Mynydd Epynt

Mynydd Epynt is a broad upland plateau in Mid Wales, Powys. It lies between the Usk, Irfon and Wye valleys, with its western edge east of the A483 road. The land rises to 478 metres at its highest point and drains south to the River Usk or north-east to the Wye. Several rivers cut across the plateau, including the Afon Honddu and the Duhonw. Since 1940 it has formed part of the Sennybridge Training Area, Wales’ largest military range. The area carries traces of ancient routes and Bronze Age monuments. Surveys have recorded cairns, stone circles and a prehistoric monument complex near Ynys Hir and Cornelau Uchaf. Four drovers’ inns once served travellers on the northern slopes, one of which, the Drover’s Arms, still stands restored within the training area. A Welsh-speaking community once lived here, with its own school, chapels and customs such as signalling need with a white sheet. The Ministry of Defence took over in 1940, later building an artificial village and a conservation centre at Canolfan Epynt. Visitors today find open moorland and restricted access inside the training zone. The Epynt Way circles the perimeter as a multi-use path for walkers, riders and cyclists. Outside the range, the landscape remains open country with glacial till and hill peat. The area hosted motorcycle road races from 1948 to 1953 and is set to return as a race circuit. A long-distance path and wartime relics offer quiet exploration amid sweeping views of the Welsh uplands.