Llanthony Priory Circular Walk via Hatterall Ridge

Region: Vale of Ewyas, Black Mountains, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, Monmouthshire

Walk summary: This 7.3-mile anticlockwise Llanthony Priory circular walk climbs steeply from the Vale of Ewyas onto Hatterall Ridge, follows approximately two miles of the Offa’s Dyke Path to Black Mountain South Top and descends by a steep zigzag path before returning along the valley road. It has 1,348ft of ascent and takes around four hours with stops.

The Llanthony Priory circular walk combines one of the Black Mountains’ most atmospheric starting points with a sustained ridge walk high above the Vale of Ewyas. The ruined medieval priory sits deep in the valley, while Hatterall Ridge forms part of the Wales–England border above it.

This is not a technical route, but it still deserves respect. The climb from the priory is steep, Hatterall Ridge is exposed to wind and fog, and the zigzag descent can become muddy and slippery. A downloaded GPX, proper footwear and a suitable mountain-weather forecast are important.

Staying overnight? See my guide to the best places to stay in the Bannau Brycheiniog.

Llanthony Priory walk map, GPX and parking

• Parking and start: Llanthony Priory. Parking is free, with a main car park and additional parking when available.
• Access: The approach through the Vale of Ewyas uses a narrow country road with limited passing places, so drive carefully and allow extra time.
• GPX: Download the Llanthony Priory circular walk GPX.
• Route app: View the route on my Outdooractive and Komoot profiles.
• Facilities: Toilets are available at the car park. There is also a café/bar at the priory; please buy something if using its customer facilities.

The ridge path is straightforward in clear weather, but fog can quickly remove visual reference points. The turn onto the descent is particularly important, so download the GPX before leaving and carry a map or another reliable navigation method.

Llanthony Priory circular walk route description

Begin at Llanthony Priory, a partly ruined former Augustinian priory in the secluded Vale of Ewyas. Few mountain walks begin somewhere quite like this: the remains of the priory sit on the valley floor with the steep Black Mountains rising on both sides.

From the car park, walk past the priory and through the overflow parking area behind it. Follow the clear path away from the ruins until you reach the sign directing walkers left towards Hatterall Ridge.

The steep climb to Hatterall Ridge

After turning left at the sign, cross the next gate and begin the main climb of the day. The path zigzags up the mountainside, but it is steep and requires a good level of fitness. Take your time and look back frequently: the view of Llanthony Priory framed by the valley becomes more impressive with every metre gained.

This is the most sustained ascent on the route. It can become muddy and slippery after rain, while frozen ground created different challenges when we walked it in early March.

Pen y Garn Fawr and the Offa’s Dyke Path

At the top of the climb, join Hatterall Ridge and continue towards the trig point at Pen y Garn Fawr, which stands at approximately 610 metres. You are now on the high ground forming the Wales–England border, with the Vale of Ewyas below to the west and the Olchon Valley to the east.

Follow the Offa’s Dyke Path south along Hatterall Ridge for approximately two miles. The long-distance trail broadly follows the historic border country between England and Wales and provides an obvious line across the open mountain in good visibility.

Black Mountain South Top

Continue beyond the small directional stone marked for the Olchon Valley to reach Black Mountain South Top. The landscape feels wide and remote here, with the ridge path continuing into the distance across the Black Mountains.

After visiting the top, retrace your steps briefly to the directional stone and turn west, leaving the Offa’s Dyke Path. This is the important turn for the descent back into the Vale of Ewyas.

The zigzag descent into the Vale of Ewyas

The path descends steeply in a series of zigzags. It is uneven and can be slippery, particularly after rain or during winter, so take your time and use walking poles if they help your balance. The views down the valley are outstanding, but keep concentrating on the ground beneath you.

The descent is long enough to be tiring on the legs. Near the bottom, cross a stile to reach the lane on the valley floor.

Road walk back to Llanthony Priory

Turn along the valley road for the return towards Llanthony Priory. Traffic is usually light, but the lane is narrow and is used by cars, tractors and other vehicles, so remain visible and listen carefully around bends.

Before one of the bridges, the GPX leaves the road briefly on a path through the trees. Follow the recorded route carefully, then continue to the priory to complete the circuit.

Back at Llanthony Priory, take time to explore the ruins and finish with a drink in the café/bar. It is a memorable end to a route that combines history, a steep mountain climb, border-ridge walking and some of the best views in the Vale of Ewyas.

Llanthony Priory walk practicalities

• Parking: Free parking at Llanthony Priory. Arrive early on busy weekends because this is a remote location with limited alternatives.
• Difficulty: Moderate. The principal challenges are the steep initial ascent, exposed ridge and steep zigzag descent.
• Navigation: Straightforward in clear weather, but fog can make the open ridge and descent turn difficult to identify. Carry the GPX and a backup navigation method.
• Underfoot: Field and mountain paths, potentially boggy ridge ground, uneven descent paths, a farm lane and a section of road.
• Weather: Hatterall Ridge is exposed to strong wind, rain, fog, ice and snow. Choose conditions that match your experience.
• Road safety: The final return includes narrow road walking. Stay visible and take care around bends and passing vehicles.
• Children and beginners: Suitable for active children and fit beginners in good conditions, provided they can manage the distance, steep climb and descent.
• Dogs: Suitable for capable dogs. Keep them under control and use a lead if sheep or other livestock are present.
• Food and toilets: Toilets and a café/bar are available at Llanthony Priory. Carry sufficient food and water because there are no facilities on the mountain.

Llanthony Priory Circular Walk FAQs

More Black Mountains walks: Explore my Black Mountains walking guides for more routes across the area.