BWLCH WITH ALTITUDE

An energetic 12 mile circular walk which encompasses gorgeous views from all sides of the largest lake in South Wales, Llangors Lake. You will climb two hills – that’s the altitude bit – starting and ending at the hospitable bunkhouses and pub in Blwch (pronounced Boolkh).

Where to start: The Star Bunkhouse, Bwlch
This is grid reference OS 149220 on the OS Explorer 13 map.

1. Turn left by the side of the Star Bunkhouse, go through kissing gate to reach Penuel Baptist Chapel. Walk around the left end of the chapel, go through kissing gate and continue forward. Turn right along a road and shortly turn left up a lane leading to a white cottage. Go through a gate above it, follow the track ascending steeply beside stone wall to join ridge above. A well defined track follows the fence and wall along the ridge of Mynydd Llangors.

2. After about 2.5 miles, bear left on a path heading for a white trig’ marking the summit of Mynydd Llangors (508m). On reaching the end of the ridge follow the path as it descends. Turn left down a tarmac road. and follow all the way down to Llangors village.

3. After visiting Llangors Church, and signing the visitors book, cross the road and opposite the ‘Old School’ go through a gate between a house and a stone wall. Cross a stile and follow the path through fields, via two gates to reach a footbridge spanning a stream. Go straight across next field to reach a stile.

4. Walking in a westerly direction, cross the common to reach a footbridge spanning the River Llynfi. If the field is not flooded go diagonally left and make for the kissing gate. Cross the next field passing to the left of two pollarded oaks to reach a gated footbridge spanning a stream. If the field is flooded see alternative route below.

5. Bear slightly left through the next field to reach a board walk and a gate. At a track junction keep straight on. The building directly above is Ty^ Mawr Farmhouse. The path leads on via more kissing gates to reach Llangasty Nature Reserve where a path to the left leads down to a bird hide on the edge of the lake. Continue the walk by going through a five bar gate on the right and then beside a fence; along a board walk and through more kissing gates to turn right up a lane leading to Llangasty Church.

6. After visiting the Church walk up the road to reach a junction and turn right, to follow the road for about quarter of a mile. Turn left by a Bridleway fingerpost directing the way to Allt yr Esgair. Go through a gate and follow the green lane which leads up to the start of the ridge and turn left at a track junction.

7. On reaching the second of the three hunting gates, go right to follow an alternative track (less muddy), ascending parallel to the main one which is used by pony trekkers. It follows the crest of the ridge to reach the summit of Allt yr Esgair where you can enjoy a fine view.

8. Follow the path down to a gate and then on down between hedges to eventually emerge onto a road. Turn right and follow the road to meet A40. Turn left and follow the road with care to join a pavement which leads up through Bwlch Pass.

Alternative route if field is flooded:

After periods of heavy rain the path passing through fields next to the lake may be flooded. It is necessary to take the following route, which involves a road walk of 4 miles. Walk up the road leading to Llangors village and turn left at the T junction (signposted Brecon). On reaching Llanfihangel Tal-y-Llyn take the third turning on the left (signposted Tal-y-Llyn). Just beyond Tallyllyn village turn left at Pennorth and then left again, following the road to join the main route at Llangasty Village hall (on the right).