Mapping Mountains – Trimble Surveys – Mynydd Epynt

18.05.25  Pen y Crug (SO 029 303) 

Pen y Crug (SO 029 303)

Hill celebrations are always wonderful occasions.  They are culminations of what for many people are years of ticking off hills in a list.  They are also occasions when old and new friends meet, and if combined with beautiful weather, as today was, they can be a shear joy to experience.

Today was the finish of Mark Trengove’s Welsh Hump completion.  For the uninitiated, a Hump is a 100m prominence hill.  There are 368 qualifying Welsh hills that meet this criterion and the one Mark had singled out for his last was Pen y Crug, which connects with the Mynydd Epynt group of hills.  Although much of this hill range is out of bounds due to a military training area, Pen y Crug is positioned on the southern periphery and well away from any out of bounds land.

I had been up the hill once before, in September 2017, when Lou and I ascended from the south-east on a good track that turned to a friendly green path leading up through the autumnal colour to the trig pillar that sits atop the summit.  On this day the tops of the higher Beacons were just skimmed with cloud, otherwise the hill gave excellent views.  Today the sky was an unadulterated blue with skylarks singing above and a welcome slight breeze cooling proceedings.  It was a perfect day for a hill celebration.

Mark drove from Mold to Welshpool, from where I then drove south to the car park at the base of the hill to its north.  This was close to its bwlch and gave me a chance to experience the hill from a different perspective and approach, which I always enjoy.

Our meeting time was midday and we arrived with 20 minutes to spare.  Soon cars started to appear, Rick and Jenny, Brent Lynam, Alex Cameron and Tony Jenkins soon arrived, followed by Barry Smith, Chris Bienkowski, Adrian Rayner and Keith Anderson.  It was good to see all, many who I had not seen for quite sometime.

I made an excuse to wander off to take a few photos of the hill, and asked Mark to keep everyone at bay for a few minutes; this gave me opportunity to head in to an adjacent field to get a few photographs, but also gave opportunity to gain a few minutes on everyone else and sneak away for a leisurely plod up the path leading to the open hillside above.

It felt good to be out in the sunshine, slowly wandering taking in the surrounds with skylarks singing, bees buzzing and bluebells and greenery all around, and all with the backdrop of the blue sky.  The path led up with greened hedgerows either side and manicured grazed fields beyond.  The enclosed path gave views directly toward the higher hill, which loomed above in a gently curved profile.

The path led to a gate which gave access to the open upper hill, from where an earthen dried path contoured up giving extended views past hillsides of bluebells to the light grayed ridges of the Black Mountains away to the east. 

The view east toward the Black Mountains

My pace was leisurely and all too soon I was caught by the throng of people following.  We soon crested the ridge that affords views south toward the higher Beacons.  Beyond the greened path led toward the ancient embankment and ditches that encircle the upper hill. 

I was soon caught up

Arriving at the summit we waited for Mark, who sauntered up behind us.  As he approached the high point there was a guard of honour waiting for him, with raised walking poles leading him over the summit of the hill toward the trig pillar.  He’d completed the Welsh Humps.  

Mark approaching the summit of Pen y Crug

All hill lists can take you on a journey to places that otherwise you would not visit; this is part of their appeal.  There is of course the small bonus that hills can afford tremendous experience and I’m sure the Welsh Humps have given Mark some excellent days on the hill. 

The guard of honour leading Mark to the summit

The next hour was one of those special occasions on the hill, with lots of conversation small glasses of Welsh whiskey, cake, strawberries and lots of nibbles and photos. 

Mark celebrating his completion of the Welsh Humps

During our time on the summit someone mentioned that Pen y Crug was also Adrian’s 7,000 Tump.  Another remarkable achievement and soon Adrian was beside the trig pillar kindly posing for a few photos.  He had kept this quiet, allowing for Mark’s celebration. 

Adrian at the summit of his 7,000th Tump

After we had finished off much of the celebratory food and drink things started to be packed away and as we waved Rick and Jen off down the hill, the rest of us followed ten minutes or so afterward. 

A nice touch brought by Mark for cake adornment

Leaving the summit we headed north down the upper part of the hill until connecting with the earthen ramparts, and then followed these around the hill, before connecting with our inward route and following this back down through the heat of the afternoon to the awaiting cars below. 

At the summit of Pen y Crug, from left to right we have; Bryher, Rick, Jenny, Barry, Alex, Keith, Adrian, Tony, Brent, Chris and Mark

It had been an excellent time on the hill and was rounded off with a visit to a pub on the outskirts of Brecon for a good meal and more interesting conversation. 

 

Survey Result:

 

Pen y Crug 

Summit Height:  331.2m (converted to OSGM15) (previous Trimble GeoXH 6000 survey)  

Summit Grid Reference:  SO 02927 30312 (previous Trimble GeoXH 6000 survey)

Bwlch Height:  219.9m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SO 02162 30880 (LIDAR) 

Drop:  111.4m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

Dominance:  33.62% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch) (Lesser Dominant addition)

 

 

For details on the summit survey of Pen y Crug

For further details please consult the Trimble Survey Spreadsheet 

Mapping Mountains – Trimble Surveys – Mynydd Epynt

 

02.11.24  Pt. 428.9m (SO 035 449) 

Pt. 428.9m (SO 035 449)

Lack of daylight hours dictated that this was our last hill of the day.  It was 3.20pm when we set off from the narrow road that bisects this hill from its higher neighbour to the north.

At this time of year the hill consists of grass and dulled autumnal bracket.  Green tracks lead across the hill, bisecting at points, giving both farmers and hill walkers ease of passage.  The underfoot conditions and the rolling nature of the land hereabouts give a semblance of gentleness to the hill.  It was an ideal choice for our last hill of the day and would give Charles a new P30.  I had previously visited the hill in 2008 when including it in a good lengthy circuit with its higher northerly neighbour. 

Convenient place to park a car

Leaving the car I followed Charles on a green track that contoured its way around an intermediary bump.  Although there was no breeze, a slight chilled feeling pervaded the hill as late afternoon gently turned to dusk.  This only added to the quality of being out in such land. 

Heading for the hill

Wet surrounds indicated the low points of the track as it continued around a second intermediary bump, which again we bi-passed with the track contouring its way around.  From here it was only a short distance to the high point of the hill which reared up in front of us as an elongated flattish broad ridge.

Prior to visiting I had LIDAR’ed the hill and although the ten figure summit grid reference proved not to be needed, as I eventually resorted to sighting by eye, I nevertheless initially used the Trimble as a hand-held device to zero in on what LIDAR gives as the summit position. 

LIDAR image of Pt. 428.9m (SO 035 449)

However, the summit consists of numerous small bumps, a number of which vied for the high point.  It was now that I dispensed with the grid reference produced by LIDAR and sighted across the top from a number of directions before choosing what was judged as the high point.  The Trimble was soon set up gathering data. 

Charles heading for the summit

During data collection I stood away from the equipment writing all necessary detail in my surveying notebook.  Once five minutes of data were gathered and stored I walked back to the equipment, turned it off and took a few photos.  Before packing it away we were joined by an enthusiastic Tess the dog and her human companion, who unfortunately neither of us asked her name.  I had spotted her a while earlier as she ran across the hill, she was now heading toward us and asked what we were doing, having thought we may be studying ferns. 

Gathering data at the summit of Pt. 428.9m (SO 035 449)

It was lovely meeting her; she lived on a small holding near by and used this and its adjacent hill to run on.  During the conversation Tess ran this way and that, a never ending four legged bundle of enthusiastic energy jumping up to greet us whilst barking her happiness. 

At the summit

As the two of them ran off down the hill we also headed down toward the near green track, and then retraced our inward route.  The walk had taken just over an hour and by the time we arrived back at the car, dusk was setting. 

 

Survey Result:           

 

Pt. 428.9m (significant name change)  

Summit Height:  428.9m (converted to OSGM15, Trimble GeoXH 6000)

Summit Grid Reference:  SO 03592 44968 (Trimble GeoXH 6000)

Bwlch Height:  396.7m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SO 03648 45409 & SO 03664 45405 (LIDAR)

Drop:  32.1m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

Dominance:  7.49% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)  

 

 

For further details please consult the Trimble Survey Spreadsheet

Mapping Mountains – Trimble Surveys – Mynydd Epynt

 

02.11.24  Cae Gwar y Tŷ (SO 035 495) 

LIDAR image of Cae Gwar y Tŷ (SO 035 495)

Today, Charles and I attended the funeral of Moira Brown in Builth Wells.  Moira was married to Iain for 54 years, and as well as showing our respect to Moira it was also a gesture of support on our part to Iain, who for many years was a stalwart of the hill bagging community.  After the funeral we gathered in the Greyhound Hotel for food and conversation.

Before heading back to Welshpool we ventured to the hills.  Over the last week a high pressure system had been firmly stuck over the country, giving settled, albeit grey skies with little direct sunshine.  Such conditions can give cloud inversions on the higher hills, but can also give murky conditions with cloud nestled on the lower hills.  We planned on doing two small walks, with our second walk taking in a hill listed as a Pedwar, which is in the 400m height band, and thankfully on our approach to Builth all such hills were clear of cloud.  Our first walk took in a hill lower in height and with only a slight diversion on a narrow lane; it was on our way to the higher hill. 

Just sufficient space off the narrow lane not to obstruct other vehicles

The Tithe map gives the name of the field where the high point of this hill is situated as Cae Gwar y Tŷ.  A fine field name and one that is appropriate to use for listing purposes.  We wanted as quick an ascent as possible as daylight hours were quickly fading, therefore having LIDAR’ed the hill I decided that although I had the Trimble, I would forgo surveying its summit. 

Charles approaching the summit

The high point of the hill is positioned close to a minor road and in the main protected from any direct ascent from its east by hedges.  However, there is now a copse of woodland that stretches from the lane adjacent to grazing fields toward its summit.  The entrance to the woodland is open and opposite there is just enough space to pull a car off the lane on to the grass verge.  This was our starting point. 

The Trimble GeoXH 6000 positioned at the summit of Cae Gwar y Tŷ

It only took a few minutes to get our gear together and enter the wood.  Low branches were avoided as we made our way through and between the trees, and we were soon straddling the low hung barb wired fence and standing on the summit of the hill. 

Charles beside the Larch tree near the summit

Although not planning to Trimble the summit I set the equipment up on my rucksack to at least take a few photos of it.  During this Charles headed in to the wood for our descent, but before heading down, he stood beside an elegantly coloured Larch tree for the customary autumnal photograph. 

Heading down through the wood to the lane below

All that remained was the walk back through the wood to the awaiting car, avoiding any low hanging branches on our way.  It had taken seven minutes to visit this hill and that included taking a number of photographs whilst on or near the summit. 

 

Survey Result:

 

Cae Gwar y Tŷ (significant name change)      

Summit Height:  232.8m (LIDAR) (significant height revision)

Summit Grid Reference:  SO 03502 49537 & SO 03504 49535 (LIDAR) (summit relocation)

Col Height:  198.4m (LIDAR)

Col Grid Reference:  SO 03391 49083 (LIDAR)

Drop:  34.4m (LIDAR)

Dominance:  14.786% (LIDAR) 

 

 

For further details please consult the Trimble Survey Spreadsheet

 

 

Mapping Mountains – Trimble Surveys – Mynydd Epynt

25.08.22  Twmpath (SO 084 432) 

It had been a long time since having the pleasure of Darrin and Lisa’s company on a hill.  Many years ago we were out most weekends visiting a plethora of Welsh hills followed by much after walk merriment in Llanidloes.  These were good times.  Today we were heading down to Theatr Brycheiniog in Brecon to see Operation Julie – A Rock Musical.  As Darrin and Lisa’s eldest son; Tom, was having physiotherapy late morning we could not set off until after midday, therefore Lisa asked me to plot a route taking about three hours over one or two hills.  This would give us time for an after walk meal before the theatre. 

Twmpath (SO 084 432)

The hill I found is positioned about Erwyd (Erwood); a small village on our route heading south to Brecon.  The forecast was for clear and dry conditions and I suspected the walk would take about three hours, four if we enjoyed the sunshine and dawdled.  The weather was indeed good and we did dawdle, albeit mainly because of my plodding pace, but why rush when it was so blissful!

The day before the walk I contacted the Wheelwright Arms; a pub next to the main road in Erwyd, asking permission to leave a car in their car park, this was duly granted and we whizzed south with Lisa at the controls driving an incredibly quiet electric car, my first experience in one.

Prior to visiting I had examined this hill via LIDAR, building up the contours at both its summit and connecting bwlch and noting the heights and positions of both.  Therefore, although I had the Trimble it wasn’t needed to produce accurate heights and positions for this hill. 

LIDAR image of Twmpath (SO 084 432)

We were walking at 1.25pm, heading up a steep narrow paved lane that leads up to Maescletwr farm.  The sun was ablaze casting a myriad of rich colour, with the blue sky almost penetratingly iridescent.  The warm weather during the summer months had left the fields parched and these shone back with a light yellowed tinge.  In patches it was similar to walking in southern Spain with crisp dried land underfoot and a constant blue sky above. 

Twyn y Garth (SO 107 437) from the ascent of Twmpath

At the farm we met Sandra Davies and her two dogs; this was an ideal excuse to rest and gather my breath.  Sandra confirmed that the hill we were heading for is known as Twmpath.  This is a name that appears on Ordnance Survey maps, but it is always good to get confirmation from a local farmer. 

Sandra Davies outside Maescletwr

Beyond the farm the paved narrow road gave way to a track that meandered up past a small disused quarry before turning in to a green path.  The upper part of this hill is on open access land and as we gained height and reached the section of greened path, the view opened up with a stunning vista further south to the heightened ridges of the Black Mountains. 

The track beyond Maescletwr

Nearing the upper part of Twmpath

The upper part of Twmpath was scattered in the most beautiful coloured bracken with late summer edging its way toward the beauty of autumn.  The dulled summer greens were giving way to brightened yellows and succulent browns, all of which added variety and a welcoming warmth to the scene. 

Nearing the top of Twmpath

A beautiful day to be on a hill

Lisa

I followed Darrin and Lisa toward the top where we rested and sat on a convenient large boulder for a welcome break and lunch, which for me consisted of a banana and two small Gold chocolate bars. 

Lunch time stop

The summit of Twmpath was only a short distance away and after both Lisa and Darrin ventured its way to confirm it higher than our lunchtime rock, I then followed.  This hill proved a marvellous place to sit, talk and take in the beauty of the land.  It was good to be out with Lisa and Darrin again, over recent years we have rarely seen each other, but as with any good friendship; time does not seem to affect the dynamic as conversation and laughter flowed.

Leaving the rock our route now followed the ridge north-westward on a delightful green path through the bracken, with floating views across and down the Wye valley looking north with the land leading toward Aberedw Hill a patchwork of colour. 

Leaving the summit of Twmpath

The ridge path eventually met the narrow lane that makes its way over from the B4520 road as it heads southward across the Epynt.  Here we joined an old green lane loosing height with mature hedgerows either side.  Two old rusted gates were negotiated as we made our way down toward Abergwenddwr; a house overlooking the stream valley below.  These old ways are now a forgotten remnant from ages gone by, they have tranquillity to them; a foretaste of what must have been an ancient beating heart connecting through a pre-industrial age. 

The green path leading down toward the narrow road

By now the strength of the sun was battering me; I’ve never been the best at coping in heat and have succumbed on more than one occasion.  Today I just put my head down and followed Darrin and Lisa as they aimed toward a series of gates on steepening ground, all of which connected the public footpath that we were following. 

Sheep on parched land

Across the fields toward the wood

Eventually our route led in to a wood, although for only a brief time the wood gave respite from the strengthening sun and added variety to an already excellent walk.  Exiting the wood we stopped for a rest and to check the map as we now had to gain height and crest our inward ridge. 

Approaching the wood

I suffered on this section but knew that taking small steps at my own steady pace would eventually get me to the top, which it did.  Before reclaiming our inward route we came across an old building, now frequented by lazing bullocks and perfectly framed by a green canopy of trees.  Its appearance gave another excuse to briefly rest.  A track led past the old building and bullocks toward a gate, which gave access to our inward route above Maescletwr farm.  From here it was a quick descent following the narrow lane down to the awaiting car. 

Twmpath from the ascent above the wood

The old barn

At the car I changed out of my walking gear, whilst Lisa and Darrin headed in to the Wheelwright Arms, a few minutes later we were sitting outside in lovely late afternoon sunshine eating good pub grub whilst getting rehydrated.  It was only a short distance from here to Brecon.  The SatNav and an enquiry with a local soon took us to Theatr Brycheiniog for the evening’s entertainment and Operation Julie - A Rock Musical proved very enjoyable.

The theatre in Brecon is positioned next to the canal which on such a beautiful evening added a tranquil scene to the music and mayhem of Britain’s largest LSD seizure happening inside the salubrious surrounds of the theatre.  It proved an excellent day with a good hill, beautiful weather, a good pub meal, a very enjoyable rock musical and all in excellent company. 

 

Survey Result:

 

Twmpath

Summit Height:  280.7m (LIDAR)

Summit Grid Reference:  SO 08465 43263 (LIDAR)

Bwlch Height:  259.2m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SO 08071 43457 (LIDAR)

Drop:  21.6m (LIDAR)

Dominance:  7.68% (LIDAR)

 

 

For further details please consult the Trimble Survey Spreadsheet

 

  

Mapping Mountains – Trimble Surveys – Mynydd Epynt

30.12.19  Noethgrug (SN 837 373, not Trimbled) and Mynydd Bwlch y Groes (SN 868 356)  

Mynydd Bwlch y Groes (SN 868 356)

Visiting the hills of Mynydd Epynt between Christmas and New Year is becoming an annual tradition.  The land comprising the majority of this hill range is sadly out of bounds for much of the year due to military occupation.  However, all people deserve a holiday, and whilst the military are away this land becomes a quiet place, with just an occasional farmer spreading feed for grazing sheep and a rogue hillwalker or two.

Today we planned on visiting two Pedwar hills; Noethgrug and Mynydd Bwlch y Groes, with two 300m P30s as optional extras.  We were walking by 10.00am starting from the upper reaches of the Nant Gwennol valley where a forest track gained height up in to the misted realm of the conifer plantation.

The Nant Gwennol valley

Mist and conifers are well suited, neither are my favourites, but when combined they give an isolated solitude where darkened shapes of regimented trees merge.  Having gained height we left the main forest track and headed toward the summit on a narrow track which soon deposited us back on to the main forest track.

Leaving the main forest track

It was now time for a bite to eat as the next part of the walk involved tree bashing and following a ten figure grid reference toward the high point of Noethgrug with the aid of a hand-held GPS.

The outer trees gave some form of protection toward the inner, with the latter dark and dead with little greenery.  Patches of greenery only emerged the higher we got, with the summit beside an odd patch of green squeezed in amongst a mass of conifered branches.

The Trimble was set up beside the summit half way up a tree with the measurement offset noted between its internal antenna and the ground below.  There wasn’t much hope of it ever achieving the 0.1m accuracy level before data should be logged and after a few minutes I switched it off, packed it away and followed my two companions further in to the forest as we tried to find an old path back to the main forest track.

At the summit of Noethgrug

The old path was found, it had not been maintained and the trees soon enveloped us again.  Nearing the main forest track we came upon a few trees encrusted in moss.  Standing with branches sprayed out and greened with winter light adding to the background mist.  I stood and looked, a moment to savour before the next few miles on the continuation of the forest track.

Moss encrusted trees

We stopped where a narrower path led toward the summit of the first of the two optional 300m P30s.  We knew by now that time did not permit a visit as there was still a few miles to go to the top of our last hill; Mynydd Bwlch y Groes.

On the forest track to the north of Noethgrug

The forest track took us on to a paved road with the Epynt red flag flapping in the slight breeze, I took a few photos and we then continued.  A series of paved roads now took us over a slight ridge and up toward the public road that speeds its way beside the summit of Mynydd Bwlch y Groes.

One of the landmarks of the Epynt

Greeting us at the junction where the public road heads southward were signs for Dixie’s Corner; an unusual name so close to a Welsh summit.  The Epynt can be a surreal place to visit, with much of it out of bounds, but tranquillity can still be found, although the occasional passing vehicle as we marched up the road toward the triangulation pillar atop Mynydd Bwlch y Groes broke the silence and added to the surreal element as they quickly approached and disappeared again in to the mist.

An unusual name to find near the summit of a Welsh hill

Reaching the summit was welcome and gave me the opportunity to at least survey one summit or bwlch for my endeavours.  The Trimble was soon set up atop my rucksack gathering its allotted data.  During data collection I stood with my two companions and chatted and only stopped doing so after 11 minutes of data were gathered and stored.

Gathering data beside the trig pillar of Mynydd Bwlch y Groes

We left the summit and retraced our way back toward Dixie’s Corner and its near large barns and then headed westward down a wide track which shot downward in a military style straight line.  At its bottom there was now height to regain, again on the track, this was unwelcome at the end of the walk, but it had to be done.

Down from the hill

The track led us to an enclosed lane, passing a large old house on the way.  The old lane forever lost height fording the stream at its bottom before the last bit of torturous uphill back to the awaiting car.

LIDAR summit image of Mynydd Bwlch y Groes

LIDAR bwlch image of Mynydd Bwlch y Groes

Postscript

Since surveying these hills full LIDAR coverage is now available.  The LIDAR (Light Detection & Ranging) technique produced highly accurate height and positional data that is now freely available for England and Wales.  Consequently the numerical details for these hills have been analysed using this technique, and where appropriate LIDAR has been used in preference to that produced by the Trimble.

Survey Result:

Noethgrug 

Summit Height:  410.4m (LIDAR)

Summit Grid Reference:  SN 83719 37381 (LIDAR)

Bwlch Height:  293.3m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SN 84889 39045 (LIDAR)

Drop:  117.1m (LIDAR)

Dominance:  28.54% (LIDAR)

Mynydd Bwlch y Groes

Summit Height:  441.9m (LIDAR)

Summit Grid Reference:  SN 86898 35691 (LIDAR) (summit relocation)

Bwlch Height:  305.05m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SN 88817 38632 (LIDAR)

Drop:  136.9m (LIDAR) (Submarilyn deletion)

Dominance:  30.97% (LIDAR)

For further details please consult the Trimble Survey Spreadsheet