GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Rodney's Pillar

3 miles (5 km)

This walk climbs to Admiral Rodney's Pillar on Breidden Hill in Powys, near Welshpool.
The walk starts from the village of Middletown, just to the south of the hill. You can then follow footpaths north past Moel Y Golfa and Middletown Hill before entering Breidden Forest. Woodland trails will then take you up to the top of Breidden Hill where you will find the monument. It was built in 1781–82 to commemorate the naval victories of Sir George Brydges Rodney, Admiral of the White during the American War of Independence. From the 366 metre high summit there are also wonderful views over the surrounding countryside.
On the route look out for wildlfie including various woodland birds and deer in the forested areas.
If you would like a shorter walk there is a car park just to the north of the hill at postcode SY5 9AZ for your sat navs.

Postcode

SY5 9AZ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Rodney's Pillar OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Rodney's Pillar Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The aptly named Admiral Rodney is located just to the east of the hill. It dates from 1847 and is a traditional stone and slate country pub. They do a nice Sunday lunch and have some outdoor seating with views of this pleasant area. You can find them on Criggion Lane at postcode SY5 9AU for your sat navs.
Back in Middletown there's The Breidden to consider. They serve good quality Chinese Food and can be found at postcode SY21 8EL.

Dog Walking

The forest trails and the hill climb are great for fot dogs. The Admiral Rodney pub mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Head into Welshpool and you can enjoy an easy stroll alrong the Montgomery Canal or visit the historic Powis Castle.
To the north you can try the Llanymynech Hill and Rocks Walk. The hill sits in a significant position right on the England/Wales border.
If you head north east to Crewgreen you could pick up the Severn Way and follow it east to Nesscliffe Hill Country Park. The attractive park includes more fine viewpoints and the mysterious Kynaston's Cave.

Photos

Snow at Rodney's Pillar (365m) - geograph.org.uk - 1718310

Snow at Rodney's Pillar (365m)

Rodneys Pillar from Middletown Hill - geograph.org.uk - 870319

Rodneys Pillar from Middletown Hill. Taken from half way up Middletown Hill. A granite panel states that it was erected by the "Gentlemen of Montgomeryshire" to commemorate the naval successes of Admiral Rodney including the Battle of the Saints. The pillar is a conspicuous landmark around the Upper Severn Valley and is a Grade II* listed building.

Breidden Forest - geograph.org.uk - 676411

Breidden Forest. Pool and boardwalk on edge of forestry between Breidden Hill and New Pieces

Woodland near Rodney's Pillar - geograph.org.uk - 1718320

Woodland near the Pillar

Moel y Golfa from the approach to Rodney's Pillar - geograph.org.uk - 1467409

Moel y Golfa from the approach to the Pillar. Looking from beneath Rodney's Pillar monument towards the Gypsy King's memorial on top of wilder Moel y Golfa.

In the shadow of a hero - geograph.org.uk - 1017537

In the shadow of a hero. With the trig point in the foreground.

I Think They've Seen Me^ - geograph.org.uk - 876802

I Think They've Seen Me! Taken on Middletown Hill, early one winter morning, the deer quickly disappeared into the gorse.

Village hall at Middletown - geograph.org.uk - 541382

Village hall at Middletown

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Rodney's Pillar.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Rodney's Pillar.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)