Twyn Disgwylfa

Twyn Disgwylfa translates as 'Watchtower Hill,' though today the only things being watched are the local sheep and your own shaky navigation. It is a modest hump on the fringe of the Brecon Beacons, offering cracking views of the Usk Valley for surprisingly little sweat.

• •The name suggests a history of strategic importance, likely serving as a lookout post to spot any marauders approaching the fertile valley lands below.
• •Geologically, it sits on the Old Red Sandstone characteristic of the region, ensuring the slopes remain stubbornly green and occasionally quite slippery after a light drizzle.
• •While it barely reaches 417 meters, the summit provides a panoramic perspective that makes you feel significantly more heroic than the modest climb actually warrants.
• •The hill is surrounded by a complex network of ancient farm lanes that have the unique ability to make a simple map-reading exercise feel like a cryptic puzzle.
• •Reaching the top usually involves a polite standoff with a local ram who has clearly decided that the summit area is his personal, private VIP lounge.