Plynlimon
Mountains Welsh massif, source of the Rivers Severn and Wye.
Plynlimon (Pumlumon) crowns the Cambrian Mountains and feeds the Rivers Severn and Wye. Walkers come for peat moorland, remote ridgelines, reservoir paths and opportunities to spot upland birdlife.
Plynlimon (Welsh: Pumlumon) is a massif in the Cambrian Mountains of central Wales; its highest summit, Pumlumon Fawr, reaches 752 metres above sea level. The upland massif is notable as the source area for major rivers.
The area attracts walkers and hillwalkers for upland routes, open moorland and panoramas from the summit ridges; paths cross peat moor and heath.
The uplands are a natural landscape rather than a constructed site; historic land use includes grazing and common upland practices rather than a single built origin.
Plynlimon sits in central Wales on the border area between counties (including sections in Ceredigion and neighbouring administrative areas), forming part of the Cambrian Mountains.
- Source of major rivers: The massif contains the headwaters of two of Britain's major rivers, the Severn and the Wye, which rise on its slopes.
- Highest elevation: Highest point rises to 752 metres, making it the tallest mass in this part of the Cambrian Mountains.
What to See #
- Pumlumon Fawr (summit): Pumlumon Fawr is the highest summit in the Plynlimon massif, reaching 752 metres above sea level and forming the highest point of the range.
How to Get to Plynlimon #
Plynlimon is in mid‑Wales. Common access points are from villages such as Aberystwyth (to the west) or Llanidloes; roads and public transport connect to nearby towns but final access to trails is by local lanes and footpaths.
Tips for Visiting Plynlimon #
- If planning to walk the watershed, check local signage - some paths cross private land and seasonal closures may apply.
- Bring insect repellent in summer; mid-Wales can be surprisingly buggy in damp weather.
- For panoramic views, aim for clear days - the summit rewards early-morning climbs before cloud banks roll in.
Best Time to Visit Plynlimon #
Summer offers the warmest and most accessible conditions for hiking; spring and autumn are quieter and atmospheric.
Weather & Climate near Plynlimon #
Plynlimon's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -1°C to 16°C. Heavy rainfall (2106 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (234 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (168 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (194 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (128 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (170 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (210 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (237 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (244 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
