Black Mountains: Breathtaking Views from Castell Dinas and the Gliding Club
Head for the sky with this itinerary – and enjoy a walk to the highest Castle ruins in Wales, and reputedly in England too, followed by an afternoon watching the skilled pilots of the Black Mountains Gliding Club soar along the mountain ridges.
What we suggest
Start the morning with a drive to the car park of the Dinas Castle Inn at Pengenffordd, on the A479 between Talgarth and Crickhowell where you can leave your car, bring cash for the carpark. Leave the car park at the Talgarth end close to the information board and follow the path up to Castell Dinas high on the ridge above you. The site was originally an Iron Age hill fort with a later fortified Norman Castle built on the site. Although the remains are now crumbling – the views into the Black Mountains and over Talgarth towards the Bannau Brycheiniog, Brecon Beacons have surely stayed just as good!
The round trip will take about an hour for an averagely fit person and there are some fantastic ridge walks that can be continued from Castell Dinas if you fancy going a little further.
If you visit at the weekend – you could take your lunch at one of the local pubs – if not you could take a picnic or return to Talgarth to find lunch.
After lunch visit the Black Mountains Gliding Club. Set at 970 feet above sea level it is said to be the UK’s best ridge and wave gliding club – and it is fascinating to watch the gliders being towed up and then released to soar with the birds. Those feeling intrepid could also plan and book a trial lesson and get the full experience!
Sample Itinerary
11.00 – 13.00
Walk up to Castell Dinas and enjoy the views as a reward for your labours.
13.00 – 14.00
Return to Talgarth to find lunch at Talgarth Mill
14.00 – 16.00
Visit the Black Mountains Gliding Club and either watch an afternoon’s soaring – or if you have pre-booked enjoy a trial lesson.
Where is it?
Castell Dinas – SO179301 is accessed by a footpath leading from the Castle Inn car park. It is recommended to take an os map.
The Black Mountains Gliding Club – The airfield is signed off the A479 on the left hand side between Talgarth and Crickhowell.
Facilities and Access
Castell Dinas is accessed via a steep and un-even footpath and has no facilities.
By Train the nearest station is Abergavenny – Talgarth is 18 miles from Abergavenny.
By bus: Talgarth is serviced by buses in all directions, from Hereford, Builth Wells, Abergavenny and Brecon. Look at www.traveline-cymru.org.uk for the latest travel information and timetables.
By bike: National route 8 passes through Talgarth.
