Walk: Sugar Loaf mountain, Monmouthshire

In its relatively modest 596m, the summit of Sugar Loaf in the Brecon Beacons National Park encompasses much that is magical about mountains, hills and woodland – explore this wonderful Welsh peak with a five-mile circular walk

The summit of Sugar Loaf mountain, Mynydd Pen y Fal, in the Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons national park, Wales at sunrise.

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By Dan Aspel

February 4th, 2020 at 11:21 am

Rising above Abergavenny, the pinched peak is accessed by soft slopes on all sides, making for a solid and consistent workout whichever angle you approach from.

However, it’s the south that offers the most interest, and if you fancied a longer day you could ascend the peak directly from town.

Pinched at its crest, this iconic peak is visible from miles around ©Getty

Six-mile walk to the summit of Sugar Loaf mountain in the Black Mountains.

1. A sweet start

Beginning at the scenically placed car park on the peak’s southern slopes, follow the grassy path north-west.

2. Contouring paths

Continue over a crossroad of paths, ignoring any tracks that break off to the right. After a mile, drop down into woodland. Cross the stream before contouring round the peak to a path that leads directly up its western side.

3. Welsh views

Climbing eastwards, you’ll soon reach the trig point at summit of Sugar Loaf. The moderately stiff ascent rewards with panoramic views of Wales’ Black Mountains.