Mynydd Illtud

Mynydd Illtud is an extensive area of common land three miles south-east of Brecon in the Brecon Beacons National Park in the county of Powys, Wales. The common is an undulating plateau lying between 330 and 370 metres (1,080 and 1,210 ft) above sea level. Its highest points are 381 metres (1,250 ft) at Allt Lom and 367 metres (1,204 ft) at Twyn y Gaer trig point overlooking the valley of the River Usk.

Geology

Like Cefn Llechid and Fforest Fach to the west, Mynydd Illtud is formed from the mudstones and sandstones of the St. Maughans Formation of the Old Red Sandstone laid down during the Devonian period. The sandstones have been quarried in places such as at Allt Lom.
The area was over-run by ice during the last ice age and evidence of this is seen in the glacial till which is spread across this undulating plateau and the occasional erratic block of sandstone. Traeth Mawr and Traeth Bach, two rock hollows towards the south-western end of the common are now filled with peat, core sections of which have proved valuable in unravelling the climatic and vegetational history of this area over the last 10,000 years. ^[1]

History

The Iron Age hill fort of Twyn y Gaer (51°56′30″N 3°28′15″W / 51.9417°N 3.4708°W / 51.9417; -3.4708 (Twyn y Gaer)) stands at the northern tip of the common. Nearby are a few pillow mounds which date from a time when rabbits were bred on a large scale for their meat and fur. The course of a Roman road, Sarn Helen can be traced from south-west to north-east across the common. Also of interest are Llanilltyd church and associated earthworks (51°55′26″N 3°29′51″W / 51.9240°N 3.4975°W / 51.9240; -3.4975 (Llanilltyd church)) and Bedd Gwyl Illtyd.

Access

Walkers can freely access the entire common as it is open access land, though horseriders and mountain-bikers are restricted to the minor roads, restricted byways and bridleways which criss-cross this area. Other than along the public road network there is no legal right for the public to take motor vehicles (including motorbikes) across the common. Landowners and those with commoners' rights do have certain vehicular rights over Mynydd Illtud. The Brecon Beacons Mountain Centre stands next to Mynydd Illtud on its eastern side and provides advice for visitors wishing to enjoy the area.

External links

images of Mynydd Illtud and surrounding area on geograph website

References

1. ^ British Geological Survey 1:50,000 map sheet 213 'Brecon' & accompanying sheet explanation

Coordinates: 51°55′41″N 3°29′24″W / 51.928°N 3.490°W / 51.928; -3.490