Pumlumon Fawr from Eisteddfa Gurig
Ceredigion
Pumlumon Fawr, or Plynlimon, is the 752m summit of the Pumlumon massif, the high, boggy dome of the Cambrian Mountains where the Severn, the Wye and the Rheidol all rise, and dogs need a lead for almost the whole route because sheep graze the mountain end to end. The easiest ascent starts at Eisteddfa Gurig, a hill farm at the highest point of the A44. The route follows a farm track beside a stream, passes derelict lead mine workings, then climbs on a sheep track and fainter mountain path to the summit, where cairns lead to a trig point and stone shelters. Walking Britain gives it as an 8.1km out and back with about 333 metres of ascent. The plateau is rough, wet and pathless in places, and on a clear day the view takes in Cardigan Bay, Nant y Moch Reservoir and much of mid Wales.
This is a dog friendly hill walk for fit dogs, but a lead walk for most of the way. Sheep graze the whole mountain and lambs are on the hill in spring, so dogs need to be on a lead near stock and there is little chance of real off-lead freedom. The stream beside the track gives water on the way up, though there is nothing on the summit and no shade anywhere. Farm dogs are kept at the yard where you park, so keep your own dog close as you set off. Parking is in the farmyard with an honesty box, and there are no facilities on route.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.1 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 3 hr 20 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Moorland
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- None on route. Nearest food and pubs in Ponterwyd and Llangurig.
- Parking
- Eisteddfa Gurig farm parking beside the A44, private, cash honesty box.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Pumlumon Fawr from Eisteddfa Gurig, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in CeredigionFrequently Asked Questions
Is Pumlumon Fawr from Eisteddfa Gurig dog friendly?
Pumlumon Fawr from Eisteddfa Gurig is a good option for dogs that are fit and happy on open mountain terrain, earning a 7/10 on our dog-friendly rating. The route is 8.1km out and back with around 333 metres of ascent, so it suits confident, well-exercised dogs rather than puppies or those new to hill walking. Bear in mind there are no facilities on route and no shade anywhere on the exposed plateau.
Can dogs be off lead at Pumlumon Fawr from Eisteddfa Gurig?
Realistically, very little — sheep graze the mountain from end to end, and lambs are on the hill in spring, so dogs need to be on a lead for almost the entire route. This is primarily a lead walk, and owners should be prepared for that from the moment they arrive at the farmyard parking area, where farm dogs are kept.
What should I know before visiting Pumlumon Fawr from Eisteddfa Gurig with my dog?
The plateau is rough, wet and pathless in places, so sturdy paws and a sure-footed dog will help. The stream beside the track provides drinking water on the way up, but there is nothing at the summit, so bringing your own water is a sensible precaution. Parking is in the Eisteddfa Gurig farmyard with a cash honesty box, and the nearest food and pubs are in Ponterwyd and Llangurig.
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