Best mountain peaks around Rhayader are situated in the heart of Mid Wales, within the Cambrian Mountains. This region offers a selection of notable peaks, providing expansive views and distinctive natural features. The area, particularly the Elan Valley, features diverse trails for exploring these scenic Welsh hills and mountains.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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Pen y Garn is a mountain in the Cambrian Mountains, Mid Wales standing at 2,005 feet (611 m) above sea level. Pen y Garn tops a 500–600 m high plateau, which includes the controversial Cefn Croes wind farm. The summit has a very large shelter cairn hollowed out from the remains of an ancient burial cairn and a trig point. It is a UK listed Nuttall.
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Gorllwyn and Drygarn Fawr are two of the only Nuttalls in the Rhayader area. These two hills are in the remote section of the Cambrian Mountains and provide superb views over reservoirs and open moorland. The cairn on top of Drygarn Fawr is very imposing.
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Gorllwyn, at 2,011 feet (612 m) is a subsidiary summit of Drygarn Fawr, located on a remote moorland plateau of the Cambrian Mountains. The summit is grassy and is surrounded by peat bog. There is a shelter cairn and a trig point. To the west is Drygarn Fawr, its large cairns making it a very distinctive feature in an otherwise featureless plateau. Drygarn Fawr is separated from Gorllwyn by the pass of Bwlch y Ddau Faen. To the east the plateau continues towards Y Gamriw. Radnor Forest lies further to the east. It is a UK listed Nuttall.
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For those seeking a significant challenge, Puke Hill is renowned for its demanding ascent. Additionally, the remote peaks of Drygarn Fawr Summit Cairn and Gorllwyn Summit Cairn and Trig Point in the Cambrian Mountains offer challenging routes with a true sense of wilderness.
Yes, Pen y Garn Summit Trig Point is notable for its very large shelter cairn, which is hollowed out from the remains of an ancient burial cairn, offering a glimpse into the region's past.
The peaks around Rhayader offer diverse and expansive views. From Drygarn Fawr Summit Cairn and Gorllwyn Summit Cairn and Trig Point, you can enjoy superb vistas over reservoirs and open moorland. Gwastedyn Hill, rising above Rhayader, provides commanding views over the upper Wye Valley and even distant glimpses of the Brecon Beacons. Peaks like Crugyn Ci & Moelfryn Mawr offer amazing 360-degree views encompassing Southern Snowdonia and the wider Cambrian Mountains.
For a true wilderness experience, Drygarn Fawr Summit Cairn and Gorllwyn Summit Cairn and Trig Point are excellent choices. Located in a remote section of the Cambrian Mountains, they provide a tranquil hiking experience with expansive natural beauty.
Yes, a circular walk to Crugyn Ci & Moelfryn Mawr, accessible from areas like the Elan Valley dams, offers amazing 360-degree views and a rewarding experience.
The area around Rhayader, particularly the Elan Valley, is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous walking and hiking trails, including easy hikes like the Elan Valley Visitor Centre – Caban Coch Dam loop. For cycling enthusiasts, there are options for road cycling routes such as the Elan Valley Reservoirs loop, and gravel biking trails like the Trans Cambrian Way Loop.
Several peaks in the Rhayader area are recognized as UK listed Nuttalls, meaning they are at least 2,000 feet (610 m) high with a drop of at least 15 meters on all sides. These include Drygarn Fawr Summit Cairn, Gorllwyn Summit Cairn and Trig Point, and Pen y Garn Summit Trig Point.
You'll encounter various natural features, including imposing summit cairns, such as the one on Drygarn Fawr Summit Cairn, and trig points marking summits like Pen y Garn Summit Trig Point and Gorllwyn Summit Cairn and Trig Point. The landscape is characterized by open moorland, grassy summits, and peat bogs, especially in the more remote areas.
While many peaks offer challenging climbs, Gwastedyn Hill, rising above Rhayader, provides a rewarding experience with incredible vistas over the upper Wye Valley. Although it can be a tough climb, its proximity to the town makes it a popular and accessible option for many. For easier walks in the general area, the Elan Valley offers numerous trails that allow access to scenic Welsh hills.
The Elan Valley, often referred to as the 'Outdoors Capital of Wales,' provides numerous walking and hiking trails that serve as excellent access points to various scenic Welsh hills and mountains, including peaks like Crugyn Ci & Moelfryn Mawr. Its diverse trails range from gentle riverside strolls to more challenging routes into the surrounding countryside.
The remote and natural environment of the Cambrian Mountains around Rhayader offers opportunities for wildlife spotting. The expansive moorlands and valleys are home to various bird species and other native Welsh wildlife, making it a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts.


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