UKC

When studied from above or on a map, the sprawling and unique upland of Y Mynyddoedd Duon (the Black Mountains) has an organic, animalistic appearance. It's like a great jellyfish or giant squid, all fluttering limbs trailing beneath its head, which in this analogy is its northwestern plateau. Some of the tentacles are long, broad and squiggly; others are sharp and more graceful. The Dragon’s Back is a superb example of the latter, a glorious walker’s ridge, one of the finest in the whole national park. This long and varied loop ascends the Dragon's undulating spine, providing a stark contrast to the plateau's featureless green sea that then comes to characterise much of the route. It’s an outing that explores the remains of a Norman Castle at Castell Dinas; the highest point in the range in Waun Fach; and Twmpa, a mountain whose wonderful English title is Lord Hereford’s Knob. Plus, it ends at a pub. Cheers!

14 miles, 22.53 km, 1,057m ascent, 3 – 8 hours. Crickhowell and Abergavenny to the southeast, Hay on Wye to the northeast, Brecon to the west.

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