Walk of the Year (WOTY) - Black Hill (The Cat's Back) - 26th April 2026

Peaks and Trails have chosen this as their 'Walk of the Year' for 2026 after falling in love with its remoteness and real sense of wilderness.
 
It's completely off the beaten track and away from the hoards of its higher neighbours but reassuringly as satisfying. 
 
The route will give walkers the best of both, some ridge, some valley and can be completed in just 5 miles. For the more fitter and experienced walkers, it can be extended to 7 or 10 miles. 
 
Black Hill itself is located in the Black Mountains in Herefordshire at the border between England and Wales. The Black Mountains are a group of hills that form the easternmost range of the Brecon Beacons. The massif also spreads across Powys and Monmouthshire in Wales and also extends into Herefordshire in England. The Black Mountains are easily accessible and filled with many ridge trails, therefore they are very popular with hikers. Black Hill actually forms the eastern edge of the range. 
 
It's known locally as 'The Cat's Back' as it resembles a hunched cat when viewed from Herefordshire. 
 
Peaks and Trails can offer some transport on a first come, first served basis.