The 11 Most Amazing Peaks around Newport
Best mountain peaks around Newport, Pembrokeshire, are characterized by their coastal proximity and the rugged Preseli Hills. This region offers a diverse landscape, from coastal headlands to inland peaks, providing varied hiking experiences. Many peaks feature historical significance, including Iron Age hillforts and ancient settlements. The area is known for its panoramic views over the Pembrokeshire coast and inland countryside.
Best mountain peaks around Newport
- The most popular mountain peaks is Foel Cwmcerwyn summit, a natural monument that is the highest point of the Preseli Hills at 536 meters. It is Pembrokeshire's County Top and a UK Marilyn, offering extensive views of the surrounding countryside.
- Another must-see spot is Foel Drygarn Hillfort and Cairns, a viewpoint and historical site. This impressive hillfort features three prominent cairns and numerous hut circles, providing magnificent panoramic views from its summit.
- Visitors also love Carningli Mountain, a viewpoint and natural monument. This coastal summit offers panoramic views over Newport Bay and inland to the Preseli Hills, with historical traces of Iron Age and Bronze Age settlements.
- Newport is known for its coastal summits, historical hillforts, and county high points. Visitors can explore a variety of mountain peaks that combine natural beauty with archaeological interest.
- The mountain peaks around Newport are appreciated by the komoot community, with 29 photos shared and 32 upvotes across the highlights.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Carningli Mountain
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Foel Cwmcerwyn summit
Highlight • Natural Monument
From the north, it's an unassuming and fairly gentle (if rather boggy) approach. The south face footpath is a little steeper, with better panoramic views.
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Foel Drygarn Hillfort and Cairns
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Dinas Head
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
Foel Eryr Summit Cairn
Highlight • Viewpoint
That said if time is short, the reward for a 15 minute walk can be some outstanding views - on the best days you will be able to spot Lundy to the South, Ireland to the West, Snowdonia to the North and Brecon Beacons to the East.
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more peaks around Newport.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Newport
Celtic Way — An epic pilgrimage through prehistory and wild beauty
Newport to Cemaes Head – Pembrokeshire walks
Preseli Hills – Pembrokeshire walks
Wheelchair-friendly walks in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Scenic short and half-day walks in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Explore Britain's only coastal national park – Pembrokeshire Coast
Hiking around Newport
MTB Trails around Newport
Road Cycling Routes around Newport
Running Trails around Newport
Other adventures around Newport
Tips from the Community
Views all round, to the sea, Cardigan Bay, north and Milford Haven in south.
0
0
Mynydd Carningli, or Carningli for short (or "Carn Ingli"), is almost 350 meters high and around 450 million years old. It is a long-extinct volcano that has been eroded by sea, rainwater, and wind. Today, only the core of Carningli remains. It was first documented as "Mons Angelorum" (Mountain of the Angels) in the 12th century. Saint Brynach is said to have lived nearby in a small community of monks around 450 AD and often climbed the mountain to speak with the angels. Those who climb the mountain today, enjoying the peace and the surrounding views, can easily imagine that the saint—like other people—sought proximity to the angels there.
0
0
A trig point with a lovely view. Nice place to sit half way around the Dinas headland loop and take in the scenery and have a break.
0
0
Dinas Head on Dinas Island has a trig point at 142 m above the sea. The views along the coast in either direction are great, as is the Irish Sea in front of you. There is a nice coast path loop around Dinas Island with this as the highest point.
0
0
Lovely viewpoint and peak. On a clear day you can see right across Newport and the Preselli's. There is a free car park on Ffordd bedd Morris Road or you can park at Newport Bridge.
1
0
Foel Cwmcerwyn is the highest point of the Preseli Hills at 1,759 feet (536m). It also marks Pembrokeshire's County Top and is a UK Marilyn so you can tick it off a few lists if you're hill bagging. From the north, it's an unassuming and fairly gentle (if rather boggy) approach. The south face footpath is a little steeper, with better panoramic views.
5
0
Because Foel Eryr summit is so easily reached from the nearby Bwlch-gwynt car park to the east, allowing nearly all of the climbing to be done in the car, it's easy to lose the true sense of the scale of the hill and its place in the landscape. Plan a circular walk to really appreciate a Preseli gem. That said if time is short, the reward for a 15 minute walk can be some outstanding views - on the best days you will be able to spot Lundy to the South, Ireland to the West, Snowdonia to the North and Brecon Beacons to the East.
2
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular mountain peaks to visit around Newport, Pembrokeshire?
The most popular mountain peaks in the area include Foel Cwmcerwyn summit, which is the highest point of the Preseli Hills, and Carningli Mountain, known for its coastal views. Visitors also highly rate Foel Drygarn Hillfort and Cairns for its historical significance and panoramic vistas.
Are there any mountain peaks with historical significance near Newport, Pembrokeshire?
Yes, several peaks are rich in history. Carningli Mountain features one of the largest Iron Age hillforts in west Wales, with traces of Bronze Age settlements. Foel Drygarn Hillfort and Cairns is another impressive site, dating back to the late Bronze Age or early Iron Age, topped with three prominent cairns and numerous hut circles.
Which mountain peaks offer the best panoramic views of the Pembrokeshire coast and beyond?
Carningli Mountain offers panoramic views over the Pembrokeshire coast, Newport Bay, and inland to the Preseli Hills. On clear days, you might even see the mountains of North Wales and the Wicklow Hills in Ireland. Dinas Head also provides breathtaking views out to sea, where you might spot dolphins.
Are there family-friendly mountain peaks or easy walks around Newport, Pembrokeshire?
While many peaks offer intermediate challenges, Foel Eryr Summit Cairn is noted as family-friendly due to its easy accessibility from a nearby car park, allowing for a relatively short walk to outstanding views. For a more extensive but still moderate family hike, consider the 'Newport / Carningli' route, which is 6.1 km long.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the mountain peaks around Newport?
The area around Newport offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Sea to Summit from Newport to Carningli' (12.1 km, moderate) or the 'Newport Millenium Trail' (7.9 km, moderate). For mountain biking, options include the 'Pantmaenog Forest and Rosebush Quarry loop' (9.8 km, easy). Road cycling routes like the 'Mynydd Preseli loop' (59.3 km, difficult) are also available. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Newport, MTB Trails around Newport, and Road Cycling Routes around Newport guide pages.
What makes Foel Cwmcerwyn summit a significant peak?
Foel Cwmcerwyn summit is significant as it is the highest point of the Preseli Hills at 536 meters (1,759 ft). It is also Pembrokeshire's County Top and a UK Marilyn, making it a popular destination for 'hill bagging' enthusiasts. The summit provides extensive views of the surrounding countryside.
Can I find any unique geological features or natural monuments among the peaks?
Yes, the region is known for its natural beauty. Carningli Mountain is part of a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with a rocky summit and steep scree slopes. The Preseli Hills, where many of these peaks are located, are also known for their unique geological formations.
What do visitors say about the mountain peaks around Newport?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning views and the sense of accomplishment from reaching the summits. Many appreciate the combination of natural beauty with historical sites, such as the Iron Age hillforts. The coastal proximity of peaks like Carningli Mountain is also a highlight, offering unique sea-to-summit experiences.
Are there any specific hiking routes recommended for exploring the peaks near Newport?
For a moderate hike combining coastal and mountain scenery, consider the 'Sea to Summit from Newport to Carningli' route (12.1 km). Another popular option is the 'Newport / Carningli' route (6.1 km). For those interested in historical sites, the walk to Foel Drygarn Hillfort and Cairns offers both history and views.
What is the best time to visit the mountain peaks in Pembrokeshire?
The Pembrokeshire region is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn generally offer pleasant hiking conditions with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer provides longer daylight hours, ideal for extended walks, though it can be busier. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly in mountainous and coastal areas.
Are there any hidden gems or less-known peaks worth exploring near Newport?
While the main highlights are well-loved, exploring the wider Preseli Hills can reveal quieter spots. Foel Eryr Summit Cairn, though easily accessible, is recommended for a circular walk to truly appreciate its scale and position within the landscape, offering outstanding views that might feel like a hidden discovery.
What kind of wildlife or nature can I expect to see on the mountain peaks?
The mountain peaks and surrounding areas are rich in nature. Carningli Mountain is part of a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), indicating diverse flora and fauna. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which encompasses these peaks, is known for its birdlife, coastal plants, and occasionally marine mammals like seals or dolphins from coastal viewpoints like Dinas Head.
Most popular routes around Newport
Most popular attractions around Newport
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
See even more amazing summits around Newport with these guides:
