Abergavenny Weekend - Saturday

Twin Peaks
PLEASE READ THE WHOLE NARRATIVE - there are challenge choices!
At approximately 15 miles, with over 3,500 ft of ascent and 25 stiles ‘ish’ (we lost count), this is a challenging, but fabulous walk with views galore. We will be taking the whole day at a nice steady pace and expect to be out between 8-9 hours, but please arrive by 8:45am for a prompt 9:00am start.
Concerned, don’t worry, we have you covered. We will be issuing maps of the route on the day and will be offering 3 alternative endings to the walk. You can then see how you feel on the day and tailor the walk to how you feel. No pressure. You will also be pleased to know that we have planned in, 3 ‘sit down’ stops. Each stop will be about 15 minutes long.
The walk includes 3 ascents and descents. We start the walk at the base of Ysgyryd Fawr (Skirrid Fawr) (our final ascent) and will begin by making our way up through fields, lanes and woodland where we can really take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape and the views of our twin peaks for the day. Once we reach the highest point of this section of the walk, 376m, surrounded by a sea of ferns, we will make our way back down through woodland and fields before beginning our ascent towards the Cambrian Way, our ‘run up’ to Sugar Loaf.
This first section of the walk will include our first planned stop, timing of this will be decided by us as a group. We will be happy to advise.
Once on the Cambrian Way the rate of ascent is steady but noticeable, getting steeper as we head towards the summit of Sugar Loaf. The path up to the summit is clearly defined and easy to navigate, plenty of room to stop, take in the views (catch our breath).
Sugar Loaf is 596m high, its name derived from the term used to describe the traditional shape of refined sugar loaves, large, conical blocks of sugar popular before the mid-19th century. Once we reach the summit there is plenty of room to wander, eat lunch and take in the spectacular 360 views. Remember, save your sweet treats for our 3rd stop of the day.
After lunch you will be pleased to know we will be descending gradually for a good while, giving us the chance to really appreciate the stunning landscape and giving us time for our lunches to settle. At the base of our descent we will navigate several farms before starting the final ascent. The final ascent starts with a track up from a farm before hitting a single track lane. Here, before a Poultry farm, we have Option 1.
Option 1
Continue to ascend via the lane, woods and fields or take the alternative single track lane/path back to the fields where we started the walk and the cars.
For those who continue, our time walking the lane will be a well received respite. From the lane we will join a farm track before navigating our way around the farm through the fields and on to the final section of our ascent. Once we reach the base of Ysgyryd Fawr (Skirrid Fawr), we have Option 2.
Option 2.
Continue up and over Ysgyryd Fawr (Skirrid Fawr) or follow the path around its base back to the cars.
Ysgyryd Fawr (Skirrid Fawr), is also known as the Holy Mountain or the Sacred Hill. The Welsh ‘Ysgyryd’, means to shake or tremble, called so because of the massive landslide on the hill’s northern tip. The word ‘fawr’ translates as big or large. For those who continue we will be ascending the steepest side of Skirrid. When we recce’d this walk the path used was challenging after the miles we had already completed, requiring hands for stability in several places. It is not a route to stand and admire the views safely. We hope to be using an alternative route on the day which may prove more favourable but it will still be tough. We have included a picture of the gradient so you have some advanced perspective.
Once at the top, wow, it's worth the effort, wow and wow again. From the trig, it's all downhill. The descent to begin is gradual as we make our way along the back of the Skirrid, plenty of opportunity to enjoy the views and relax before dropping down in Caer Wood and falling into the cars.
Please note we may also choose to adjust this walk depending on the weather.
For those staying over on the Saturday evening, if you would like to join us for dinner please message Dianne Hall direct and we will happily include you in the arrangements. We will be dining at Il Gusto Restaurant & Bar, Abergavenny. 7:15pm meet for 7:30pm food.
Deposit £5 pp. Menu included in the photographs for you to choose your options.
Simply message Dianne your food choices and she will get you booked in. Deposit payable on booking on.