Gwaunceste Hill

This rounded moorland summit sits on the southern fringes of the Radnor Forest. Far less visited than the higher plateau to the north, it provides a straightforward walk over soft grass and heather. Its prominence as a Marilyn rewards hikers with expansive views over the Lugg Valley towards the Shropshire Hills.

• •The name derives from the Welsh gwaun, meaning moorland or heath, and ceste, which refers to a swelling or basket-like shape, describing the undulating nature of the high ground here.
• •The hill is part of the Radnor Forest, an area that served as a royal hunting ground in the Middle Ages. Despite the name, the terrain is primarily open, high-altitude moorland rather than dense woodland.
• •The summit is marked by a triangulation pillar, providing a clear focal point on a broad, grassy ridge that can be difficult to navigate in the thick mists common to Central Wales.
• •From the top, walkers can look south past the border town of Kington to see the long, dark escarpment of the Black Mountains framing the horizon.
• •In keeping with the rest of the Radnor Forest, the most significant threat to your solitude on Gwaunceste is likely a startled red grouse or a particularly judgemental sheep.