Name: Sugar Loaf and Usk Valley
Rating: 5.0

Sugar Loaf and Usk Valley

Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, UK

1-99 Years

Website

Contact

Message

Description

The Sugar Loaf and Usk Valley is a landscape of contrasts. It’s where the dramatic Black Mountains give way to broader, rich and green open pastures. The distinctive ‘Holy Mountain’ Skirrid peers in from the north-east, standing on the very edge of the mountain range - the legend of a landslide at the moment of Jesus’ crucifixion coupled with the now-ruined chapel at the summit are likely origins of the mountain’s local nickname.

Ancient woodlands and riverside walks provide the perfect escape from everyday life and each passing season brings something new to discover: Coed-y-Bwnydd’s carpet of bluebells to the rich turning colour of the woodland's at St Mary’s Vale.

The magnificent Clytha Estate brings the picturesque era into the present. It includes Grade One listed Clytha House, beautiful gardens and sweeping parkland with stately trees. If you’re looking for the best place to visit with family and kids, this is a perfect choice for a fun and relaxing day out.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Sugar Loaf: One of the highest peaks in the Black Mountains, with panoramic views across South Wales.
Skirrid: Rising dramatically out of the landscape, the last outcrop of the Black Mountains is rich in history and wilderness.
Clytha Estate: This 18th-century landscaped park combines fine architecture, grand sweeping views and tranquil countryside.
Coed y Bwnydd: A large and well preserved Iron Age hillfort, with a history stretching back more than 2,000 years.
St Mary's Vale: Miles of ancient woodland at the base of the Sugar Loaf, where oak and beech trees cling to the side of the valley.
Parc Lodge Farm: Once a medieval deer park, the countryside around the farm features extensive woodlands in a broad and open valley.
Visiting the Sugar Loaf: The Sugar Loaf mountain dominates the skyline of the surrounding countryside and provides a spectacular backdrop to the market town of Abergavenny in South Wales. See panoramic views across South Wales, the Brecon Beacons and into south-west England from its peak.
Visiting the Clytha Estate: This classic 18th-century landscaped park combines fine architecture, grand sweeping views and tranquil countryside in a timeless atmosphere. Put on your walking shoes and go exploring on the Clytha Estate.

Facilities

Car park: Due to limited spaces, we recommend parking at the Fairfield car park at Abergavenny (NP7 5SG). Please note that walks starting in the town centre will be longer and we recommend you plan your route in advance. The Skirrid car park: Cars & vans: Up to 2hrs: £2 / All day: £5. Motorhomes & minibuses: Up to 2hrs: £3 / All day: £6
Toilet: Abergavenny may be the nearest place for amenities
Dogs allowed: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on short leads around livestock.

What to see

Top trails:

The Skirrid trail in the Sugar Loaf and Usk Valley: This energetic walk takes you through woodland and out onto open mountainside, before a steep climb to the summit which offers splendid views of the surrounding countryside and St Michael's Church on the summit of the Skirrid.
Clytha short circular walk in the Usk Valley: Explore this timeless estate in Monmouthshire and take in far-reaching views of Sugar Loaf and the Usk Valley on this circular walk. It's a place rich in history and with a wide variety of wildlife to discover.
Clytha and Coed y Bwnydd walk: Ramble through an 18th-century estate, taking in the wildlife-rich River Usk and Coed y Bwnydd – the largest and one of the best preserved hillforts in Monmouthshire. There are beautiful views of the Sugar Loaf, wider Usk Valley and Clytha Castle, one of Wales's most outstanding 18th-century follies.

Website

Contact

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Countryside: Dawn - Dusk
Time may vary please check here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/sugar-loaf-skirrid-and-usk-valley#place-opening-times

Address: Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, UK

Post Code: NP7 7LA

Council: Monmouthshire

County: Gwent

On foot: There are many footpaths on the Sugar Loaf. We recommend parking at the car park in Abergavenny called Fairfield NP7 5SG where there are usually plenty of spaces. Please note that walks starting in the town centre will be longer and we recommend you plan your route in advance.
By train: Train station in Abergavenny.
By bus: X43 service from Cardiff to Abergavenny. B4 Beacons bus, only runs on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays during the summer.
Cycling: The Taff Trail is 14 miles away at Talybont on Usk.
Car park: Due to limited spaces, we recommend parking at the Fairfield car park at Abergavenny (NP7 5SG). Please note that walks starting in the town centre will be longer and we recommend you plan your route in advance. The Skirrid car park: Cars & vans: Up to 2hrs: £2 / All day: £5. Motorhomes & minibuses: Up to 2hrs: £3 / All day: £6