Abergavenny Walks
Abergavenny is located at the eastern end of the Brecon Beacons National Park and provides an ideal base for exploring on foot. A short walk from the town centre takes you into lush green countryside, whilst a longer walk could take you to the top of one of three mountains that overlook Abergavenny.
Walkers will celebrate the further opening up of one of Wales' best-loved National Parks with the launch of the Beacons Way in the Brecon Beacons. The footpath is the prelude to the opening up of more than a million acres of land. The Beacons Way has sweeping views of sandstone escarpments rising out of glacially scooped valleys, and stretches from the Skirrid (Holy Mountain) near Abergavenny to the village of Bethlehem on the Carmarthenshire border. It features Pen y Fan, the highest point in South Wales. (http://www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org)
A new Circular Walking Route between Abergavenny & Govilon has been opened by the Monmouthsire Countryside Service. This nine-kilometre route, which takes you through the heart of the countryside has no stiles or steps and is suitable for larger mobility vehicles as well as walkers. Details from Abergavenny Shopmobility (0800 2983656) or www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/countryside/access.
The Walking the Way to Health group leads walks, taking about an hour, every Wednesday morning. The walks start from the Family Church in Castle Street at 10.30 and are free of charge - for more information contact Liz Hopkins at Forestry Commission Wales on 01873 850060. Similar walks are organised in Chepstow, Monmouth and Caldicot.
Abergavenny is surrounded by Skirrid Fawr, the Blorenge and the Sugarloaf, which represent more ambitious walks. All three can be linked in a day but only if you're very fit. For the less adventurous walker tackling just one of these hills will be an achievement!
It is possible to walk to Skirrid Fawr from the centre of Abergavenny but it is easier to drive to the start of the climb. There is a car park at the base of the mountain. The route starts with a gentle stroll up the side of a field before entering a mature wood. The path through the wood can be muddy so good boots are recommended. At the top of the wood, the views open out and the final push is rewarded by stunning views of the surrounding countryside. A detailed description of the route can be found here.
The Blorenge is best approached by car as its steepest face is presented to Abergavenny and makes for a very strenuous hike. The route is best started from Keepers Pond and heads in the direction of the radio masts. Beyond these is the steep escarpment that overlooks Abergavenny. A detailed description of the walk can be found here.
The Sugarloaf dominates the skyline to the north of Abergavenny and is only a relatively short walk from the centre of town. The hill can be approached from a number of different directions but all paths lead to the summit which offers a breath-taking view of Abergavenny and the hills of the Black Mountains. A detailed description of the various routes to the summit can be found here.
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