I fondly remember the stories my parents used to tell me as a child of a sleeping giant that lived in the upper Swansea Valley near Ystradgynlais.
Little did I know back then but they were referring to the the natural phenomenon more commonly known locally as ‘Cribarth’ – a hill in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The hill gets it’s nickname from the shape its contours form against the sky of a giant man appearing to be laying down having an afternoon snooze!
Over the years of driving and cycling north (towards Sennybridge) along the A4067 I have grown fond of seeing the impressive giant but was surprised to learn that so few people were aware of it’s existence.
Walkers will be glad to know that the hill is open to all to wander around at your will and enjoy the views offered at the 428m summit. There are several public footpaths and bridleways in the nearby villages of Abercraf, Ynyswen and Pen-y-cae which allow access to Cribarth.
If you merely want to admire the giant from a distance, then there are a few handily positioned lay-bys on the A4067 just as you pass through the small village of Caerbont (look out for the Murco garage on your right hand side after a double mini-roundabout).
So go along and enjoy the land of the Sleeping Giant, I know I have, as have now my children.
