ddu Tea Room, offering a glimpse into local life.
For easier walks, consider exploring Fedw Wood in Cwmdu, which offers pleasant walking paths. Many trails within the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park are suitable for various fitness levels, and the lower slopes of hills like Mynydd Llangorse Summit are easily accessible and provide glorious views on a clear day.
Yes, many of the trails and open country areas within the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park are dog-friendly. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock, and to follow the Countryside Code to protect wildlife and the environment.
The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most favorable weather for hiking and cycling, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. However, the Black Mountains can be stunning in autumn with vibrant foliage, and winter walks offer a unique, quieter experience, though conditions can be challenging and require appropriate gear.
Visitors particularly appreciate the breathtaking panoramic views from the various summits, such as the 'diving board' on Fan y Bîg Summit and Diving Board. The remote and less crowded nature of peaks like Pen Cerrig-calch summit is also highly valued for those seeking solitude. The opportunity to explore historical sites like Tretower Court and Castle, combined with diverse natural landscapes, makes the region appealing for a variety of interests.
Cwmdu village offers some public facilities for visitors. You can find a local park, the Farmers Arms pub for refreshments, and the Mynydd-Ddu Tea Room. For those looking to stay overnight, Cwmdu Campsite is also available.
The entire region, being within the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park and featuring diverse habitats like Fedw Wood, offers opportunities for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for local bird species, red kites, and various mammals. For specific information on local flora and fauna, exploring the trails and woodlands quietly will yield the best chances.


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