If you’ve ever been anywhere near Abergavenny in South Wales, it’s likely you’ll have already marvelled at Sugar Loaf. This instantly recognisable peak is one of the highest in the Black Mountains. The sight alone offers a magnificent welcome as you enter the Brecon Beacons National Park, even if at 596 metres it falls just 4 metres short of being officially classed as a mountain.
- Children Welcome
- Multiple Dogs Allowed
- Parking
- Rural Walks
Good to know
Overview
From most angles, the Sugar Loaf, or Pen Y Fal to give it it’s Welsh name, stands out from other flat top peaks in the Brecon Beacons as it appears to be conical in shape. It’s easily mistaken for an extinct volcano, but is actually made of the same red sandstone as the rest of the surrounding Black Mountains.
Just a couple of miles from the market town of Abergavenny, Sugar Loaf, along with Skirrid Fawr and Blorenge, comprise the Abergavenny three peaks. If you’re up for a real challenge, these three peaks make for a fabulous 20 mile walk but for most, Sugar Loaf is an easily accessible and popular standalone hill to tick off your list.
One of our favourite things about Sugar Loaf is the multitude of routes you can take to the top as the entire hill is on common land. We love the loop from the main parking area over to the enchanting St. Mary’s Vale. This ancient woodland honestly feels otherworldly and is well worth the detour before heading to the summit via one of the many paths that criss-cross the hill.
You’ll want to complete this walk on a clear day to take full advantage of the 360 degree views from the top, where you’ll see across South Wales, the Brecon Beacons, and over to South West England. It’s a fairly straightforward route back to the car park on the well-trodden path through the heather and bracken. There are lots of sheep so you will need to keep dogs on leads.
We highly recommend a stop off at Sugar Loaf Vineyard after your walk. It’s set on the lower slopes of the Sugar Loaf overlooking Abergavenny. Drop in for a tasting of some award-winning Welsh wines or choose from one of their many homemade cakes. We can confirm they are absolutely delicious.
For The Dogs
Dogs will need to be on leads or under close control at all times due to roaming livestock.
Opening Hours
There are no opening hours as such but daylight hours are recommended.
Parking
There is free parking for National Trust members at the car park – use the postcode NP7 7LA.
Take care as the road leading up to the car park is a narrow single track.
The Area
The area’s abundance of rivers, lakes, canals and reservoirs make the Beacons a haven for water-loving dogs. Why not take a trip to Llangorse Lake, the largest natural lake in South Wales for a lovely doggy day out? Take the waymarked Lakeside trail, or for the more adventurous pups, you can hire paddleboards and boats from the pier and get out on the lake. Pop a few miles down the road afterwards to warm up at one of our favourite dog friendly pubs, the Fellin Fach Griffin.
