Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sugar Loaf
The cone-shaped pinnacle of Sugar Loaf (596m) is a 9-mile return trip from the centre of
Abergavenny via heath, woodland and the superb viewpoint of Mynydd Llanwenarth. You
can cheat by driving to a car park about halfway up on Mynydd Llanwenarth; from here
it's a 4-mile round trip. Head west on the A40, and at the edge of town turn right for
Sugarloaf Vineyards, then go left at the next two junctions.
Ysgyryd Fawr (Skirrid)
Of the glacially sculpted hills that surround Abergavenny, Skirrid (486m) is the most dra-
matic looking and has a history to match. A cleft in the rock near the top was believed to
have split open at the exact time of Christ's death and a chapel was built here on what was
considered a particularly holy place (a couple of upright stones remain). During the Cath-
olic persecutions, as many as 100 people at a time would attend illegal Masses at this re-
mote spot.
Begin your trek from Abergavenny, or take the B4521 to the car park at the base of the
hill. It's a steep climb from here through the woods on a track that can be muddy; wear
sensible shoes. Once you clear the tree line the walk is less steep, with a final climb right
at the end to the summit where you'll be rewarded with extravagant views. From here you
can return the way you came or continue down the other side to Llanfihangel Crucorney.
Llanfihangel Crucorney
The name of this little village, 4.5 miles north of Abergavenny, means 'Church of St Mi-
chael at the Corner of the Rock'. It's famous as the home of the Skirrid Inn, said to be the
oldest pub in Wales and thoroughly haunted by the many people who were hanged here (it
doubled as an assizes court). Although the Hammer House of Horror dummy at the door
and 'ancient' scrolls on the walls are a drag, it serves decent pub grub and makes a good
base camp or finishing point for an ascent of Ysgyryd Fawr; it's a 4-mile round trip from
pub to summit.
