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Cefn Llechid

A 400m moorland summit in the Brecon Beacons offering panoramic views, walking trails, and rich natural heritage.

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Cefn Llechid is a 400-metre summit in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Powys, Wales, offering panoramic views across moorland and valleys. This unenclosed plateau features a trig point marking its peak and sits within the Fforest Fawr Geopark. The accessible hill attracts walkers and nature enthusiasts seeking serene landscapes, diverse wildlife, and connections to the region's rich cultural heritage. Multiple walking trails of varying difficulty traverse the bracken-covered moorland surrounding the summit.

A brief summary to Cefn Llechid

  • Brecon Beacons National Park, Brecon, LD3 8TB, GB
  • Duration: 1.5 to 3.5 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 3 out of 5

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy walking boots with good ankle support; the moorland terrain can be boggy and uneven, especially after rain.
  • Carry water and weather-appropriate clothing; the exposed plateau offers little shelter and conditions can change rapidly.
  • Visit during clear weather for the best panoramic views across the Brecon Beacons and surrounding valleys.
  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching; the moorland supports diverse upland bird species throughout the year.
  • Allow extra time to explore the plateau's small water features and nearby historical sites along the walking trails.
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Getting There

  • Car from Brecon

    From Brecon town centre, take the A470 southbound towards Merthyr Tydfil for approximately 5 miles. Turn onto the B4591 towards Cwm Llwch and follow this road to reach Cefn Llechid. Parking is available near the trailheads. Journey time is approximately 15–20 minutes. The route is accessible year-round, though winter weather may affect road conditions on higher sections.

  • Bus from Brecon

    The Brecon to Merthyr Tydfil bus service operates regularly from Brecon town centre. Alight at the Cwm Llwch stop, from which it is approximately 15–20 minutes' walk to Cefn Llechid via established footpaths. Service frequency varies seasonally; check local schedules for current timetables and fares before travelling.

  • Walking from nearby trailheads

    Multiple established walking trails access Cefn Llechid from various points within the national park. Approach routes vary in distance and difficulty, ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the starting point. Grassy tracks and moorland paths are generally well-marked. Wear appropriate footwear and carry water; the exposed plateau offers no shelter.

  • Walking from Storey Arms

    The Storey Arms Outdoor Education Centre, located approximately 8 kilometres south, offers a popular starting point for walks in the area. Walking routes from this facility to Cefn Llechid typically take 1.5–2.5 hours depending on the chosen path. This approach provides access to a wider network of trails across the Brecon Beacons.

Cefn Llechid location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Cold Weather

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Discover more about Cefn Llechid

A Plateau Summit in the Heart of Welsh Moorland

Cefn Llechid rises to 400 metres above sea level in the eastern reaches of the Brecon Beacons National Park, near Sennybridge in Powys. This modest but distinctive summit occupies a plateau-like formation marked by a trigonometric point at its highest point. The hill's unenclosed character and open moorland setting create an expansive sense of space, with bracken-covered slopes descending to surrounding valleys. The plateau surface hosts small bodies of water in natural hollows, adding to the landscape's varied topography and ecological interest.

Geological Significance and Protected Status

Cefn Llechid lies within the Fforest Fawr Geopark, a designation recognising the area's geological importance and landscape heritage. The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority manages the hill as part of its conservation mandate, ensuring the protection of both natural habitats and the moorland character that defines this region. The prominence of 85 metres gives Cefn Llechid a notable standing among the surrounding peaks, with Fan Fawr serving as its parent summit. This geological context enriches the experience for visitors interested in understanding Wales's natural history and landscape formation.

Ecological Richness and Wildlife Habitats

The moorland ecosystem surrounding Cefn Llechid supports diverse plant and animal communities adapted to upland conditions. Bracken dominates much of the exposed slopes, whilst grassy tracks wind across the plateau. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts discover abundant opportunities to observe species thriving in this protected landscape. The varied terrain—from open moorland to small water features—creates distinct microhabitats that sustain the area's ecological diversity. Visitors exploring the summit and surrounding trails encounter the living landscape that makes the Brecon Beacons a significant nature conservation area.

Walking Routes and Accessibility

Multiple walking trails provide access to Cefn Llechid, accommodating visitors of varying fitness levels and experience. Routes approach from different directions, with many beginning from established trailheads within the national park. The grassy tracks crossing the moorland offer relatively straightforward walking, though the exposed plateau requires appropriate footwear and weather awareness. The trig point at the summit serves as a clear navigation marker and a traditional focal point for walkers. The accessibility of Cefn Llechid makes it an attractive destination for day walkers seeking mountain views without extreme technical difficulty.

Historical and Cultural Connections

The landscape surrounding Cefn Llechid carries layers of human history stretching back centuries. Remnants of ancient settlements and historical sites can be discovered along the walking trails, offering glimpses into the lives of communities who inhabited and shaped this moorland. The cultural heritage embedded in the landscape enhances the experience for visitors interested in understanding how people have lived and worked in upland Wales. These historical dimensions transform a simple hill walk into a journey through time, connecting present-day visitors with the enduring human presence in the Brecon Beacons.

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