Black Hill Ridge

The Black Hill Ridge, which runs up from the upper Monnow valley to join the far north of the Hatterrall Ridge just east of Hay Bluff, is in Walkopedia's view, the most enjoyable single walk you can make in the Black Mountains, when combined into a circuit with the northern end of the Hatterrall Ridge.

It is pure FUN, a long and ludicrously narrow ridge with crags below, exciting and atmospheric but never intimidating, which climbs from just north of Longtown to Black Hill at 640m (a bit over 2,000ft). You will walk on alternating rock and cropped grass, through bracken and heather, with mouth-wateringly pretty views on each side, and the imposing flank of the Black Mountains proper a mile or so away.

An ideal circuit is to park below the Black and Red Daren formations north-west of Longtown, and slog your way up to Hatterrall Ridge. Turn north and yomp your way along the high moorland ridge to gain the visual glories at Hay Bluff. Then turn back, and divert along the high northern flank, with endlessly interesting views, to Black hill, and then descend the ridge with its best views ahead of you. Then return along the gentle lanes to your start. WONDERFUL.

Expect unpredictable weather: this is one of the wetter bits of the UK!

FOR MORE WALKS AND PRACTICAL AND FURTHER INFORMATION, GO TO OUR BLACK MOUNTAINS PAGE.