The Black Mountains are the first and last mountains of Wales. From
the top of the easternmost ridge, and astride the border, you can
see why a line was drawn here. To the east lie the fertile
undulations of the English midlands. To the west, a succession of
untamed ridges stretches to the western horizon. On the northern
edge is a spectacular escarpment looking out across the Wye Valley
to Mid Wales. A series of tops adorn this ridge, and form the most
impressive profile of the range. However these tops turn out to be
just the terminal elevations of five main ridges stretching up to
fifteen miles south, like fingers reaching out from knuckles.
The Black Mountains are made chiefly of Old Red Sandstone. At lower
levels there is an abundance of vegetation. Natural woodland
includes alder, beech, hazel, oak and birch. Wild flowers grow in
profusion in hedgerows that are centuries old. The slopes of the
mountains are convex, rising steeply out of the valleys but
gradually easing up to the long ridges covered in heather, bilberry
or bracken. Therefore on most walks the steepest climbing comes
first. The reward is often a long, gentle and uninterrupted ridge
walk with spectacular views. However, mountain precautions should
always be taken on these remote and unsheltered heights.
There are a few small settlements but no real villages within the
mountains. Abergavenny is the key town in the area, offering a wide
range of facilities and good bus and rail connections. Other
centres include Crickhowell, Hay and Talgarth.
The Black Mountains abound with historical interest and mystery.
Myths and legends imbue the walks with a sense of mystery from the
dawn of time. The area was probably settled during the Stone Age
around 2500BC. Some standing stones date from the era of the Beaker
folk, who migrated to the area from Europe after about 1700BC. Iron
Age forts were built from about 250BC and confirm the strategic
importance of hilltops. Walks visit Dinas Castell, Crug Hywel near
Crickhowell and Twyn-y-Gaer. The Normans made their mark on the
region, often using more ancient fortified sites. Longtown Castle
and Tretower are examples. The influence of Christianity underpins
the history of these hills. St David himself established a church
on the site of Llanthony Priory , while the ancient well at
Patrishow recalls a Celtic saint.
But perhaps the most exhilarating experience is walking the broad,
open tops such as the border ridge or Mynydd Llangorse. This is
unspoilt and spectacular country waiting to set you free.
*Kittiwake*
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