Llyswen and Boughrood
Two villages on opposite banks of the Wye, linked into a loop, with the Black Mountains along the whole southern horizon.
- Distance
- 3.7 mi / 6 km
- Time
- 2 hr 5
- Ascent
- 160 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Shape
- Circular
Where it is
The circle shows the general area, not the exact start. Use the directions link below to get to the car park itself. Contours and paths shown are OpenTopoMap, drawn from OpenStreetMap data.
The route
Follow the Wye Valley Walk downstream from Llyswen, cross at the bridge near Boughrood and return on the far bank and lanes. Straightforward with good waymarking on the trail section.
Worth knowing
- The bridge is the only crossing for several miles, so plan the loop around it.
- Fishing beats line this stretch; keep to the paths and give anglers room.
- Best in early autumn when the light comes low across the water meadows.
What you’ll see
The Wye, water meadows, and the long wall of the Black Mountains to the south.
Background
Llyswen means the white court, and tradition links it to a llys or princely court of the kings of Brycheiniog. Boughrood had a castle guarding the crossing, of which very little remains.