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The Black Hill, Cat's Back

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View from the top of the route
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Black Hill
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4.9 miles
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Ending Pub is Dog Friendly
Intro

The Black Hill or The Cat’s Back is in the Black Mountains. It's known as the Cat’s Back due to the hill resembling the appearance of a hunched, sitting cat. Traversing the border between England and Wales, this is an energetic walk, but you will be rewarded with the most stunning views. Watch our Cat's Back film here.

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Rising just west of the village of Craswall, near the border with Wales. The southern part of the ridge leading to the summit is a rocky knife-edge with excellent views to either side. It is a reasonably straightforward walk up the narrow ridge, returning through a lonely valley. The ridge is very exposed, so it can be windy. Sturdy footwear is advisable as there are a couple of rough, rocky sections, particularly on the descent.

Hiking Trail recommended route Hiking Trail  · Herefordshire

The Black Hill, Cat's Back

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  • Take in the rolling countryside views on the Cats Back Walk.
    Take in the rolling countryside views on the Cats Back Walk.
    Photo: Ed Jeavons, Visit Herefordshire

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    The Black Hill or The Cat’s Back is in the Black Mountains. It's known as the Cat’s Back due to the hill resembling the appearance of a hunched, sitting cat. Traversing the border between England and Wales, this is an energetic walk, but you will be rewarded with the most stunning views
    moderate
    Distance 4.9 mi
    2:25 h
    945 ft
    945 ft
    2,100 ft
    1,155 ft
    Rising just west of the village of Craswall, near the border with Wales. The southern part of the ridge leading to the summit is a rocky knife-edge with excellent views to either side. It is a reasonably straightforward walk up the narrow ridge, returning through a lonely valley. The ridge is very exposed, so it can be windy. Sturdy footwear is advisable as there are a couple of rough, rocky sections, particularly on the descent.
    Logo Visit Herefordshire
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    Visit Herefordshire  Verified partner 
    Difficulty
    moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    2100 ft
    Lowest point
    1155 ft
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
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    Dec

    Track types

    Asphalt 26.91%Path 60.10%Unknown 12.97%
    Asphalt
    1.3 mi
    Path
    3 mi
    Unknown
    0.6 mi
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    Roadbook

    Start point Black Hill’s small car park. Walk past the picnic tables, through the gate and follow the path up the steep slope towards the rocky area ahead. Continue to walk along the ridge remembering to stop and enjoy the spectacular views as you go. After about 1.5 miles you will reach the trig point.

    From the trig point, walk to the left around a boggy area and continue to follow the track looking out for a small pile of marker stones.

    Turn left, almost going back on yourself and walk along the now descending bridleway, taking time to enjoy views of the Olchon Valley, keep on down the bridleway until you reach a tree-lined area on your right. Continue along the fence line until you reach a gate at the edge of a wood. Then carry along the bridleway through the wood until you reach a minor road. Continue straight along the road until you reach the turning on the left taking you up the steep incline back to the car park.

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    The Bulls Head at Craswall
    St Mary's Church, Craswall

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    The Black Hill, Cat's Back

    Coordinates

    OS Grid
    SO 28844 32819
    DD
    51.989251, -3.037630
    DMS
    51°59'21.3"N 3°02'15.5"W
    UTM
    30U 497416 5759843
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    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Similar routes nearby

    • Arthur’s Stone & The Golden Valley
    • Twin Valley Ley Line Trail
    • Garway with the Ponies
    • Black & White Villages Walk: Weobley to Burton Hill
    • Weobley Trail
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    Difficulty
    moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    4.9 mi
    Duration
    2:25 h
    Ascent
    945 ft
    Descent
    945 ft
    Highest point
    2100 ft
    Lowest point
    1155 ft
    Round trip Scenic Flora Fauna Dog-friendly

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