Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons National Park
The Mynydd Troed walk takes you to the summit of one of the most westerly peaks of the Black Mountains from where you will witness a wide array of breathtaking views
Walk up Mynydd Troed
The Mynydd Troed walk leads you up one of the westernmost peaks in the Black Mountains. Although it may not be the longest or most difficult of hikes, it is certainly one of the most rewarding.
Owing to its fairly narrow ridge-like structure and north/south orientation, walkers get to enjoy a wonderful variety of views from the summit.
Furthermore, Mynydd Troed is a particularly distinctive mountain making it easy to pick out especially from the east or west, with its long flattish summit ridge and steep northerly slope.
Where is Mynydd Troed?
Mynydd Troed mountain is situated on the western fringe of the Black Mountains within the Brecon Beacons National Park, a couple of miles north east of Llangorse Lake.
Where to Park for the Mynydd Troed Walk?
The only Mynydd Troed car park is the one at the Dragon’s Back Pub & Bunkhouse, located just off the A479 in the village of Pengenfford.
- Dragon’s Back car park postcode (nearest) – LD3 0EP
- Grid Reference: SO173296
- Google Maps Link
*As of 11.02.22 there was a £2 charge to park here all day*
As you can see on the above map link, there is also a parking option to the west of Mynydd Troed. However, this is not a car park but a small section of off road parking, large enough for only a few cars.
How to get to Mynydd Troed?
Whichever of the two parking options you choose, you will be arriving via the A479 that connects the A40 in the south and the town of Talgarth in the north.
The Dragon’s Back car park is easy to find as it is located immediately alongside the A479 in Pengenfford.
If you choose to park on the western side of Mynydd Troed, you will need to turn off the A479 in a westerly direction in the village of Waun Fach. Then, follow this road for 2 miles (3.22 km) to reach the parking area.
Both these parking options are incredibly convenient for the Mynydd Troed walk, being located adjacent to the mountain’s base.
Mynydd Troed Walk Description
To the Summit
From the Dragon’s Back car park, take the path at the northern end and immediately turn left. Follow the dirt track alongside the A479 for approximately 300 metres.
Upon reaching a small country road, cross the A479 and pass through a metal gate between farm buildings.
Next, turn right at the end of the farm buildings and head left through the metal gate signposted ‘Footpath‘.
The tree lined trail ascends gradually passing through two further gates before breaking out on to the northern base of Mynydd Troed.
Continue for approximately 250 metres before turning left, commencing the steep ascent up the mountain’s northern slope.
To give you an idea of the gradient, this next section to the summit is around 1 km in length and the change in height is just over 250 metres, making this a 1:4 or 25% slope.
Upon reaching the top, the trig point indicating the 609 metre summit will soon come into sight, sitting within metres of the northern slope.
Now it’s time to take a break, get some air back in those lungs and appreciate the wonderful views that now surround you!
Out to the southwest Llangorse Lake shows itself for the first time, with the distant Pen y Fan sitting proudly on the horizon. Whilst, immediately across the valley to the south lies the broad-backed Mynydd Llangorse.
Looking eastward, you get to savour the rich, broad tapestry of greens in the Rhiangoll Valley, rising to the imposing brown, central peaks of the Black Mountains.
Walking the Ridge
From the trig point, the next stage of the Mynydd Troed walk takes you in a south easterly direction along the crest of the summit ridge. This is a nice gentle section giving you the time to absorb the breathtaking vistas.
You can venture just as far as you wish along this section before heading back to the trig point. I chose to turn as the trail began to drop steeply down the southern edge of the ridge.
This is also a great spot to capture some southerly views of the Rhiangoll valley as it meanders its way towards the Usk Valley. Furthermore, you can not help but notice the distinctive flat ridge sitting high above the valley, with Pen Allt Mawr located at its northern tip.
Down the Western Slope
As you retrace your steps towards the trig point, out to the north east you will clearly see the stepped ridge known as the Dragon’s Back guiding walkers towards the peak of Waun Fach.
Upon reaching the trig point, take the trail to the left and follow this relatively steep path as it descends towards the valley in a south westerly direction.
Then, as the path begins to swing back towards the north, take the trail to the left that leads you down to the small country road that runs through the valley.
This is also the location of the alternative parking area, should you wish to enjoy the Mynydd Troed walk from the mountain’s western flank.
Return to the start
Now take the relatively even trail to the right, heading firstly north and then east as it winds its way around the northern base of Mynydd Troed. On the negative side, this was a particularly boggy section of the route, so make sure you come equipped with proper walking boots!
Eventually, you will rejoin the path on which you arrived leaving just a short distance back to the Dragon’s Back car park.
Mynydd Troed Walk – Our Thoughts
This is a great walk if you are looking for an introduction to the wonders of the Black Mountains. Overall, it is not excessively long, or difficult but the rewards are amazing in terms of the wide array of stunning views on offer.
It is also one of the more accessible walks as both the parking options are within easy reach of the A479. If you do choose the Dragon’s Back car park just remember to drop £2 into the honesty box next to the car park entrance.
I did find the descent down the westerly slope particularly slippery and managed to fall three times (no damage done to either me or the mountain!). So, just exercise a little caution if you plan on following the same route that I have described here.
This is another cracking hike that I will happily add to my ever-growing list of recommended Black Mountains walks!
Mynydd Troed Walk – Q & As
How long does the walk take?
It took me 3 hours 45 minutes to complete the walk.
How far is the walk?
5.59 miles (9.0 km)
How difficult is the walk?
I would label this as a moderately difficult walk mainly because of the steep climb to the summit. Other than that, there is nothing overly strenuous.
Have you experienced the Mynydd Troed Walk?
If you have, please share your experience with us and our readers. Additionally, if you have any questions that we have not answered here, please let us know and we will get back to you just as quickly as we can.
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