The Kymin

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The Kymin is a hill near Monmouth, Wales, about one mile east of the town and just beside the River Wye. It rises to about 256 meters (840 feet) and is famous for two neo-classical monuments: the Round House and the Naval Temple. The area is part of a protected landscape owned by the National Trust and lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Round House
Built between 1794 and 1800 by the Kymin Club, a group of Monmouth’s gentlemen, the Round House is a white two‑storey round tower with a crenellated roof. It was designed as a place for regular meetings and meals, with kitchens on the ground floor and a banqueting room above. A telescope was once installed in the upper room. The building was restored in the early 20th century and is now used as a holiday cottage. It is a Grade II* listed building.

Naval Temple
Also built around 1800, the Naval Temple commemorates naval victories of the era, including the Battle of the Nile. It has a classical design with two back‑to‑back porticoes and Doric columns, and it originally housed a Britannia statue and sea paintings. Admiral Nelson visited Monmouth in 1802 and is associated with the site. The temple has been restored several times, most recently in 2012, when the Britannia statue and seascapes were reinstated. It is Grade II listed.

History and views
The Kymin’s monuments were meant to symbolize British identity and the power of the Royal Navy during a time of national change. The hill offers spectacular views across several counties on clear days and is a popular place for visitors.

Access and activities
The Kymin is reached by a winding road from Monmouth. A car park near the summit provides easy access to both the Round House and the Naval Temple. The area hosts the Kymin Dash, a cross‑country running race of about seven miles around the hill, with records noted in recent years.