MYNYDD CARNINGLI
One of the most dramatic peaks of the Preseli Mountains, steeped in history and shrouded in mythology
24th January 2022
Co-ordinates: 51.992360, - 4.858660
WhatThreeWords: larger.subject.rebounded
About an hour’s drive from Marros Mountain, but well worth it
FINDING THE ROUTE
We got an early start for the hike up to Mynydd Carningli - on a clear day, an early start in the Preseli’s can’t be beaten.
The walk starts fairly flat, on a wide path through uneven fields, with views either side: the rolling fields and larger peaks of the Preselau on one side…
And Trefdraeth/Newport and the Irish Sea on the other.
And on a clear day, you even get treated to a view across Bae Ceredigion of Eryri/Snowdonia.
The path to Carningli goes through farmed land with common access, meaning there’s an almost 100% chance you’ll see some animals.
This includes the famous Pembrokeshire Mountain Ponies, whose ‘job’ it is to graze the land to keep the habitat in good condition for wildlife - and traversable for walkers.
Rupert enjoyed being able to bound through the gorse, bracken and bramble, kept to a boundable-length thanks to the ponies.
The sheep of the Preselau are far less glamorous, but an essential part of the landscape nonetheless.
Growing up in rural Wales, you start to get sick of the sight of them - but this one decided to pose for me right in front of Carningli, so I couldn’t resist getting a photo.
Remember to keep your dog on a lead if you think they might chase the animals, particularly in lambing season (March/April).
The climb up to the peak is a bit scrambly over a few rocks, but not too difficult. The views from the top are a disproportionate reward to the amount of effort required to get up!
The origins of ‘Carningli’ are disputed, with ‘Carn’ meaning rock, and ‘Ingli’ potentially being derived from ‘Engylau’ - ‘angels’ - alluding to it’s spiritual significance in local mythology.
According to legend, the local Saint Brynach used to “climb to the summit to find serenity, to pray, and to commune with the angels in the 5th century”.
You can see why!
As we walked back down over Mynydd Caregog, we had a great view of the sea and cliffs, with this beautiful white pony making an ideal foreground to the coastal backdrop.
The trail is only a ten minute drive from Newport, one of the most beautiful villages in Pembrokeshire and an ideal place to grab some lunch before heading home.
