Gospel Pass
The Gospel Pass (Welsh: Bwlch yr Efengyl) is a breathtaking mountain pass carrying the road from Hay-on-Wye to Abergavenny through the Black Mountains in Brecknockshire. It is at the head of the Vale of Ewyas, and the head of the pass is at 1,801 feet.
The narrow mountain road climbs steeply from Hay-on-Wye initially above the Dulas Brook then across the western slopes of Hay Bluff to the head of the pass at 1,801 feet above sea level, squeezing between the mountains of Lord Hereford's Knob to the west and Hay Bluff to the east, before dropping down into the valley to the south on its way to Llanthony, Llanfihangel Crucorney and Abergavenny.
The name is supposed to derive from the passage through here in the 12th century of Crusaders preaching and fundraising. At one time a small lead-mining operation was established at the pass.[1]
The Gospel Pass is rightly one of the most celebrated locations within the Brecon Beacons National Park, and is a popular destination for sightseers and is popular too with walkers and cyclists. The Gospel Pass road forms a part of route 42 of the National Cycle Network.
References
- ↑ British Geological Survey 1:50,000 scale geological map sheet 214 Talgarth & accompanying 'sheet explanation'
Outside links
- Location map: 52°-0’41"N, 3°7’0"W