Walking through history: Llanbedr ar y mynydd

Today’s walk took us somewhere truly special, a place that feels quietly steeped in time. Llanbedr ar y mynydd had been on my list for a while, and with a rare window of good weather lining up perfectly, we packed up the family and set off. From the starting point it was a solid two hour walk, nothing rushed, just steady progress along ancient ground with plenty of pauses to take in the views and let the kids explore.

The route follows part of the Glamorgan Ridgeway, an old trackway that has been used for thousands of years. Walking it feels different somehow, as if the land remembers every footstep that came before. To the south the Bristol Channel stretched out under a soft sky, while to the north the Brecon Beacons stood quietly on the horizon. It was one of those days where the air felt kind, the breeze gentle, and the legs willing.

As we climbed higher the landscape opened up, rolling hills giving way to wide skies and a real sense of space. The kids were full of energy, hopping over stiles and racing each other along the path, while we took our time, soaking it all in. This is not a walk that asks to be rushed. It rewards patience, curiosity, and a willingness to look closely at the land beneath your feet.

Reaching the summit and the ruins of St Peter’s Church was the highlight of the day. Known locally as Peterston on the Hill, the remains sit quietly on the ridge, exposed and weathered, yet deeply atmospheric. Standing there, it is impossible not to feel the weight of history. This was once a place of worship, of gathering, of community, now reduced to stone walls and silence, but no less powerful for it.

The site’s proximity to Mynydd y Gaer adds another layer of intrigue. An ancient hillfort nearby, and the whispered associations with Arthurian legend, Avalon, and the Battle of Badon Hill give the area a sense of myth woven into reality. Whether you believe the stories or not almost feels irrelevant. What matters is that people have been drawn to this place for centuries, perhaps millennia, and today we were simply the latest to walk its paths.

We lingered longer than planned, letting the kids wander among the stones while we stood quietly, imagining what this ridge must have looked like hundreds of years ago. No roads, no noise, just land, sky, and the long view. Eventually we began the walk back, legs a little heavier but spirits high.

By the time we returned to the car we were tired in the best possible way. It was the kind of family day out that leaves you feeling grounded, connected, and grateful. Llanbedr ar y mynydd is not just a walk, it is a reminder of how rich our local landscape is, how much history lies just beyond the familiar paths, and how special it is to share these moments together as a family.