The long ridgeline from Pengenffordd and up over Y Grib is known as the Dragon's Back. This is because of the narrow rising and falling ridge which looks like a dragon. It's a great walk with excellent views.

Stevienicefish

February 25, 2023

Hiking

Steep incline to a relatively level summit

Clive G

August 27, 2025

Hiking

The Black Mountains are usually known for their broad flat ridges, but there are a couple of more narrow ridges leading up to the tops. The Dragons Back is one of them, climbed from Pengenffordd and the walk leads to Waun Fach, the second highest mountain in southern Britain. The ridge also includes Castell Dinas which was the highest castle in England and Wales at 450 m (1,476 feet)

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Best routes to Dragon's Back Ridge (Y Grib)

4.8

(9)

hikers

1. Castell Dinas & Y Grib loop on the Dragons Back — Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park

10.9km

03:31

440m

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

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Moderate

4.5

(12)

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2. The Dinas Castle Inn – View from the Dragon's Back loop from Castell Dinas

11.6km

03:47

490m

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

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Moderate

4.7

(7)

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3. Waun Fach summit – Dragon's Back Ridge (Y Grib) loop from Castell Dinas

18.1km

06:13

920m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

Details

Informations

Distance 2.15 km

Uphill 310 m

Downhill 10 m

Weather

Today

Wednesday 4 March

13°C

2°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h

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Location: Talgarth, South Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

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Dragon's Back Ridge (Y Grib)

1. Castell Dinas & Y Grib loop on the Dragons Back — Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park

2. The Dinas Castle Inn – View from the Dragon's Back loop from Castell Dinas

3. Waun Fach summit – Dragon's Back Ridge (Y Grib) loop from Castell Dinas

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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