Black Mountains

The Black Mountains are a mountain range along the Wales-England border, spreading across south Powys, north Monmouthshire, and western Herefordshire. The terrain includes varied landscapes with different elevations and vegetation types, from grassland to rocky areas.

The area saw settlement during the Iron Age and later shows traces of Roman camps along with many archaeological structures like round barrows and stone circles. These remains document a long history of human activity in the region.

The medieval Llanthony Priory ruins stand in this range as a reminder of religious life in earlier times. The area also hosted an artistic community led by Eric Gill in Capel-y-Ffin during the 1920s.

Multiple hiking paths cross the range, including the Offa's Dyke Path along Hatterall Ridge, with different routes through varied terrain. The best time to hike is usually in warmer months when the paths are more accessible and the weather tends to be more stable.

Waun Fach is the highest peak here and offers wide views across the surrounding landscape. The mountains shift their colors from green to purple depending on the season and light conditions.

Location: Wales

Operator: Brecon Beacons National Park Authority

GPS coordinates: 51.95338,-3.14126

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:38