The Radnor Forest/Fforest Clud

The Radnor Forest is not a forest but a mountain range which includes the highest point in the county of Radnorshire, Powys, the peak of Great Rhos. The term “forest” is used in an older sense of “hunting ground”, although extensive tracts of woodland do remain on the slopes and in the valleys. I first visited the famous “Water Break its Neck” waterfall decades ago and returned many times before thinking about where all the other trails might lead. It was only through studying the OS map that I discovered huge rocky ravines and upland plateaux within reach of the familiar canyon, which in recent years I’ve devoted a lot of my time in Wales to exploring in person. Close to the main body of the Radnor Forest are the interesting scalloped ridges of Llandegley Rocks, an ancient volcanic outcrop and the remains of the 12th century castle Crug Eryr from which there are dramatic views over the Radnor landscape.