Mynydd y Cwm [Coed Cwm]

Standing at a mathematically satisfying 1,000 feet, this sturdy hill serves as a sentinel over the Ebbw Valley. It offers a fascinating blend of industrial grit and rugged moorland, acting as a scenic gateway to the higher peaks of the Brecon Beacons.

• •The hill stands at a precise 304.8 meters, making it an ideal 'thousand-footer' for hikers who find the metric system lacks a certain round-number satisfaction.
• •It overlooks the site of the former Ebbw Vale Steelworks, providing a bird's-eye view of how nature is slowly reclaiming one of Wales's most significant industrial landmarks.
• •The name Mynydd y Cwm translates to 'Mountain of the Valley,' a description so literal it suggests the local name-givers were having a very uninspired day.
• •Its lower slopes are home to the Coed Cwm woodland, which offers a rare bit of shelter before the path breaks out onto the exposed and frequently wind-battered ridge.
• •Navigating the summit involves dodging several 'false summits' and a collection of local sheep who seem to find your heavy breathing and expensive Gore-Tex deeply amusing.