Hay Bluff and Offa’s Dyke Walk

Route Description for Hay Bluff and Offa’s Dyke Walk

While it is a visually stunning walking route, the Hay Bluff and Offa’s Dyke Walk does feature some rugged and fairly steep terrain throughout its length. Be sure to wear proper walking boots to better traverse the hillside. Additionally, the car park at the trailhead is fairly small, so try to arrive early in order to secure a space and beat out the crowds.

Featuring several summit vantage points and beautiful views along the England/Wales border, this truly is a fantastic adventure that you won’t want to miss if you find yourself in the Brecon Beacons. The terrain here is rugged and somewhat steep, but ultimately makes for a fun day of getting out into the mountains to explore the wonderful landscape of Wales.

Setting out from the Hay Bluff Car Park, head south along the road for 66 m and pick up the footpath branching off to the left. From here, you will keep straight for the next 0.5 km, climbing uphill across the open landscape as you work your way towards the summit of Hay Bluff. Arriving at a junction in the path, head right and continue up the hillside for 0.4 km, before making a sharp left along the trail to begin the final ascent. After 0.2 km, you will arrive at the top of Hay Bluff, where you can walk around and explore the various vantage points that look out over Gospel Pass, Lord Hereford’s Knob, and the surrounding landscape.

Once you have had enough of the scenic views, you will continue making your way to the southeast along Offa’s Dyke Trail for the next 2.1 km, straddling the border of England and Wales as you climb the summit of Black Mountain. Here, you will have wonderful views that overlook the English countryside to the east and the rugged expanse of Brecon Beacons National Park to the west.

Keeping straight along the trail in a southeastern direction, you will come to the terminus of the route in 1.2 km at a stone pile, where you will enjoy some more scenic views of Black Hill to the east. This is a great place to pause for lunch, before heading back towards the northwest along the same trail. After 2.6 km, you will arrive at a junction and take the path straight ahead in order to descend the steep slopes of Hay Bluff. Here, you will continue on to the northwest across the barren landscape for 2.1 km to arrive back at the car park where you started the Hay Bluff and Offa’s Dyke Walk.

Trail Highlights

Hay Bluff

Located within the boundary of the rugged Brecon Beacons National Park, Hay Bluff is a prominent hill that can be found at the northern end of the Black Mountains. The hill stands at an elevation of 677 m and offers stunning views across the England/Wales border, as well as across the Gospel Pass towards the interior of the Brecon Beacons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hay Bluff part of Brecon Beacons?

Located within Brecon Beacons National Park, Hay Bluff, along with Twmpa, is a popular walking area that makes up the Black Mountains portion of the park.

Can you camp on Hay Bluff?

Camping on Hay Bluff in Brecon Beacons National Park is strictly forbidden.

Insider Hints for Hay Bluff and Offa’s Dyke Walk

• Wear proper walking boots for this adventure.
• This walk is better suited for fair weather, as the steep climbs and rugged terrain cvan be tricky to traverse in wet weather conditions.
• Arrive early to secure parking.