Gallt yr Ancr

Gallt yr Ancr, or 'The Hill of the Anchorite', looms over Meifod with quiet dignity. While its height is modest, its steep, wooded ascent provides a punchy workout and a vantage point that makes the Vyrnwy valley look like a particularly well-curated model railway set.

• •The hill's name stems from the tradition of anchorites—religious hermits—who lived in seclusion on these slopes to escape the distractions of the medieval world.
• •It overlooks the village of Meifod, which served as a significant ecclesiastical center and the burial site for the powerful Kings of Powys.
• •The summit offers a clear view of the River Vyrnwy's meanders, showcasing the classic geography of the Welsh Marches in one tidy panoramic sweep.
• •Despite its proximity to the road, the dense canopy on the lower slopes can feel remarkably isolated, making it easy to imagine you're a 12th-century monk.
• •The path is steep enough that your calves will start a formal protest, usually right at the moment you realize you're being outpaced by a particularly nonchalant sheep.