Walk 6.5 hrs (21km) 
Total Ascent 643 m 
Highest Point 595 m Welcome to this Signature Hike
This walk can be completed in 4-6 hours depending on the route chosen, and can be done year round. Packing the right kit is essential if you are planning on doing this hike in the winter, please check the forecast and ensure you have appropriate kit.
Read the information below to learn more about your walk before you head off.
Ready to walk?
Be sure to download your PDF guide for the walk and make sure you have the OS maps app downloaded.
Before you start
Here’s 3 important things you need to know before you head off:
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Save This Guide
Save the PDF guide on your device that you’re going to use on the walk. (This contains all the handy information, from how to get there, points of interest and pubs, taxis etc).
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Download OS Map App
This is how you will navigate your way around the route. The link for the route is in this guide and will take you to the OS Maps app.
Click here for Apple
Click here for Android
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Battery
Make sure you have plenty of battery. We hope you have a great walk.
The Curator Huw Dullea
Meet the Curator
Huw is both a Brecon Beacons Ambassador and runs a mountain biking and hiking company, ‘Treads and Trails’, which makes him the ultimate local expert!
“The first proper peak that can be seen on the approach from London to the Brecon Beacons is the Sugar Loaf Mountain, a wonderful backdrop to a beautiful area. This circular walk culminates in a great view from the top of the iconic Sugar Loaf, and is a great starting point for exploring the mountains of Brecon Beacons National Park. The climbs are a gentle gradient and do not need a special level of fitness to be enjoyed. The walk can easily be tailored to your choice of distance, and really has something for everyone.”
Adventure Summary
Brecon Beacons, Monmouthshire
A circular walk with spectacularly rewarding views. How many places are there where you can step off a train, pick up lunch in a great independent shop in the food capital of Wales, and be at the top of a mountain with breathtaking views within 1.5 hrs?
After leaving the town centre, the route winds up narrow country lanes and then you are offroad and traffic free until 30 minutes from the end. Take in some gnarly oak forests, streamside vales and open mountainside trails to get you to just shy of 600 metres at the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Once back in town, there are several great places to put your feet up and enjoy a well-earned bite to eat.
Hike Highlights
Abergavenny
A great selection of independent shops and pubs to explore in Abergavenny if you have time.
Sugar Loaf Mountain
Standing at 596 meters and offering hikers expansive views of the Usk Valley and the Black Mountains.
Abergavenny Castle
Built in the 11th century to prevent Welsh incursions. The castle had a stone keep, towers and ditch fortifications.
Train
Trains from London require a change at Newport, or trains from Manchester are direct to Abergavenny.
By Car
Either park at Abergavenny Station or one of the public car parks in town. There is also ample parking outside the Lamb & Flag pub, if that is where you are starting your hike.
Sometimes, we can get so caught up in reaching our destination that we forget to take in our surroundings. When in fact, some of the best moments on a walk are the ones spent not walking. It is not until you stop and look a little closer, that you truly see the magic of where you are.
Our hikes are not about how fast you walk, but about how much you take in. We share these beautiful trails with an abundance of wildlife and there’s always something to marvel at – so long as you take the time to look around.
Nick and Amy welcome you to their beautiful pub, which is set at the gateway to the mountains in the hamlet of Pantygelli. The Crown at Pantygelli is a thriving pub and restaurant, situated in this quiet spot between the Sugarloaf and Skirrid mountains, catering for both the modern traveller and local populace whilst still retaining the charm and hospitality of a bygone age.
Points of interest
Places to enjoy along the route
The insiders guide to
Abergavenny
🍽️ EAT
The Angel Hotel
The Hardwick
The Walnut Tree
The Gaff
🍺 DRINK
The King’s Arms
The Bridge Inn
The Hen & Chickens
🛏️ SLEEP
The Angle Hotel
The Kings Arms Hotel
Fantastic Air bnb options
📍 DO
Sugar Loaf & White Castle Vinyards
Abergavenny Museum
Abergavenny Market Hall
The White Castle
Food Festival (September)
🌌DARK SKY RESERVE
Internationally recognised as a Dark Sky Reserve, a night under the stars in the Brecon Beacons is something to behold. If you are staying the night, consider planning a night time excursion into your trip!
What’s Next?
Done the hike? Let us and fellow members know how you got on and leave any tips and advice!