Radnor Forest

Range Of Mountains, Range Of Hills in Radnorshire

Wales

Radnor Forest

Radnor Forest, located in Radnorshire, Wales, is a range of hills and mountains that spans across an area of approximately 20 square miles. It is situated within the Radnorshire Hills, which are part of the wider Cambrian Mountains range. The forest is known for its diverse landscape, consisting of both wooded areas and open moorland.

The highest peak in Radnor Forest is Black Mixen, which stands at an elevation of 650 meters (2,130 feet). This challenging climb offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Other prominent peaks within the range include Bache Hill and Great Rhos.

The forest is characterized by its rich biodiversity, with a variety of flora and fauna inhabiting the area. It is home to several rare and protected species, including the red kite, peregrine falcon, and the silver-studded blue butterfly. The diverse habitats within Radnor Forest, such as heathland, woodland, and streams, provide a haven for wildlife.

Visitors to Radnor Forest can explore a network of well-maintained footpaths and trails, which allow for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. The forest also offers opportunities for wildlife watching, birdwatching, and nature photography. Additionally, there are several picnic areas and viewpoints where visitors can relax and take in the stunning scenery.

Overall, Radnor Forest in Radnorshire is a picturesque and ecologically important area, offering a range of outdoor activities and opportunities for nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Welsh countryside.

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Radnor Forest Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.265938/-3.1767799 or Grid Reference SO1963. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The power-line at the top of Bach Brook dingle, Radnor Forest.

The top post of the power-line that runs up Bach dingle and seems to stop abruptly with nowhere for the cable to continue on to - doesn't obviously carry on to the communications mast on Black Mixen. The Whimble (599 m./1965 ft.) is the summit in the distance.

Peter Evans

Fair warning !. Ystol Bach Brook

Ample warning given against crossing the fence-line at the top of Ystol Bach Brook dingle. The path/drovers road runs down the dingle and skirts the Whimble (588m./1965ft.) in the distance before running down to New Radnor.

Peter Evans

Ystol Bach Brook dingle path

The path/drovers road that runs down the dingle and skirts the Whimble (588m./1965ft.) in the distance before running down to New Radnor.

Peter Evans

Trig point on Bache Hill

Mr M Evison

The Whimble

Mr M Evison

Radnor forest track

Mr M Evison

Path below the Whimble in Radnor Forest

This area is still depicted as a forestry plantation on my O/S map but has obviously been clear felled for a few years now. The views open up towards the heathery slopes of the Whimble.

Jeremy Bolwell

Big shed between Whimble and Bache Hill in Radnor Forest

Lambing shed I guess. Sheltered spot between two domed hills.

Jeremy Bolwell

Approach up Whimble's eastern slopes

When I see a hill like this I just have to get up it to the top. Sensational little summit. (Like a mini version of the Sugar Loaf at Abergavenny - though I really hesitate to compare it with anywhere else). Now firmly one of my fave spots. Repays the effort to ascend tenfold.

Jeremy Bolwell

View to Whinyard Rocks from Whimble's eastern slopes

A small flock of sure footed sheep are grazing in and over the rocky outcrop. At first I thought they might be goats. One of the tumuli on the southern end of Bache Hill stands out against the blue sky.

Jeremy Bolwell

Mountain goats, sorry sheep on Whinyard Rocks

This flock are obviously having fun. Two or three adventurous ones are standing on the rocks of this outcrop, sunning themselves and confidently taking in the views.

Jeremy Bolwell

On top of the tumulus on the summit of Whimble in Radnor Forest

The summit area of the Whimble offers extensive all round views. It is 599m above sea level so you can identify many significant summits across South Wales and the Welsh Marches and into distant Mid Wales. The tumulus is a Bronze Age burial mound, one of several in the area, (where at least 19 have been identified), including many on the valley floor (now long ploughed out but showing up in aerial photos in the right conditions), not just on high points on skylines etc. The three distinctive gullies on Great Rhos running down into Harley Dingle are called the Three Riggles, a nice colloquial nickname.

Jeremy Bolwell

View eastwards from Whimble's summit in spring

It is a hazy and bright March morning following a heavy frost so the views are far from crystal clear, however Titterstone Clee Hill over at Ludlow stands out on the skyline. I can recall years ago standing on high ground in the Mortimer Forest such as Mary's Knoll and looking yearningly westwards and wondering what that distant but distinctive summit could be. Now I'm on it, looking back.

Jeremy Bolwell

View south westwards across the summit of Whimble in Radnor Forest

From here, even on a hazy spring morning, most of the significant peaks and mountains of the region can be identified. The Brecon Beacons Pen y Fan and Corn Du for example and their neighbours the Black Mountains of Monmouthshire. And it surprised me how close they seem.

Jeremy Bolwell

View into Harley Dingle from Whimble

The Army or MOD operates a Firing and Test Range in this deep valley and the permanent white noticeboards and temporary red flags indicate when firing is taking place and for walkers to stay away out of any danger. As I passed I heard several very loud bangs (imagine a fridge being dropped off a high rise block into an empty skip) and their reverberations, but I observed no flash-bangs, sparks or satisfying clouds of black smoke. They always seemed to occur when I least expected them. The sheep in the area paid no heed but one or two made me utter the odd squeaky voiced oath and check that I was still intact.

Jeremy Bolwell

A sheltered niche on the western end of Whimble's summit

It's a sunny March morning but the wind at 599 metres is fresh so this little dip or niche offers a suntrap in which to dive for a brew and a sit down amidst whinberry, heather and mountain grass. The views are grand indeed in scope and scale.

Jeremy Bolwell

Tumulus or burial mound on Whimble

The Bronze Age burial mound is large and distinctive and is the only one selected for this special summit. On the skyline a further two are visible on the southern end of Bache Hill. In all, so far, some 19 such burial mounds exist in the Radnor Forest area, both on significant summits and skylines (intended to be very conspicuous from below and from other such sites at height) and also in the valley floor, where although they have been ploughed out they show up in crop marks in dry summers. Some experts have put forward the idea that by the Bronze Age the landscape was in effect 'a ritual landscape' with a complex system of burial mounds often in line of sight to each other. Imagine on a dark night seeing people process up to all such monuments with lit torches maybe and the whole topography comprising little points of light, first moving then stationary...

Jeremy Bolwell