Run to the Hills

The Preseli Hills are a short (40 mins) drive from us and offer easily accessible hill walking with spectacular views.

The short scramble up Carningli (Mountain of Angel’s) makes for a great trip. It is said that anyone who spends a night on Carningli either goes mad or becomes a poet, but, done as a day trip only, there is the reward of exploring the remains of the iron age fort at its summit and an incredible 360 degree panorama of rocky outcrops, moorland grazed by semi-wild ponies and the Pembrokeshire coastline. It’s also easy to combine with a run out to the beach at Newport or a visit to the Bluestone Brewery & Taproom for a post hike beer.

Alternatively, for a longer stroll right across the spine of the Preseli Hills try The Golden Road. At 8 miles, this ancient track follows a route that is said to date back to the Neolithic period, 5,000 years ago and the main route for travellers in prehistory to and from Ireland.

… Or travel back in time in the tranquil Gwaun Valley where celebrations are still marked by the Julian Calendar and beer is still served from a jug (at the legendary Dryffyn Arms in Ponfaen) and there are a number of good walks through ancient woodland or beside the river.

The rich Iron Age history is still visible in the landscape right across the Preselis and there are a number of standing stones, stone circles and burial chambers to see; the most famous of which is Pentre Ifan.

Further afield, but still doable as daytrips, are the Brecon Beacons (1hr) and the wild expanses of the Cambrian Mountains (1hr 20).