Name: Olchon Valley and the Cat's Back
Start: 2026-06-06T09:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-06-06T15:30:00+01:00
Location: black hill car park, olchon valley

Please note this. is a 9 am start, and parking is limited, so please car share from Abergavenny if possible.
I've not hiked the Cat's Back for about thirty years, so I thought it was time to return to this area and, while at it, take in the countryside of the Olchon Valley, walk a little bit of Offa's Dyke and top out on Hay Bluff too. The Cat's Back is a narrow (but not scary) ridge that we will use to descend back to our cars at the end of the day. It marks the last of the high ground of the Black Mountains, with Bannau Brycheiniog to the West and Herefordshire to the East.
For the route, see the photos for this event.
Wales Outdoors Kit List - Best practice kit list - Don't worry, though, we bring along all the safety kit, so you don't have to
Wales Outdoors Kit Shop - Our merchandise and small shop selling our recommended kit and kit hire options
Know before you go
Put a shout-out here for car sharing
This tour will take place rain or shine
You will climb 365m and hike 17km
All walks are well-behaved, dog-friendly, and so if you have an issue with dogs, then these walks are likely not for you
Although most levels of fitness can be accommodated, please be sensible when booking and know your own ability
Please Note
A good level of fitness is required for all of our mountain walks. If walking with us, please know that the weather can change, and at times we do need to keep moving, especially in winter, to remain warm and safe.