Lord Hereford's Knob

Lord Hereford’s Knob, also known as Twmpa, is a mountain in south-east Wales. It stands on the great northwest scarp of the Black Mountains, close to the border with England. The mountain lies about seven kilometres south of Hay-on-Wye and near the Gospel Pass, where a minor road runs between Hay and the Llanthony Valley. A ridge called Darren Lwyd stretches south-east from the summit for nearly two kilometres. The lower slopes are formed from mudstone, while the upper parts consist of sandstone layers. The mountain is worth the journey for its dramatic geology and open access. Its rocks date from the Devonian period, with a clear boundary between mudstone and sandstone marked by the Ffynnon Limestone. Landslips scar the lower flanks, showing the hill’s shifting past. Walkers can roam freely across the entire hill under the CRoW Act, with bridleways and byways almost encircling it. The most popular route starts at Gospel Pass, crosses the summit, and heads southwest towards Rhos Dirion. Visitors find wide views over the Black Mountains and beyond. The summit offers a clear vantage point, while the ridge to the south-east provides a longer walk. The tracks are well used but not crowded, giving a sense of quiet exploration. The mountain has also inspired art, appearing in a song by Half Man Half Biscuit and a poem by Allen Ginsberg. Its open spaces and striking geology make it a memorable place to walk.