This Monmouthshire walk offers a short and direct ascent of the Sugar Loaf, which lies a few miles west of Abergavenny. The route is generally easy to follow and should be saved for a fine day as the views from the summit are excellent in fine weather.
(D)The start is the small car park at the viewing point (Grid ref. SO268167) reached by a narrow lane from the A40 a few miles west of Abergavenny. After parking take the clear wide path from the northern side of the parking area that leads north-west. This path takes you past a wall corner from where you get your first view of the main objective of the walk. Trending away from the wall, continue in a north-westerly direction ignoring paths that descend to your right to pick up a double path that leads in a large sweep to the summit of the Sugar Loaf.
(1)During the approach to the Sugar Loaf it does look like a loaf, however despite appearances, the summit is a minor ridge with a fairly steep drop to the north and if you have children then some care is needed. The view amply compensates for the effort climbing the hill. There is a 360 degree panorama across the River Usk to the south and into the heart of the Brecon Beacons to the northwest. After enjoying the view and exercise all that remains is to trace your steps back to the start.(A)
Waypoints :
D : km 0 - alt. 342m - Viewing point car park
1 : km 2.4 - alt. 564m - Sugar Loaf
A : km 2.5 - alt. 576m - Viewing point car park
The Sugar Loaf dominates the northern aspect of the town of Abergavenny, which rises to 596 metres above sea level. The summit provides excellent panoramas across the south-eastern section of the Brecon Beacons National Park, so you are advised to choose a clear day to do this walk. The ascent and return should take no longer than a couple of hours and would be an ideal route for an evening walk just before sunset.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
Global average : 4.67/5
Number of opinions : 1
Description quality : 5/5
Routemap quality : 5/5
Walk interest : 4/5
Global average : 4.67 / 5
Date of walk
: 03/06/18
Description quality
: Very good
Routemap quality
: Very good
Walk interest
: Good
This route takes us across the River Usk and through Crickhowell, up Table Mountain to visit Crug Hywel (fort), over the Grwyne Fechan valley, up to Crug Mawr and down into Grwyne Fawr valley. It passes Partrishow Church, parts of which date from before 1065. Then it's a climb up Garn Wen and Bâl Bach before dropping down to Llantony and the Prior.
The Skirrid (Ysgyryd Fawr) is a solitary hill rising from the countryside to the east of Abergavenny. This walk takes the most direct route to the summit and includes a steep ascent. The return route takes through pleasat woodland on the western flank of the hill.
The route goes south from Llantony Priory over Hatterall Hill, where it joins the Offa’s Dyke for 4.5km, down to the village of Llanvihangel Crucorney, which has an inn that dates back to the 11th century and up The Skirrid (also known as Holy Mountain), which rises to 486m. Finally, the route finds its way into Abergavenny and terminates at the station.
The route goes from YHA to YHA but essentially follows the Brecon Beacons Way going west-to-east. This section goes through a Site of Special Scientific Interest as it passes Llangorse Lake (Lyn Syfaddan). Formed in the Ice Age, it is one of the few naturally eutrophic lakes in Wales and is of national if not international importance.
This Herefordshire walk offers some wonderful views of the Black Mountains without too much ascent. The route follows tracks and paths north of Craswall and includes the opportunity to visit the remains of Craswall Abbey. Despite the title, an ascent of Hay Bluff is not included but could easily be added to the route.
Enjoy spectacular views towards the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons, keep your eyes peeled for lots of wonderful wildlife, and discover hidden heritage along the way.
Lodge Hill Circular Walk in Caerleon. Mostly rural paths with some stiles and kissing gates. Some steep sections. Spectacular views from the high ground over the River Usk and the City of Newport. Look out for the distinct Lodge Hill Circular Walk Waymark Disc.
Mostly rural paths with some stiles, kissing gates and steep climbs with fantastic views over Wentwood and surrounding countryside.
Look out for the distinct Langstone-Penhow Circular Walk Waymark Disc.
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