Region: Abergavenny and the Black Mountains, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, Monmouthshire, Wales
This varied 8-mile Blorenge circular walk starts at Llanfoist Crossing Car Park and climbs through woodland to the Punchbowl before continuing to the 556-metre summit, Keeper’s Pond and the old tramroad back towards Abergavenny.
It is one of those walks that seems to include a little bit of everything: a dark canal tunnel, a steep woodland climb, a peaceful lake hidden beneath the mountain, huge views over Abergavenny, an exposed summit, Keeper’s Pond and a historic industrial route back down. It feels like a proper journey rather than a simple walk up and down one mountain.
The Blorenge is one of the three mountains surrounding Abergavenny. From the top you can look across to Sugar Loaf and the Skirrid, with the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal running below.
Important route choice: This guide covers the full circular walk from Llanfoist, including the Punchbowl, summit and Keeper’s Pond. If you want a much shorter and easier outing beginning near the top, use my separate Blorenge walk from Keeper’s Pond.
Staying nearby? See my guides to places to stay in Crickhowell and places to stay in Brecon.
Getting There: Llanfoist Parking, Map and GPX
- Start and finish: Llanfoist Crossing Car Park on the B4246, just outside Abergavenny.
- Google Maps: Use this Llanfoist Crossing Car Park pin.
- Parking: The car park is small and can fill quickly, particularly at weekends. Arrive early and do not obstruct the road or neighbouring access.
- Hiking apps: Use my Outdooractive or Komoot profiles to guide you around
- Free GPX: Download the Blorenge GPX file.
- GPX help: My guide explains what a GPX file is and how to use one.
Take particular care when crossing the B4246 at the beginning and end of the walk. The first canal tunnel is dark, damp and frequently slippery, while several turns around the Punchbowl and on the descent make a downloaded route useful.
Blorenge Walk Profile
- Distance: Approximately 8 miles / 13 km circular
- Duration: Around 4 hours; allow longer for breaks and difficult conditions
- Highest point: Blorenge summit — approximately 556 m / 1,827 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate, with a steep woodland ascent and a long descent
- Terrain: Lanes, canal tunnel, woodland, stiles, open moorland, surfaced tracks and an old tramroad
- Navigation: Mostly established paths, but the woodland junctions and broad summit can be confusing in poor visibility
- Best for: Varied scenery, the Punchbowl, mountain views, industrial history and a substantial circular walk near Abergavenny
Route overview
| Stage | Route section | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Llanfoist Crossing → canal tunnel | Road crossing, St Faith’s Church and the slippery tunnel beneath the canal |
| 2 | Canal tunnel → Punchbowl | Steep woodland, several stiles and a quieter contouring path |
| 3 | Punchbowl → Blorenge summit | Woodland, the rim of the bowl and exposed open mountain |
| 4 | Summit → Keeper’s Pond | Trig point, Foxhunter area, aerials and the pond |
| 5 | Keeper’s Pond → Llanfoist | Waymarked descent, old tramroad, canal and return to the car park |
Blorenge Circular Walk Route Description
1. Llanfoist Crossing and the canal tunnel
Begin at Llanfoist Crossing Car Park. Spaces are limited and it can become busy, so an early start is worthwhile. Cross the B4246 carefully and follow the lane uphill, passing St Faith’s Church on your left.
A tunnel takes you beneath the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. It is atmospheric but can be extremely dark, damp and slippery, so slow down and use a torch if needed.
2. The woodland climb to the Punchbowl
Beyond the tunnel, pass the cottages and take the path climbing into the woods. This is probably the hardest part of the route. The gradient is steep, water runs down the path after rain and mud can make the surface very slippery.
Continue past the fallen tree and climb through four stiles. After the fourth, keep ascending until a fifth stile appears on the left. Cross it and follow the fence line as the path begins curving around the mountain.
>The walking becomes quieter and more gradual here, with lovely views opening on the left. Ferns grow high beside the path in summer, creating a green passageway before the route reaches the Punchbowl.
The bowl-shaped hollow was formed by glacial erosion during the last Ice Age, while the lake itself was created later. The surrounding woodland also contains evidence of charcoal hearths, pollarded beech trees and an old dry-stone wall from its working past.
3. The Punchbowl to the Blorenge summit
Keep the lake on your right and look for a path in the far-left corner. This returns to the woods and climbs gently beside a wall. Join the road only briefly, then turn sharply right at the end of the wall and climb towards the top of the Punchbowl.
From the rim, continue across the open mountain towards the trig point. The Blorenge summit is exposed and can become cold, wet and extremely windy even when conditions feel pleasant in Llanfoist. Carry waterproofs, warm layers and a hat.
4. Blorenge summit to Keeper’s Pond
After the trig point, follow the well-worn path towards the two prominent aerials. On the way you pass a large brick seat looking back towards the summit. Continue beyond the aerials and follow the road to Keeper’s Pond.
5. Keeper’s Pond and the old tramroad descent
Cross the small bridge on the far side of Keeper’s Pond and follow the path along the mountain. Look for a waymarker directing you left towards Llanfoist. The route eventually joins an old tramroad, where a distinctive tunnel on the right confirms you are heading down correctly.
Continue around the right bend and then follow the path left and downhill to the stile reached after the original woodland climb. Retrace the lower path and pass back through the tunnel beneath the canal.
Before returning to the car, climb the steps on the left to visit the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. The barges and waterside cottages make this a lovely final stop and provide a complete contrast with the exposed summit above.
Return down the steps, follow the lane and cross the B4246 carefully to finish at Llanfoist Crossing Car Park. It is an absolutely class circular walk with an unusual amount to see from beginning to end.
Blorenge Walk Practicalities
- Start early: Llanfoist Crossing Car Park has limited capacity.
- Road crossing: Take care crossing the B4246 from the car park.
- Tunnel: The canal tunnel can be dark and extremely slippery; a small torch is useful.
- Footwear: Wear boots or trail shoes with strong grip, especially after rain.
- Weather: The summit is exposed. Carry waterproofs, warm layers and wind protection.
- Navigation: Download the GPX before setting out, particularly for the woodland and summit sections.
- Dogs: Keep dogs under close control around livestock and beside roads and water.
- Food and water: Carry everything required for the four-hour walk; there are no guaranteed facilities on the route.
Walk this Blorenge route in 3D
This 3D walkthrough gives you a useful preview of the Punchbowl, summit and Keeper’s Pond circuit before you set out.
Blorenge Circular Walk FAQs
How long is the Blorenge circular walk from Llanfoist?
How long does the Blorenge walk take?
Where should I park for this Blorenge walk?
Is the Blorenge walk difficult?
Does this route visit the Punchbowl and Keeper’s Pond?
Is there a map and GPX for the Blorenge route?
Can I do a shorter Blorenge walk from Keeper’s Pond?
Can dogs complete the Blorenge circular walk?
What should I take on the Blorenge?
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Hi
Thank you for supplying this information. Is there anyway that this walk can be shortened to hours?
Thanks
Christine
Hi Chris, I’m guessing you are asking for 2 hours, which is fine, and what I would do is start at Keepers Pond at the top. There is a car park, and you have some options there. To keep it short but still have a great walk, what I would do is to the right of the pond about 100 yards away there is a dirt road, and in the distance you will see some pylons. If you walk towards them then turn left through another car park and a pathw ill appear which will take you all the way to the trig point. From there carry on in a straight line and that will take you right to the edge of the Blorenge that you see from Abergavenny. You can then track back the same way back to the car. I do have some other paths for the Blorenge so will get them up asap. Hope that helps.