Mountain rank by height: 78 out of 188
Height: 2,362ft | 720m
Region: Black Mountains
Grid ref: SO206243

Pen Allt-mawr is the second mountain on a 7 mountain loop in the Black Mountains, starting out just above Crickhowell. After completing a decent chunk of ascent to summit Pen Cerrig-calch the walk to Pen Allt-mawr is gentle and follows a well-walked path.

Pen Allt-mawr
The gentle path towards the distinctive summit of Pen Allt-mawr. | Tamron Adaptall SP 24-48 @ 24mm, f11.

At a couple of points the path is exposed to winds from the West and even in August I was hit by some very strong gusts, so take care on this parts and make sure you’re wearing good boots on the wet and often stony paths at this point.

Pen Cerrig Calch
Looking back to Pen Cerrig-calch on the narrow pathway towards the summit of Pen Allt-mawr. | Tamron Adaptall SP 24-48 @ 24mm, f11.

Views back are impressive, taking in Pen Cerrig-calch, the Sugar Loaf, Skirrid and other hills in the area, as well as the tail-end of this loop. As you approach the trig point you have a quick bit of steeper ascent, but nothing challenging. Once on top you have extensive views in every direction.

Pen Allt-mawr
The stony trig point and vast views. | Tamron Adaptall SP 24-48 @ 24mm, f11.
Pen Allt-mawr
Looking down from the mountain range you have the 508m Mynydd Llangorse, left, and 609m hill Mynydd Troed in front. | Tamron Adaptall SP 24-48 @ 24mm, f11.

This is a mountain definitely worth walking, not just because it has a photogenic trig point and rocky summit, but also because the views are so extensive across the rest of the Black Mountains. The whole loop opens up for you, and the views back towards famous hills in Monmouthshire just add to the sense of scale.

Pen Allt-mawr
The Black Mountains. | Tamron Adaptall SP 24-48 @ 24mm, f11.

You could turn back at this point, but I think by this point it is easier to keep heading forward to take in the rest of the route.

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