Walking Route

 

The start of the unofficial trail lies on the southeastern slopes of Plynlimon, near the summit of Pumlumon Fawr, the highest peak in the Cambrian Mountains. See Wye Gully Trail for details. The trail, if doing the full thru-hike, ascends or descends—depending on direction—to Cerrig Yr Wyn at 480 metres. Here we’re covering the section between Pont Rhydgaled​as and Cerrig Yr Wyn (trig: SN819861) as a casual day out. All distances and facts still apply to the thru-hike.

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Starting at Pont Rhydgaled, home base of the Sweet Lamb estate—a large sheep farming operation in this part of the Cambrian Mountains—we cross the road from the car park and walk through the farm. Walking north, we arc around on the path to face west toward Plynlimon. The Wye is on our right, snaking through the valley, with the high tops of Y Foel on our right (open access) and Llechwedd Hirgoed on our left—also open access.

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Continuing west on the path, cross the river and bypass the first right turn—walk past a sliver of plantation on your right. Bend around the plantation, with the river now on your left. Walk straight through the Sweet Lamb rally complex, a testing ground for rally cars and home to Rally GB. Stick to the main track—you’ll begin to climb. As you bend around Bryn Daith (498 m) on your right and enter the cwm of the Nant Lago—now on your left along with a plantation block—you’re entering the Nant Lago mine area.

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During the 18th and 19th centuries, this area was a hub for silver and lead mining, and remnants of old mine shafts, spoil heaps, and engine houses can still be spotted across the hillsides – especially here amid the Nant Lago. These remnants, which are the mountains' entrails, hint at a time when the uplands were exploited using hard manual labour to extract the minerals.

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Passing the Nant Lago Mine sunken in the gully below to your left, carry on for 600 metres and bend around the Nant Lago – arcing left. Stay on the track – you will see a battered sign saying, Wye Source Viewing Point,’ You’re now at the base of Cerrig Yr Wyn. Keep walking, the track will bend right around the high top. As it does ready yourself for an epic view of the Wye source.  

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The Way Back

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The way back is easy. You can either follow your way back the same way you came or drop down to Llyn Lygard from just above the Wye source. If heading back up to the summit you have the option of picking up part of the Pig Trail along the Maesnant, which will bring you right back to the track you walked in on. A turn left on the track and a short walk back around the first bend and your back to your car.

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Spec N Stats

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Start: Nant Y Moch    Climbing: 402 Meters    Distance: 6.5 Mile    Time: 2.5 Hours Walking Grade: 4 

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Summary

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Up until Llyn Lygard getting to the summit of Plynlimon and the Wye source from here is relatively easy. However, it's character changes at the Corrie as it becomes, for a brief time, a mountain challenge or a steep walk up. With the mighty views its invigorating and thrills you to the core. Like navigating to the Wye source via the gully route on the other side of the mountain it has a wild feel to it, which Plynlimon tends to invoke. In conclusion the Jones trail up to Plynlimon and the Wye source is for those who are fitter and more prepared to go off piste again but is full of great vistas and vibes.  

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Some Links

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River Wye. Click. Britains 5th longest river and most uninterrupted. 

Plynlimon Project. Click. A project to restore Plynlimon.

Cambrian Mountains Society. Click. All things Cambrian Mountains.

Hydrological Study. Click. Plynlimon water catchment.

Plynlimon Lead Mine. Click. Industrial history.