Pen Cerrig-calch

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

Go via Crug Hywel, then continue up the broad shoulder to the summit plateau. Return over Table Mountain or descend by a different valley path for a circuit.

Worth knowing

• The name means limestone rock head, and the cap of limestone on top of old red sandstone is unusual and obvious underfoot.
• Featureless in cloud. Take a compass and know your bearings.
• A proper mountain day; allow four hours and carry food and water.

What you’ll see

Limestone pavement fragments, a huge view over the Usk valley, and the ridge running on to Waun Fach.

Background

The limestone capping is a remnant of rock layers that once covered the whole area and have since eroded away everywhere else nearby.