Llandovery Walkers are Welcome: Walk 8: a circuit of Mynydd Mallaen
This is a challenging walk, and starts and ends in Cilycwm, a village which owes much of its
character to the Cattle Drovers of old, and where the pebbled street gutters which served as
drinking troughs for the animals are still to be seen today.
There is limited, but usually sufficient, parking available in Cilycwm.
This walks offers magnificent views both of the Upper Towy Valley and across to the Black
Mountain above Llyn y Fan Fach.
The route begins by following a clear track which would have been familiar to the Drovers
on their way across the mountain, but the second part of our route is less well travelled, and
will need some accurate map-and-compass work: it leads to a descent of magnificent beauty
along a narrow spur and so down to the valley near Eithin, before reaching a forestry road
which leads to Cilycwm.
Terrain: field paths and stiles: an ancient Green Lane: moorland tracks, and forestry roads.
Distance: 13.5 kms.
Ascent: 330m.
Time: 5 - 6 hrs.
Grade: moderate to difficult, with a high level of fitness required on the ascent up to the
plateau, particular care needed on the return route across the open central plateau, and good
balance and confidence required on the final descent along the spur. If there is any doubt
about your competence to do cope with these demands, then do not attempt this route.
Map: OS Explorer187: Llandovery / Llanymddyfri
Do not attempt this walk in foul or misty weather if you are unable to use a map and
compass competently.
1. From opposite the Parish Church of St. Michael’s, Cilycwm, take the narrow lane past
the pink Welsh chapel of Capel y Groes, and cross the first of a number of stiles
(seven at the last count!) on a well-marked track to the remains of the house of
Morgan Rhys, a famed Welsh hymn-writer and school master, which are to be seen
alongside a narrow country road. Continue L along is road for 200m before reaching a
T-junction, where you will see a stile and gate R. 1.5 kms.
2. Cross the stile and follow the green lane N. under trees, then make your way across an
open field and so onto a clear track contouring ever uphill as you go and keeping the
valley of Nant Fran on your L, until you pass through two gates and reach a flatter
area on the spur overlooking Cwm Merchon, where a footpath comes in through a
gate on the R. 2 kms.
3. Turn L here, and follow the path as it contours around and under the summit of Rhiw
Cilgwyn and so emerges onto the flat open plateau of Mynydd Mallaen. Follow this
path W and on to Rhyd Galed and then N to Rhyd Ddu. 3.5kms.
This is a good spot to have a short break, and to prepare yourself for the next leg.
4. Follow the path E, which is marked on the map but is not necessarily clear on the
ground, and continue across the plateau, taking care not to stray too far N down to the
stream. and then turning SE and make for the start of the magnificent spur which
extends proudly between the valley of the Afon Gwenlais to the N and that of the
Afon Merchon to the S.3 kms.
5. Make your way very carefully along the clear path descending the spur, cross an open
green meadow as you approach the bottom, take the footbridge across the Gwenlais,
and then make for the Forestry Dept. road at Eithin cottage. 1.5 kms.
6. Follow the Forestry road E towards Cilycwm, taking the Right of Way around
Penstacan, and so back to Cilycwm via Glangwenlais farm and S along the minor
road. 2 kms.