Hiking in Wales

Hiking in Wales means your going on an adventure in Wales, we have a blend of breathtaking landscapes and outdoor exploration. As you plan your the scenic trails of Snowdonia National Park, you’ll be captivated by the rugged terrain, and ancient castles and cascading waterfalls. The Cambrian Mountains untamed beauty, provides a challenging yet rewarding climb for avid hikers. Along the way, you’ll encounter enchanting woodlands full of native flora, creating a picturesque backdrop.

Wales boasts an extensive network of well-maintained footpaths, ensuring that every step is a new panorama of rolling hills and pristine lakes. A trek along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path reveals dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, while the Brecon Beacons National Park boasts panoramic views. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker seeking mountainous peaks or a leisurely stroller embracing the tranquility of meandering valleys, a hiking holiday in Wales promises an unforgettable communion with nature.

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  Cwm Llwch Horseshoe Circular Walk from Cwm Gwdi – Pen y Fan, Llyn Cwm Llwch & Tommy Jones Memorial
  This is one of the best circular mountain days in the whole of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Starting quietly from the hidden Cwm Gwdi Car Park, the route climbs steadily onto the long ridge beneath Pen y Fan before looping around the dramatic glacial bowl of Cwm Llwch and dropping past the beautiful waters of Llyn Cwm Llwch.
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  Best Routes Up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park – Which Path Should You Take?
  If you want to climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) but avoid the crowds, the Rhyd Ddu Path is one of the best ways to do it. It’s quieter, more remote-feeling, and gives you that proper mountain day without the chaos you get on Llanberis or Pyg/Miners. The route builds gradually, opens out into wide views across Snowdonia, and finishes with a narrow ridge that adds just a touch of edge without being overly technical. It’s a brilliant route if you want the summit, but with a bit more space to actually enjoy it.
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  The Ranger Path to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) — The Most Underrated Classic Route to the Summit
  The Snowdon Ranger Path is one of the most underrated ways up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). It’s quieter than the main routes, more gradual than the Watkin Path, but you still get what you came here for, the mountains and the views and the challenge. Starting near Llyn Cwellyn, it builds steadily before opening into wide views and joining the final push to the summit. If you want a solid all-rounder without the crowds, this is a great choice.
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  Llanberis Path – Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Easiest and most Straightforward Route to the Summit of Snowdon
  If you’re looking for the easiest and most straightforward route up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the Llanberis Path is the one you need. It’s long rather than difficult, following a steady gradient all the way to the summit alongside the mountain railway. There’s nothing technical, no scrambling, and navigation is as simple as it gets, but don’t underestimate it. It’s still a full mountain day, just a more gradual one.
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  Rhyd Ddu Path – Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) via the Quietest Route to the Summit of Snowdon, Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
  If you want to climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) but avoid the crowds, the Rhyd Ddu Path is one of the best ways to do it. It’s quieter, more remote-feeling, and gives you that proper mountain day without the chaos you get on Llanberis or Pyg/Miners. The route builds gradually, opens out into wide views across Snowdonia, and finishes with a narrow ridge that adds just a touch of edge without being overly technical. It’s a brilliant route if you want the summit, but with a bit more space to actually enjoy it.
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  Places to Stay in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog): Best Hotels, Cosy B&Bs & Cabins for Hiking, Walking, Paddleboarding & Biking
  Planning a trip to the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) and not sure where to base yourself? You’re not alone. The park is bigger than people think, the roads are slower than the sat nav suggests,… Read more: Places to Stay in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog): Best Hotels, Cosy B&Bs & Cabins for Hiking, Walking, Paddleboarding & Biking
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  Talgarth, Pwll-y-Wrach Waterfall, Rhos Fach & Talgarth Mill Circular Walk – Black Mountains, Bannau Brycheiniog
  This 7-mile circular starts in the town of Talgarth and managed to feel like a proper little adventure without ever being a big “mountain day”. You head out of town to Pwll-y-Wrach, a woodland waterfall wrapped in folklore and local history, then climb steadily up onto quieter lanes and open farmland with the Black Mountains and Y Grib sitting proudly above.
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  Gospel Pass, Twmpa (Lord Hereford’s Knob), Capel-y-ffin & Offa’s Dyke to Hay Bluff Circular Walk – Black Mountains, Bannau Brycheiniog
  This 10-mile circular from Gospel Pass strings together some of the best bits of the Black Mountains in one hit. You start high on Wales’ highest road pass, climb up to Twmpa (Lord Hereford’s Knob), then drop into a wild, glaciated-feeling valley where the Nant Bwch stream runs away below you. From there you wander right down to the tiny Church of St Mary the Virgin in Capel-y-ffin, before a steep zig-zag haul puts you back on the tops at Black Mountain South Top.
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  Caban Coch, Garreg Ddu, Pen Y Garreg & Craig Goch Reservoirs & Dams Circular Walk – Elan Valley, Powys, Mid Wales
  This circular walk starting close to the Elan Valley Visitor Centre is a great way to explore three of the estate’s most iconic dams. You start near the Craigddu Dam, follow the Elan Valley Trail alongside the still, mirror-like waters of Penygarreg Reservoir, continue to the impressive Craig Goch Dam, then loop back on the west side of the valley towards Garreg Ddu.
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  Pontsticill Reservoir (Taf Fechan) 5 Mile Circular Walk – Bannau Brycheiniog National Park near Merthyr
  This one’s a cracking 5-mile loop around Pontsticill Reservoir (Taf Fechan). You start from a small car park on the west side, nip across the dam straight away, and follow the lakeside path around to the bell-mouth spillway at the northern dam.
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  Bosherston Lily Ponds & Coastal Circular – 6.5 Miles Pembrokeshire Walk, includes Barafundle Bay, Stackpole Head, Saddle Point, and Broad Haven South Beach.
  This varied 6.5-mile / 10.5 km circular walk starts at the Bosherston Lily Ponds National Trust car park and takes in serene lakes, historic bridges, sheltered harbours, golden beaches, and dramatic cliff-top views. Following the Stackpole Wildlife Walk and sections of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, the route includes highlights like the 8 Arch Bridge, Stackpole Quay, Barafundle Bay, Stackpole Head, Saddle Point, and Broad Haven South Beach. It’s a moderate walk with a little bit of everything Pembrokeshire has to offer.
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  Manorbier Castle & Coastal Circular – 5 km Pembrokeshire Walk via Rook’s Cave, Priest’s Nose and the Ancient Burial Chamber of King’s Quoit.
  This scenic 3-mile / 4.8 km circular walk from Manorbier combines dramatic coastline, fascinating history, and charming village streets. Heading east to the Air Defence Range before picking up the Pembrokeshire Coast Path westbound, you’ll pass striking geological features like Rook’s Cave, the rugged headland of Priest’s Nose, and the ancient burial chamber of King’s Quoit. The route ends with a visit to the imposing Norman Manorbier Castle and views over Manorbier Beach before returning to the start point.
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  Solva to St Davids, Wales Coast Path Walk – 11 km Pembrokeshire Coast route finishing at UK’s Smallest City.
  This superb section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path (approx. 11 km / 7 miles) follows rugged cliff-tops, sheltered coves, and sweeping bays between the charming harbour village of Solva and the UK’s smallest city, St Davids. Rich in history and natural beauty, this route combines wildlife spotting, dramatic geology, and one of the most culturally important destinations in Wales.
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  Waun Fach Circular – 16 km Ridge Walk from Mynydd Du Car Park, via Chwarel y Fan, Rhos Dirion and Pen y Manllwyn.
  This classic high ridge walk (approx. 16 km / 10 miles) explores the eastern escarpment of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Starting from Blaen-y-Cwm, it climbs steeply to the airy summit of Chwarel y Fan, the eastern most 2000-footer in Wales, and follows the remote Cambrian Way over Rhos Dirion, Pen y Manllwyn and the eroded dome of Waun Fach, the highest peak in the Black Mountains.
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  Rhossili Bay Coastal Walk – 10 km Gower Peninsula Loop from Rhossili Village. Best Beach in Wales Award Winner.
  The Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay Coastal Walk is a spectacular 11km (7 mile) trail that hugs the dramatic Yorkshire coastline along a section of the Cleveland Way. You’ll start at the historic Church Street in Whitby and finish in the impossibly charming fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay.
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  Pen y Fan & Corn Du Circular Walk – 8km Brecon Beacons Hike from Pont ar Daf National Trust Car Park. Highest Points in South Wales.
  The Pen y Fan Circular is one of the most popular hikes in the Brecon Beacons. This 8km loop from Pont ar Daf offers wide-open views, a steady climb to the highest point in South Wales, and a memorable ridge walk that’s great for all levels of walkers.
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  Tryfan South to North Route, Ogwen Valley, Eryri (Snowdonia) – Part of the Glyderay Group. Famous for the Adam & Eve Stones.
  Tryfan is one of the most iconic peaks in Wales, and is in the Eryri(Snowdonia) National Park. Tryfan is a jagged, rocky mountain that offers a proper hands-on scramble from the very start. This is a route for experienced walkers with a good head for heights. If you’re after a challenge beyond your typical hillwalk, Tryfan delivers – big views, boulder-hopping, and the legendary Adam and Eve stones on the summit.
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  Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Walk – Up the Pyg Track, Down the Miners’ Track Circular Walk from Pen-y-Pass.
  Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is the highest mountain in Wales, standing proud at 1,085 metres (3,560 feet). This classic circular walk from Pen-y-Pass takes you up the rugged and scenic Pyg Track before descending via the gentler Miners’ Track. It’s a fantastic way to tackle the mountain, combining dramatic landscapes, epic views, and a real sense of adventure, all within a manageable 7.5-mile loop. A great option for fit walkers wanting a big mountain day without tackling technical ridges.
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  Llanthony Priory circular up to Hatterall ridge via Black Mountain South Top, along Offa’s Dyke path on the Wales, England border.
  LLanthony Priory is a partly ruined former Augustinian Priory, in the secluded Vale of Ewyas, a steep-sided once-glaciated valley within the Black Mountains area of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Monmouthshire. Above the priory sits ‘Hatterall Hill & Ridge’ on the border of England & Wales, which this route takes you on, before making your way down close to Black Mountain South Top, and returning to the priory, for a great welcome at the cafe/bar.
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  Hay Bluff & Lord Herefords Knob (Twmpa) Circular Walk, near Hay on Wye on the Welsh, English border.
  Llyn y Fan Fach, Picws Du, and Llyn y Fan Fawr Circular Walk in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park is a stunning walk through some of South Wales’ most dramatic landscapes. This 9-mile route takes you past glacial lakes and along rugged ridgelines, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable connection to the natural beauty of the region.
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  Llyn y Fan Fach, Llyn y Fan Fawr and Fan Brycheiniog Circular Walk, discover the legend of ‘The Lady of the Lake’.
  Llyn y Fan Fach, Picws Du, and Llyn y Fan Fawr Circular Walk in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park is a stunning walk through some of South Wales’ most dramatic landscapes. This 9-mile route takes you past glacial lakes and along rugged ridgelines, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable connection to the natural beauty of the region.
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  RSPB Newport Wetlands: I Signed Up & walked the beautiful Reedbeds along the Severn Estuary to see the Waterbirds and Dragonflies
  It’s Autumn in South Wales, and you have so many opportunities to see its beauty at this time of year, you can drive and walk through the Wye Valley, the Brecon Beacons and we also… Read more: RSPB Newport Wetlands: I Signed Up & walked the beautiful Reedbeds along the Severn Estuary to see the Waterbirds and Dragonflies
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  Clytha Park Circular Walk – Coed y Bwnydd Iron Age Hillfort, Bettws Newydd Hamlet & Clytha Castle Folly.
  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.
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  Blorenge easy hike from Pen-ffordd-goch (Keepers Pond). Flat walk to the Trigg and Blorenge edge and back, via Fox Hunter car park.
  The Blorenge is an iconic mountain in the Black Mountains, and this easy walk is a 4 mile there and back walk without hardly any steep parts, in fact it is practically flat, but you get to see exactly the same views as those doing it the hard way.
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  The Skirrid (Ysgyryd Fawr) Circular Walk in the Black Mountains, Abergavenny
  The Skirrid is the smallest of the 3 in Abergavenny, but I think it may have the best views in every direction, and if you can get up there for a sunset, you will be able to see the sun drop right behind the sugar loaf opposite, it is an amazing experience.
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  Four Waterfalls Walk from Gwaun Hepste Car Park – Take in Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr and Sgwd yr Eira
  The Four Waterfalls Walk in the Bannau Brycheiniog is one of the best walks you can do, and although quite a tough day, it is definitely a family day, and you even get to walk under a waterfall.
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  Sugar Loaf 7 Mile Circular Walk, Abergavenny – Up St Mary’s Vale Wood, Down Deri Allt Valley
  This is the very first mountain I hiked up, and for a long time it was the only one I did every Sunday morning, and gradually I built up the confidence and the kit to go explore other places, but this mountain is a classic, and it has fantastic views, and the good thing is, it has easier & harder routes up and you can add it into other routes just as easily.
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  Watkin Path – Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Circular Walk in Eryri National Park via South Ridge, Snowdonia, North Wales.
  The Watkin Path is one of six routes up to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, and in my opinion it is the toughest, the steep slopes near the top particulary from the Rhyd Ddu Path are challenging, and not to be underestimated. The first part however is an easy gradual climb through the tree’s and then as you enter the clear, you will see the peak and also the Rhaeadrau Waterfalls which you will pass, and maybe as we did, have a little swim in!
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  Blaen-Y-Glyn Waterfalls Circular Walk, Wellington Bomber Memorial & Fan-Y-Big Diving Board – Bannau Brycheiniog.
  The Brecon Beacons Blan-y-Glyn Waterfalls has many circular walks you can follow, and this is right up there with one of the best, and is also I’d say in the difficult range, especially if you are doing this in winter. This loop takes in a large number of waterfalls at the start and at the end, a World War 2 Canadian Wellington Bomber memorial, the diving board at Fan-Y-Big then glacial ridge walks most of the way around, it’s a challenging walk, but so rewarding and beautiful.
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  Blorenge Circular Walk from Llanfoist Crossing Car Park via the Punchbowl, Fox Hunters & Keepers Pond – Abergavenny.
  The Blorenge is one of three mountains that surround the town of Abergavenny, the other two which you can see from the top are the Sugar Loaf and the Skirrid. These are a part of the Black Mountains at the foot of the Brecon Beacons and at the bottom of the Blorenge is the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, which you will walk under as you start this walk.
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  Beat The Beacons (BEAT) 2023 – 22 Mile Endurance Route – Highest points in the Brecon Beacons
  Beat The Beacons starts and finishes at Henderson Hall in Talybont-on-Usk takes place in the Brecon Beacons. There are 3 routes available, 22 miles, 15 miles, and 10 miles. The 22-mile Endurance route visits the highest points in the Brecon Beacons. The 15-mile Adventure route follows a similar path to the 22-mile route, but avoids the highest points. The 10-mile Taster route is a walk on lower elevation footpaths, designed for lesser experienced walkers, families, and children.
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  Crickhowell, Llangattock Escarpment Circular up to Craig Y Cilau & a Visit to Eglwys Faen or Church Cave
  Crickhowell and Llangattock have a large number of hiking and walking routes in and around the villages and mountains, and this once again starts in the Crickhowell Secondary school car park, which is always available to park in as I mostly head out on Sundays, so when visiting Crickhowell, be sure to try that School car park first.
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  Twmbarlwm Circular Walk – Iron Age Hill Fort walk above Cwmcarn, South Wales
  Many people will know this area for different reasons, the Cwmcarn forest drive is very popular and a really nice day out, and this mountain is also very popular with mountain bikers, and add in the Twmbarlwm Walk, and you have an all-round beautiful spot for everyone, this is a beautiful walk, topped off with a visit to the Iron Age Hillfort.
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  Talgarth Walking Festival – The Three Pens of Crickhowell Circular: Pen Gloch-y-pibwr, Pen Allt-mawr & Pen Cerrig-calch
  The 2023 Talgarth Walking Festival, the 9th event, took place between Friday April 28th and Monday May 1st. This year they had 26 walks which covers all tastes and abilities, and we choose one on the Sunday which was called ‘The Three Pens of Crickhowell’. The three Pens being ‘Pen Gloch-y-pibwr’ (675m), ‘Pen Allt-mawr’ (720m) & ‘Pen Cerrig-calch’ (711m).
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  The South Wales Three Peaks Trial Challenge 2023 – In Partnership with Outdooractive
  The South Wales Three Peaks Trial is an organised challenge walk arranged each year in March by the Cardiff Outdoor Group. Since 2010 Longtown Mountain Rescue Team provide support with marshalls on all the mountain top checkpoints.
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  Horseshoe Ridge Walk Circular – Brecon Beacons – Fan-Y-Big, Cribyn, Pen-Y-Fan & Corn-Du from Neuadd Car Park.
  The best place to start for the Horseshoe Ridge Walk is in my opinion the Neuadd Car Par, it has the same postcode as the others, but if you’re using Google Maps to drive there, then use Neuadd Car Park Brecon Beacons
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  Dragons Back & Waun Fach Circular from Pengenffordd, Black Mountains in the Bannau Brycheiniog. Second highest peak in Southern Britain at 811m.
  The Dragons Back as you can imagine is named because you have a collection of up and down mounds that resemble the back of a sleeping dragon, as you walk up to the ‘Waun Fach’ (Small Moor) peak. This peak is the highest mountain in the ‘Black Mountains’ and the second highest peak in Southern Britain at 811m, after Pen Y Fan, which isn’t too far away.
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  The Kymin Circular, Monmouth – River Wye, Wye Valley Walk, Redbrook and the Offas Dyke Path
  Take a blanket and a bit of food and relax by the river under a tree, or on the way to The Kymin, it’s a unique walk that has a beautiful river, loads of land, Wye Valley Walk the Offa’s Dyke path, The Kymin and Monmouth itself!
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  Sugar Loaf Circular, Abergavenny – Classic, Easier, Shorter Route
  This is the very first mountain I hiked up, and for a long time it was the only one I did every Sunday morning, and gradually I built up the confidence and the kit to go explore other places, but this mountain is a classic, and it has fantastic views, and the good thing is, it has easier & harder routes up and you can add it into other routes just as easily.
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  Wye Valley Walk – Old Station Tintern, Cleddon Falls, River Wye back to Brockweir Bridge Circular
  The Wye Valley Walk can be picked up at various points, and just outside Tintern there is a little gem called the ‘Old Station Tintern’ it is the perfect place to start a hike. The Old Station Tintern has a good safe car park, and then huge open areas to explore, and recently they refurbished some railway carriages which you can walk through and learn a huge amount about the local history and information. I have posted all the pics below, so you can see for yourself.
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  Chepstow to Tutshill along Lancaut Walk to Wintour’s Leap – Woodcroft Circular, Monmouthshire
  Described as one of the most diverse wooded areas in Britain, you are walking through a secluded and mystical woodland alongside the River Wye, you will hopefully see Peregrine Falcon’s, discover St James’s Church which was built in 1100’s and make your way to ‘Wintour’s Leap’ high above the River Wye on limestone cliffs.
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  Chepstow 365 Steps, Eagles Nest, Tintern Abbey & Local Industrial History, Wye Valley Circular
  The Wye Valley is such a beautiful area. This route starts at Lower Wyndcliff car park, heads to the Eagle’s nest via the 365 steps, then along the Wye Valley Walk to Tintern Abbey, you will see the industrial history of the Anghidi Valley & Tintern Abbey Furnace, the ancient iron foundry & returning through woodlands to St Arvans & back to Wyndcliff.
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  Crickhowell to Sugar Loaf 10 Mile Circular Walk, via Llangenny & Mynydd Pen y Fal – Abergavenny, Black Mountains.
  It’s amazing how many of our walks have started in Crickhowell, and they are all different, and this is another special one as on the way you pass by some of the most beautiful Welsh cottages I have ever seen, and the lush green fields and woods as you head to the Sugar Loaf in Abergavenny, makes this really special.
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  Table Mountain Crickhowell, Pen Cerrig Calch (Peak), Glanusk Estate, Llangattock – Circular
  Region: Crickhowell — Black Mountains, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, Wales Places To Stay: Base yourself in Crickhowell for bookshops, cafes, pubs and easy access to Table Mountain, or stay in Abergavenny a proper… Read more: Table Mountain Crickhowell, Pen Cerrig Calch (Peak), Glanusk Estate, Llangattock – Circular
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  365 Steps to St Arvans Circular Walk via Eagle’s Nest near Tintern and Chepstow – Wye Valley
  Region: St Arvans, Wye Valley, Monmouthshire, Wales Places To Stay: Stay in Chepstow or Monmouth for pubs, cafés and quick access to the Wye Valley. If you want something quieter and closer, Tintern has some… Read more: 365 Steps to St Arvans Circular Walk via Eagle’s Nest near Tintern and Chepstow – Wye Valley
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  Pen Y Fan Summer Sunset Walk – Starting at Pont ar Daf Car Park, Wales Highest Peak, Bannau Brycheiniong
  This is my third attempt at the Pen Y Fan sunset walk, haven’t done the sunrise yet, as in fairness it’s very early, and I try not to get up too early on the weekends,… Read more: Pen Y Fan Summer Sunset Walk – Starting at Pont ar Daf Car Park, Wales Highest Peak, Bannau Brycheiniong
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  Abergavenny 3 Peaks 43km Challenge for charity – Campaign Against Living Miserably
  The ‘Abergavenny 3 Peaks’ are a group of stunning mountains, which includes the Blorenge, the Sugar Loaf and the Skirrid, all in close proximity to the town centre, which makes it a brilliant 3 peak… Read more: Abergavenny 3 Peaks 43km Challenge for charity – Campaign Against Living Miserably
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  Cloud Inversion experience from the Sugar Loaf Mountain in the Brecon Beacons
  Setting off on my usual Sunday morning walk up the Sugar Loaf in Abergavenny, was I in for a nice surprise, a ‘Cloud Inversion’ which I had no way of being appreciated from the bottom… Read more: Cloud Inversion experience from the Sugar Loaf Mountain in the Brecon Beacons