Hay-on-Wye Walking and Cycling Guide
Discover the gateway to the Black Mountains
The historic town of Hay-on-Wye is just a short distance from the northern tip of the Black Mountains. One of the most spectacular walks you can find here passes across Hay Bluff, which straddles the border between south-east Wales and England
In the town itself, there are many short walks that offer the chance to soak up the beauty of this characterful spot, and the babbling River Wye that runs through it.
Suggested Hay-on-Wye Walks
Hay-on-Wye might be small, but it sure is mighty. Meander beautifully historic streets, sit by the River Wye,
and bask in the town’s many scenic sights.
Hay-on-Wye is home to some fantastic walks, and with the Black Mountains nearby, you’re really spoilt for choice. One of those walks is the Hay-on-Wye and River Wye Circular. This 3.4km circular trail is a relatively easy route, taking just under an hour to complete. It’s also a popular area for camping and running, meaning plenty of fellow adventurers to say hello to.
If you’re seeking a more challenging walk, then try the Hay Bluff and Lord Hereford’s Knob Circular, which starts at Hay Bluff Car Park, which is just under 15 minutes from Hay-on-Wye. From here, the walk heads south west before sweeping round up to Lord Hereford’s Knob (or Twmpa in Welsh). Following this route, you’ll experience breathtaking panoramic views, and the most majestical view of Pen Y Fan in the distance.
Slightly further out of town, you’ll find The Black Hill, Cat’s Back. Starting from Black Hill’s car park, it takes you along a ridge that resembles a hunched, sitting cat with spectacular views along the way.
For a more challenging adventure, try the The Waun Fach Circuit, which includes a descent along the site of an Iron Age hillfort and the later Norman Era fortification, Castle Dinas. A 7.5 mile hike located in the Black Mountains, it offers panoramic views across three counties.
If a guided walk is more your thing, the Capel-y-Ffin Guided Walk Experience is a professionally guided walk in the breathtaking Brecon Beacons National Park.
Hay-on-Wye Cycling Routes
The town of Hay-on-Wye is a delight to discover on wheels.
Renowned for its bookshops, Hay-on-Wye is popular with cyclists thanks to its rural location and supply of cafes. One of the more challenging, but popular routes, goes from Hereford and then travels south via Much Dewchurch and Grosmont. You then cross the A465 at Llanvihangel Crucorney and going over Gospel Pass and descending into Hay-on-Wye. The return journey is a popular and much flatter one through Dorstone, Peterchurch and Vowchurch and back into Hereford.
The Brecon to Hay-on-Wye cycle route is a charming cycle ride taking in two of the Brecon Beacons’ most beautiful towns. An 18 mile route covering mostly country lanes, it crosses the town of Talgarth which has a plethora of pubs.
There are many cycle lanes through the town making it a more enjoyable and safer place to explore on two wheels. Have a look at all of the national cycle network routes and in town cycle lanes here.
Hay-on-Wye Cycle Hire
Based in Hay-on-Wye, Drover Cycles provide a range of mountain, road and hybrid bikes. Once you’ve got your bike, they provide route maps, a shop, repair centre and café. From the doorstep, explore miles of hills and journey over to the Gospel Pass on Wales’ highest tarmac road – a must for road cyclists!
