Hay Bluff
This is a popular climb to Hay Bluff hill in the Black Mountains. The hill straddles the border of Wales and England. Most of the area lies within Powys with the eastern flanks in Herefordshire. From the summit there are wonderful views over the Wye Valley and the Welsh Mountains.
This walk starts from the Hay Bluff car park located just half a mile north west of the hill. However, you could also start the walk from Hay on Wye. Just follow the Offa's Dyke Path south from the town centre for about three miles and you will reach the hill. The path passes Cusop and Tack Wood before arriving at the car park and Stone Circle at the foot of the climb.
The route to the 677 m (2,221 ft) passes Ffynnon y Parc on a good path. You can further explore the area as the entire hill is designated as open country so walkers have the freedom to roam at will.
You can extend your walk by continuing south along the Offa's Dyke Path to the nearby Black Mountain South Top and the Hatterrall Ridge. Also nearby is a similar short climb to Lord Hereford's Knob (Twmpa).
Postcode
HR3 5RJ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsHay Bluff Ordnance Survey Map 
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Hay Bluff Open Street Map 
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Hay Bluff OS Map 
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Hay Bluff Open Street Map 
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Explore the Area with Google Street View 
Pubs/Cafes
The little village of Craswell is located a couple of miles east of the hill summit. Here you can pay a visit to the White Haywood Farm Restaurant. The restaurant is set in a converted 400 year old stone barn at the foot of the Black Hill. It's a splendid place, serving high quality food with home grown and local produce. You can find them at postcode HR2 0PL.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The Gospel Pass cycle route runs past the car park. It runs along the highest road pass in Wales from Hay on Wye to the nearby Llanthony Priory.
The circular Cat's Back Walk passes close to the hill. The wonderful knife edge ridge walk is located just to the south east of the hill at Black Hill. It's a popular walk, giving great views into England on one side, and Wales on the other. There's a handy car park just south of the ridge or you could start from the pretty little village of Michaelchurch Escley where there's a nice riverside pub to visit.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Brecon Beacons Walks and Black Mountains Walks pages.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Hay Bluff. Black Mountains Hay-on-Wye
Hay-on-Wye from summit. Looking along the line of Offa's Dyke and the area by Tack Wood
Hay Bluff escarpment. The figure of a lone paraglider contemplates the view
The Brecon Beacons Way long distance footpath approaching the trig point on Hay Bluff.
Summit of Hay Bluff
Offa's Dyke Path
Paragliders on Hay Bluff
Approaching Hay Bluff Well laid path that Offa's Dyke walkers use to approach Hay Bluff - off piste as it were.