Pen-y-Garn Fawr is a 616m hill in Monmouthshire that does not have the prominence to be classed as an official mountain, despite being high enough. It is part of the Black Mountains range and is crossed by the Offa’s Dyke footpath.

It has two high points, with the highest 616m point not marked at all, but the lower point – called North Daren (but is actually South) – at 610m is marked by a trig point.

Pen-y-Garn Fawr
The highest point at 616m according to GPS. | Tamron Adaptall SP 24-48 @ 24mm, f11.

The hill is a gentle one, hence why it is not classed as a mountain even though it has the height, it does not have the prominence. More purple heather across the flat top, with good views South from the trig point.

Pen-y-Garn Fawr
A very photogenic trig point, shame the light was poor. | Tamron Adaptall SP 24-48 @ 24mm, f11.
Pen-y-Garn Fawr
The path continues down the ridgeway. | Tamron Adaptall SP 24-48 @ 24mm, f11.
Pen-y-Garn Fawr
A paraglider in the distance. | Tamron Adaptall SP 24-48 @ 48mm, f11.

Definitely worth a visit, especially as you get to tick off two hills in quick succession.

Pen-y-Garn Fawr
Views North-East. | Tamron Adaptall SP 24-48 @ 48mm, f11.

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