Event Date: Sun 6 September 2026
Event Time: 08:30
This walk is in the past.
Best to have breakfast first - it's more like Sugarloaf for elevenses!
I last lead this walk in 2023 apparently...
This is a challenging walk with 4 long/very steep hill climbs, the first being to the highest point of the walk - the summit of Sugarloaf (596m). If lucky, we may see some feral ponies on the way down, then pass through some woodland and fields by a potentially rowdy little river - likely our first lunch stop...but don't eat all your food; we'll stop for another snack later (I'll need an energy boost later on even if you don't!).
The next climb again rewards us with some good views of the surrounding hills, potentially some more feral ponies, and, for the keen-eyed, there may still be the odd wild blueberry to nibble on (although there haven't been many to find this year).
We'll pass a picturesque little church...and a slightly less picturesque church...before the next climb, which, although smaller, is still a challenge, being very steep.
Our final climb is smaller again, but has it's own challenges - in the past it had fallen trees to scramble over and tall bracken closing in on the paths. We should get back to the car park before dusk, although the sun may be getting low.
Around 1080m of ascent/descent. Steep climbs and descents with uneven footing. Stiles and a little road walking. Sheep and feral ponies en-route, not to mention the hawks and squirrels. Potentially some boggy sections; waterproof footwear, preferably with some ankle support recommended. Bring plenty of food & water.
The Pen y Val/Sugarloaf car park is very small - 5 to 10 spaces at most (and some will be taken by other walkers) - please do your best to car share even if you don't come to St Mary Redcliffe.
Credit to Matt T. who originally led this walk a few years back.
Bring packed lunch.
Group:
Joint
Walk Leader:
Dave C.
Walk Grade:
3 Boot
Walk Length: 13 miles
(6.5-7 hours)
Date: Sun 06 Sep 2026
Meet:
08:30 at
Portwall Lane Car Park (opp. St Mary Redcliffe)
If sharing lifts passengers are expected to contribute towards petrol costs. Please bring coins or be prepared to make a bank transfer. As a guide, 30p/mile shared by everyone in the car.
Alternative meeting point: 09:50 at
Pen y val/Fro car park, Abergavenny, NP7 7LH
Please contact the walk leader if you will be meeting them there.
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