Walk 1664 - printer friendly version

The Sugar Loaf Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 3.5 miles / 5.7 km

Ascent - 900 feet / 273 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference SO268167
Lat 51.8440820 + Long -3.0639700
Postcode NP7 7LA (approx. location only)

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.

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. (Please note that an overflow parking area has now been provided which is not shown on maps. If using the overflow car park continue to the main parking area to start the walk.) 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.

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.

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