Best Walks Near Abergavenny: From Sugar Loaf to the Skirrid
If you’re planning an adventure in Abergavenny - often called the Gateway to Bannau Brycheiniog, you’re in the right place. Surrounded by dramatic peaks, deep gorges and sweeping valleys, this market town is a dream base for walkers of all levels.
Just a stone’s throw from the U-Xplore outdoor store, you’ll find some of South Wales’ most iconic hikes. From the graceful ridgeline of Sugar Loaf to the rugged slopes of Blorenge, the spiritual summit of Skirrid Fawr, and the wild beauty of the Clydach Gorge. A little further west, the distinctive flat-topped Table Mountain towers above Crickhowell, offering breathtaking views across the Usk Valley.
Whether you’re after a quick leg-stretcher before coffee in town or a full-day adventure, these five routes capture the very best of walking near Abergavenny. And if you’re feeling ambitious? We’ve thrown in a bonus challenge - the legendary Abergavenny Three Peaks, for those ready to tackle all the big ones in a single day.
Lace up your boots, swing by U-Xplore Abergavenny for any last-minute gear, and let’s hit the trails.
The Blorenge: From Keeper’s Pond to The Punchbowl
If you’re after a walk that blends wild moorland views with fascinating local history, the Blorenge walk ticks every box. Starting and ending at the scenic Keeper’s Pond (also known as Pen-ffordd-goch), this 12km circular route follows the dramatic edge of the mountain before looping through the tranquil glacial hollow known as The Punchbowl, then climbing steadily to the summit for panoramic views over Abergavenny, the Usk Valley and the Black Mountains beyond.
The Blorenge is steeped in industrial and sporting heritage. In the 18th and 19th centuries, its slopes were alive with iron and coal mining - the tramways and quarries that once fuelled Blaenavon’s Ironworks (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) still shape the landscape today. Later, in the 20th century, the mountain became famous for Foxhunter, the legendary showjumping horse who won Britain’s first post-war Olympic gold medal with Sir Harry Llewellyn in 1952. A memorial near the summit marks their partnership - a poignant stop for anyone walking the mountain.
On your descent, take time to pause at The Punchbowl, a peaceful, tree-lined lake tucked into the hillside - a striking contrast to the open expanse above. Then it’s back across the high moor to Keeper’s Pond, where the light often catches the water just as you return.
Sugar Loaf: Classic Abergavenny Views via St Mary’s Vale
No list of Abergavenny hikes would be complete without the iconic Sugar Loaf rising above the town. This much-loved peak offers rewarding mountain views without the technical challenge - a perfect choice for walkers of all levels.
From the car park at the foot of the mountain, this circular route descends into the enchanting woodland of St Mary’s Vale - a complete contrast to the open hills above. In May, the valley floor erupts into a breathtaking carpet of bluebells, transforming the landscape into a sea of purple and filling the air with the scent of spring. Dappled light, quiet paths and bird song make this section a peaceful highlight of the walk.
The trail climbs steadily to the summit ridgeline, where you can soak in sweeping vistas across Bannau Brycheiniog, the Black Mountains and out toward the Severn Estuary on a clear day.
Sugar Loaf’s volcanic origins give it its distinctive conical shape - a landscape shaped millions of years ago, now protected as part of a National Trust estate. Take a moment at the top to savour the wild sweep of the countryside before you - rolling farmland, craggy peaks and the winding Usk Valley below. From here, the path loops gently back toward your starting point, offering fresh perspectives with every step. A walk rich in contrast - woodland calm, open heights, geological drama - Sugar Loaf is a true Abergavenny classic you’ll want to return to again and again.
Skirrid Fawr: The Holy Mountain of Myths and Legends
Known as “the mountain of myths and legends,” Skirrid Fawr may only rise to 486m, but what it lacks in height it more than makes up for in atmosphere. This 4-mile circular route winds through ancient woodland before emerging onto a long, elegant ridge that delivers breathtaking views over the Monmouthshire countryside, the Black Mountains and as far as the Malvern Hills on a clear day.
Skirrid - sometimes called The Holy Mountain, has been a site of quiet devotion for centuries. At the summit, you’ll find the remains of St Michael’s Chapel, once a secret place of worship for Catholics during times of religious persecution. The broken stone walls and windswept setting give the summit a haunting and sacred feel.
Two enduring legends attempt to explain the distinctive landslip at the mountain’s northern end. One claims that a lightning strike tore through the ridge at the exact moment Christ was crucified. The other tells of Jack o’ Kent, a local giant who got into a dispute with the Devil over whether Sugar Loaf or the Malvern Hills were taller. When Jack won, the Devil stormed off, only for his apron of stolen soil to snag on Skirrid, dumping earth across its northern flank. Whichever story you choose to believe, there’s no denying this mountain’s unique magic.
Clydach Gorge: Waterfalls, Folklore and Hidden Industrial History
Just off the A465, the Clydach Gorge feels worlds away - a deep, wooded canyon carved by the River Clydach, where waterfalls, mossy rock walls and twisting trails create a real sense of adventure. This walk offers something different to the surrounding peaks: a journey into a gorge bursting with wildlife, industrial relics and centuries-old stories whispered through the trees.
One of the highlights is Devil’s Bridge - not the famous one in Ceredigion, but a namesake with an equally sinister tale. Look closely at the rocks beneath the falls and some say you’ll spot the Devil’s face etched in stone. I’ve never quite managed to see it myself… but let me know if you do!
The Clydach Gorge is rich with Welsh folklore. A shape-shifting goblin known as Pwca was said to roam here, transforming into a black rabbit, goat or horse to trick travellers - crossing its path meant terrible luck. Witches were rumoured to gather rare plants from the gorge to stir up dark potions in hidden caves. And local tradition even claims that William Shakespeare found inspiration here for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, drawn to the gorge’s otherworldly magic.
Look beyond the myths and you’ll discover important echoes of Wales’ industrial past - from tram-roads to old ironworks, reminders of the days when this landscape powered the world. Water meets legend meets history: this walk delivers a little mystery with every step.
Table Mountain / Crug Hywel: Crickhowell’s Flat-Topped Icon
Perched above Crickhowell in the southern reaches of the Black Mountains, Table Mountain is instantly recognisable thanks to its slanted, flat-topped peak. Known in Welsh as Crug Hywel - meaning Hywel’s Fort. This distinctive summit offers a rewarding climb with sensational views over the Usk Valley, Bannau Brycheiniog and the patchwork countryside below.
The hill’s Welsh name hints at its historic importance. It’s thought to be the site of a hillfort, though its origins remain a little mysterious. Some believe the “Hywel” in question was Hywel Dda (Hywel the Good), the 10th-century ruler who became King of all Wales and introduced the country’s first unified legal code. Others suggest it may instead be linked to Hywel ap Rhys of Morgannwg, a more local Welsh king. Either way, you’re walking in the footsteps of powerful leaders who once used this commanding position to watch over the land.
The trail climbs steadily from Crickhowell before emerging onto open hillside, where the fort’s earth ramparts become unmistakable. Once on the flat summit, take time to wander - every edge offers a different panorama, and each one is worth lingering over. Short, steep in parts, and packed with heritage, it’s a walk that rewards effort with both history and horizon.
Bonus: Abergavenny Three Peaks Challenge
If you’re ready to go all-in on an Abergavenny adventure, the legendary Abergavenny Three Peaks Challenge combines the area’s most iconic summits into one unforgettable day. This demanding route typically covers around 32km with over 1,500m of elevation, linking Sugar Loaf, Skirrid Fawr and The Blorenge in a spectacular loop around the town often called the Gateway to Bannau Brycheiniog.
Each mountain brings its own personality: Sugar Loaf’s wide, panoramic ridges; Skirrid’s mystical history and dramatic drops toward Monmouthshire; and The Blorenge’s wild moorland and industrial heritage. Together, they paint the full picture of what makes this corner of South Wales so special - big views, big stories, and landscapes that shift with every ascent.
This is a challenge best saved for long summer days, well-prepared legs, and weather you can trust. But if you’re looking to push your limits and celebrate everything this region has to offer, the Abergavenny Three Peaks might just be the perfect mountain mission.
Ready to Explore Abergavenny?
From dramatic ridgelines to hidden gorges, Abergavenny and its surrounding peaks offer endless ways to get outside and experience the beauty of Bannau Brycheiniog. Whether you pick one summit for a sunrise adventure or take on all three in a single day, these walks celebrate the very best of South Wales: big views, rich history and landscapes steeped in myth and legend. Lace up your boots, pack your sense of adventure and set off to discover why Abergavenny has earned its title as the Gateway to the Hills - your next favourite trail is waiting.
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