Cefn yr Ystrad, Mountain summit in Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales
Cefn yr Ystrad is a mountain in Brecon Beacons National Park that rises 619 meters above the Welsh moorland. The summit features a prominent ridge running from northeast to southwest, and the slopes offer access through several walking routes.
Archaeological finds on the mountain include Bronze Age burial sites such as Carn-y-Bugail cairn, showing early settlement in the area. Boundary stones scattered across the heights from the 19th century reveal how locals once marked their territory and managed grazing lands.
The mountain stands as a testament to Welsh geological heritage with its Carboniferous Limestone foundation and Twrch Sandstone layers that form its characteristic structure.
The mountain can be reached through several walking routes, including a bridleway linking Pontsticill to the Dyffryn Crawnon and Usk Valley areas. The paths cross open moorland, so sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate gear are worth bringing.
The summit displays smooth rock surfaces shaped by ancient glacial movement, creating distinct textured patterns across the peak. These ice-worn features developed during past ice ages and remain visible reminders of the powerful geological forces that shaped this landscape.
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