If you are looking for a day trip whilst visiting the area, at about an hour's drive from Ross-on-Wye, and just a short distance further than Arthur's Stone, overlooking the town of Hay-on-Wye which is known for its second-hand book shops lies, 'Hay Bluff'. All three places can be covered in a day.

The steep buttress at the north edge of the Black Mountains is well worth a visit, whether you are a keen hill walker or would just like to park your car and picnic whilst enjoying the view. It is much more difficult to climb than the closer 'May Hill', but even from the road, there are some stunning views to be enjoyed.

The peak of Hay Bluff itself lies at 677 metres (2,200 feet) above sea level and its face is impressive. It is a popular place for hang-gliding and paragliding. On most sunny days without too much wind, gliders of all kinds can be seen soaring overhead.

There is a well trodden footpath from the roadside which is very hard work, but will take you to the summit. A harder way still is to climb directly up the side, as I did in an attempt to get there quickly when making the film and taking the photographs below. Unless you are extremely fit - I would not recommend this route. (I regretted it half way up, where it suddenly gets much steeper but was past the point of no return, so had to continue.)

See alsothe view of Hay Bluff from Garway Hill.