PlynlimonPlynlimon at a Glance
About Plynlimon
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.
Nearby Attractions to Plynlimon
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 0° - 5° | -3° | 234 mm | overcast | 95% | 7.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.1h |
| February | Poor | -1° - 4° | -4° | 168 mm | overcast | 94% | 7.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.7h |
| March | Poor | 0° - 6° | -2° | 194 mm | overcast | 91% | 6.8 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | 1° - 8° | 1° | 132 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.7 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 5° | 113 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.5h |
| June | Acceptable | 7° - 15° | 11° | 126 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.0 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.5h |
| July | Acceptable | 9° - 16° | 13° | 128 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.9 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.0h |
| August | Acceptable | 9° - 16° | 13° | 150 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.5h |
| September | Poor | 7° - 14° | 10° | 170 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 5° - 10° | 4° | 210 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Poor | 2° - 7° | 0° | 237 mm | overcast | 94% | 6.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.6h |
| December | Poor | 1° - 5° | -2° | 244 mm | overcast | 95% | 7.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.5h |
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.