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Stage 5

Builth Wells to Erwood

Stage 5

Builth Wells to Erwood

This stage is best described as a collection of gradients and a mix of open common land and farmland, steep in places with some walking on quiet country lanes. The route out of Builth Wells skirts around the Norman motte and bailey castle and then follows a quiet lane.

Back on the footpath the route climbs again (passing Pany-y-wrach - witches hollow), to an extensive area of common land from where there are views to the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons.  At Little Hill Common more excellent views take in the valley below and Aberedw Rocks on the far side of the Wye, before the path descends to Erwood bridge.

Elevation profile

Route Facts

Start:
The Groe, Builth Wells
Finish:
Erwood Bridge
Distance:
7.25 miles (11.7 km)
Time:
3hr 40min
Height ascent:
1507ft (459m)
OS Map:
Explorer 188 Builth Wells
Refreshments:
None on route. Pubs, cafes and restaurants in Builth Wells.
Public Transport:
Newtown to Brecon bus between Builth Wells and Erwood stops on request (except public holidays).
Passport Collection Point:
Former Erwood Station (on outdoor notice board)

Wye-Lights

Aberedw Rocks

At Aberedw Rocks, on the opposite bank of the Wye, is Llywelyn's Cave, said to be the hideout of Llewelyn ap Gruffudd, Welsh Prince of Gwynedd in the 13th century. Llewelyn was at war with the English King, Edward 1, and legend has it he hid in this cave. Captured by the English, Llewelyn was decapitated and his head taken to London. It’s said that local monks from Cwm Hir Abbey claimed his body and buried it there, although there is no evidence of a burial site today.

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Common Land

This stage passes through several areas of common land. 8.4 % of Wales is common land which is of great value for wildlife as it has not been improved for agricultural purposes. Ffridd’ is a Welsh term meaning the transition between valley and high hills. The mix of bracken and scrub, a habitat that develops on upland commons, is important for birds like the winchat, yellowhammer, linnet, wheatear and redstart. Common land is crucial to many Welsh farms which would not be viable without grazing rights.

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PLan Your Adventure

Passport StampBoots Illustration

Wye Valley
Walk Passport

It’s a fantastic achievement to walk all 136 miles. Mark the miles by keeping a record of your journey, collecting (digital) passport stamps along the route…

MAKE A PASSPORT