Field of daffodils near Cwm Dwr-y-coed

The Black Mountains Round is a 65-mile (105km) trail linking four towns – Abergavenny, Crickhowell, Talgarth and Hay-on-Wye – on the edge of the Black Mountains. All four are part of the Walkers are Welcome network, i.e., villages and locations considered to be ‘walker-friendly’.

The Black Mountains form a distinct geographic region, separated from other upland areas within the Brecon Beacons National Park by the broad valley of the river Usk. Interlocking ridges and deep river valleys create a wonderfully varied landscape with new and beautiful vistas round almost every corner.

Overgrown bracken, Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons National Park, Harri Garrod Roberts
Walking through bracken in the Black Mountains

As well as linking the four historic towns, the Black Mountains Round also provides a rewarding five-day hike through stunning mountain scenery. From its official start point in Abergavenny, the trail follows a circular clockwise route around the Black Mountains, finishing four of its five days in a different Walkers are Welcome town.

Day 1: Abergavenny to Crickhowell: big mountain views and lush wooded valleys.

Day 2: Crickhowell to Talgarth: historic villages, lush common land and ancient monuments.

Day 3: Talgarth to Hay-on-Wye: woods, waterfalls and open common land

Day 4: Hay-on-Wye to Llanthony: hidden vales and rare religious relics.

Day 5: Llanthony to Abergavenny: mighty mountain ridges and sacred sites.

Harri devised the route and we can highly recommend it.

Black Mountains Round – walk instructions