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United Kingdom
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South Wales
Pentyrch

Garth Summit

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Garth Summit

Hiking

4.9

(147)

Running

5.0

(8)

Mountain biking

5.0

(5)

The Garth, or more correctly Mynydd y Garth, is a prominent, rounded hill to the northwest of Cardiff. Its conspicuous form can be seen from most of the Welsh capital and it is a popular objective. Rising on the western side of the River Taff, its broad flanks are home to myriad trails.

Common starting points include the villages of Pentrych, Taff’s Well and Ifail Isaf. There’s scattered accommodation in the surroundings and plenty more in Cardiff. Taff’s Well train station is a handy starting point too. To extend your adventure, you could also ascend Craig yr Allt on the opposite side of the Taff, or visit Catell Coch, a remarkable Gothic Revival castle.

A prominent, popular and picturesque hill to the north of Cardiff

The Garth’s popularity makes perfect sense once you begin to drink in the extensive views from its treeless top. To the north is the sweeping, emerald upland of the Brecon Beacons, while to the south, beyond Cardiff, are the north coasts of Somerset and Devon.

A number of tumuli adorn its top, burial sites that date back to the Bronze Age. Interestingly, the topmost mound was part of the inspiration for the novel ‘The Englishman Who Went Up A Hill But Came Down A Mountain’, the story of two cartographers – one of which was played by Hugh Grant in the subsequent film – that measure a local peak and declare it a hill, rather than a mountain. This causes the locals to build a mound on its summit to regain its mountainous status.

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  • Location: Pentyrch, South Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

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    Tips

    November 11, 2020

    Hiking

    Stunning little hill with commanding views just outside Cardiff with a trig pointed summit. It is a UK listed Marilyn.

    November 11, 2020

    Running

    Beautiful little hill on the outskirts of Cardiff with a trig pointed summit and commanding views. Lovely place to catch a sunrise/set.

    April 3, 2025

    Hiking

    The Garth has a nice flat top with views across the valleys. Lots of sheep grazing too (March). Also a number of mounds provide some cover from the wind if a break is in order
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    Nearby routes

    Best routes near Garth Summit

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    4.4

    (23)

    67

    hikers

    #1.

    The Garth from Taffs Wells via Pentrych Woods

    7.80km

    02:26

    300m

    300m

    Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Moderate
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    4.0

    (3)

    24

    hikers

    2.65km

    00:52

    110m

    120m

    Hike the Garth Mountain Loop, an easy 1.6-mile (2.6 km) trail near Cardiff with 376 feet (115 metres) of elevation gain and panoramic views.

    Easy
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    Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Moderate

    Details

    Informations

    Elevation 290 m

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    Family Friendly

    yes

    Wheelchair access

    no

    Dog Friendly

    yes

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    Location: Pentyrch, South Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

    Other Popular Places to Check Out

    Pentyrch Woods

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