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Hay Bluff & The Cat's Back loop

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Hay Bluff & The Cat's Back loop

Hard

4.7

(14)

162

hikers

Hay Bluff & The Cat's Back loop

Q: What is the difficulty level of the Hay Bluff & The Cat's Back loop?

This loop is generally considered a difficult or strenuous hike. It involves steep climbs, particularly the initial ascent to Hay Bluff, and requires good to very good fitness and sure-footedness. It's not recommended in poor weather or low visibility.

Q: How long does it typically take to complete this hike?

The full loop typically takes between 4 to 5.5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

Q: Where can I park for the Hay Bluff & The Cat's Back loop?

Parking is available at the Hay Bluff car park, which serves as a common starting point for this loop. Arriving early is advisable, especially on busy days, as parking can fill up quickly.

Q: What is the terrain like on this trail?

The terrain is varied and challenging. You'll encounter steep climbs, grassy footpaths, and boulder fields. Some sections can be boggy, especially after rain. The Cat's Back Ridge itself is narrow and rocky in parts, though generally several meters wide.

Q: What are the main points of interest along the route?

Highlights include the prominent Hay Bluff , the distinctive Cat's Back Ridge , and the Twyn Llech (Black Mountain) Summit . You'll also get a View of Lord Hereford's Knob (Twmpa) and traverse parts of the peaceful Olchon Valley.

Q: What kind of views can I expect on this trail?

Expect spectacular and dramatic panoramic views. From Hay Bluff , you'll see over Herefordshire and the Wye Valley. The Cat's Back Ridge offers stunning vistas both eastwards and westwards of the Black Mountains' eastern escarpment.

Q: What is the best time of year to hike this loop?

Late spring to early autumn is generally best. Around August or September, the heather on the moorland looks particularly beautiful when in flower. Avoid poor weather conditions, especially if visibility is low, as the exposed ridge can be challenging.

Q: Is the Hay Bluff & The Cat's Back loop dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on this trail. However, it's essential to keep them on a lead, especially when livestock are present or during bird nesting seasons. Be mindful of the challenging terrain and potential boggy sections.

Q: Are there any permits or entrance fees required for this trail?

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the Hay Bluff & The Cat's Back loop. It is located within Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, which is free to access.

Q: Does this trail intersect with other well-known paths?

Yes, portions of this route follow sections of the historic Offa's Dyke Path. You may also briefly encounter parts of the National Cycle Network Route 42 and the EuroVelo 2 - Capitals Route.

05:23

17.2km

630m

Hiking

Hike the difficult 10.7-mile Hay Bluff & The Cat's Back loop in Bannau Brycheiniog for dramatic ridge walking and panoramic views.

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Bannau Brycheiniog National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

4.71 km

Cat's Back Ridge

Highlight (Segment) • Summit

The long narrow and exposed ridge that descends south of Black Hill. Beautiful to walk up or down.

Tip by

13.7 km

Twyn Llech (Black Mountain) Summit

Highlight • Viewpoint

Twyn Llech (703m), also known as Black Mountain, is the only Marilyn to fall exactly on the Welsh–English border, straddling Brecknockshire (Powys) and Herefordshire.

The Black Mountain is the highest point on the Hatterrall Ridge, with Offa's Dyke Path passing along the ridge.

Because of the very shallow gradients along the summit ridge it's virtually impossible to determine the actual high point by sight.

The ground is peaty and normally very wet even in good weather, especially on the highest ground.

Tip by

15.9 km

Hay Bluff

Highlight • Viewpoint

This is a beautiful area and is popular with hikers, paracenders, bikers and the general population at large. There is a narrow single track road, with ample passing places, that passes over the common below Hay Bluff and it goes onto the famed viewpoint of the Gospel Pass. There's the main car park below the Bluff but there's also ample parking off the road in dry weather too. Super place for family picnics and walks.

Tip by

16.5 km

View of Lord Hereford's Knob (Twmpa)

Highlight • Summit

Stunning views from Hay Bluff of Twmpa or Lord Hereford's Knob is a mountain in south-east Wales, forming a part of the great northwest scarp of the Black Mountains. It lies 1.86 miles west of the border with England, and around 4.34 miles south of Hay-on-Wye.
Elevation: 690m

Tip by

17.2 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

7.71 km

4.81 km

2.49 km

1.41 km

792 m

Surfaces

10.3 km

6.14 km

776 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (700 m)

Lowest point (290 m)

Weather

Saturday 9 May

12°C

3°C

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difficulty level of the Hay Bluff & The Cat's Back loop?

This loop is generally considered a difficult or strenuous hike. It involves steep climbs, particularly the initial ascent to Hay Bluff, and requires good to very good fitness and sure-footedness. It's not recommended in poor weather or low visibility.

How long does it typically take to complete this hike?

The full loop typically takes between 4 to 5.5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

Where can I park for the Hay Bluff & The Cat's Back loop?

Parking is available at the Hay Bluff car park, which serves as a common starting point for this loop. Arriving early is advisable, especially on busy days, as parking can fill up quickly.

What is the terrain like on this trail?

The terrain is varied and challenging. You'll encounter steep climbs, grassy footpaths, and boulder fields. Some sections can be boggy, especially after rain. The Cat's Back Ridge itself is narrow and rocky in parts, though generally several meters wide.

What are the main points of interest along the route?

Highlights include the prominent Hay Bluff, the distinctive Cat's Back Ridge, and the Twyn Llech (Black Mountain) Summit. You'll also get a View of Lord Hereford's Knob (Twmpa) and traverse parts of the peaceful Olchon Valley.

What kind of views can I expect on this trail?

Expect spectacular and dramatic panoramic views. From Hay Bluff, you'll see over Herefordshire and the Wye Valley. The Cat's Back Ridge offers stunning vistas both eastwards and westwards of the Black Mountains' eastern escarpment.

What is the best time of year to hike this loop?

Late spring to early autumn is generally best. Around August or September, the heather on the moorland looks particularly beautiful when in flower. Avoid poor weather conditions, especially if visibility is low, as the exposed ridge can be challenging.

Is the Hay Bluff & The Cat's Back loop dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on this trail. However, it's essential to keep them on a lead, especially when livestock are present or during bird nesting seasons. Be mindful of the challenging terrain and potential boggy sections.

Are there any permits or entrance fees required for this trail?

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the Hay Bluff & The Cat's Back loop. It is located within Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, which is free to access.

Does this trail intersect with other well-known paths?

Yes, portions of this route follow sections of the historic Offa's Dyke Path. You may also briefly encounter parts of the National Cycle Network Route 42 and the EuroVelo 2 - Capitals Route.

Are there any facilities like toilets or refreshments near the trailhead?

There are no dedicated facilities directly at the Hay Bluff trailhead. It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks. Nearby towns like Hay-on-Wye offer pubs, cafes, and other amenities for before or after your hike.

What should I bring or wear for this hike?

Given the challenging terrain and exposed nature of the trail, wear sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support. Layered clothing is essential, as weather conditions can change quickly. Bring waterproofs, a map and compass (or GPS device), sufficient water, snacks, and sun protection.