There is more than one Black Mountain in Wales as I’m sure most people know, just as there is more than one Sugar Loaf mountain. Many place names are the same the length and breadth of the country, which probably dates back to the time when we weren’t able to communicate in the same way we do today, which meant no one knew that a place called Rhos (for instance)already existed when they named their village. Anyway this Black mountain is part of the Brecon Beacons range of mountains and is situated towards the Western end in the county of Carmarthenshire whereas most of the Beacons are in the county of Neath and Port Talbot.
The Black mountain offers beautiful views of its own with lovely little towns surrounding the base of the mountain, plenty of walks to admire the fantastic views and a wide range of sports taking place all over the area. I have walked on the trail that runs along the top of the mountain; I have cycled up the long winding hard climb on the A4069 to the top from Brynamman and sped down the other side into Llangadog. I have also paraglided off the top into the fields below, each time marvelling at the scenic views. Whatever outdoor pursuit you like, I’m sure it can be found somewhere on the Black Mountain.
As part of the Amman Valley, legend has it that King Arthur and his knights’ hunted wild boar on the slopes of the valley, which is why the wild boar is featured on historical trail boards and metal sculptures around Ammanford. The town of Ammanford is worth a visit for its pedestrianised shopping area and nice little cafes.
There are many little villages surrounding the Blacks (as it is known to locals) there is the little village of Bethlehem where you can go every Christmas to send your Christmas cards with the postmark Bethlehem on the front of the envelope. Carreg Cennen castle is also worth a visit, perched on a hill overlooking the fields below. Also the village of Myddfai, famous for its Physicians of Myddfai link and of course the link to Llyn y Fan Fach, can be found on a small road to the right, as you come down the A4069 into Llangadog. If you turn left after descending into Llangadog and take the road to Llandeilo you won’t be disappointed, it’s what I call a boutique town with lovely little artisan shops selling everything from hand crafted glass to home-made jams and chutneys with chocolate box pastel painted rows of terraced houses making the town so colourful. The river Tywi runs just below the town with lovely river bank walks.
The A4069 has been used by TV companies especially for filming such programmes as Top Gear where they use the long winding roads to test the cars for the show. It has also been used for launch adverts for car companies.
Its highest point is Fan Brycheiniog at 802 metres. The Black mountain also forms part of the recently created Fforest Fawr Geopark.
As a confirmed nature and wildlife lover, one of my favourite things about the area is the Red Kites, they can be spotted all around the mountain and lower towns and villages, it’s wonderful to watch them soar above or even below you which actually happened to me on one occasion while paragliding.
Many hours can be spent enjoying the Black mountain and the surrounding area; it’s well worth a visit and why not stay for a couple of nights in the local hostelries within those surrounding villages and towns.
