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Home> Walks> Wales> Monmouthshire> Views from Ysgyryd Fawr

Views from Ysgyryd Fawr

Recommended by
Our view
"A circuit of Ysgyryd Fawr"
Walk directions

Walk through the barrier at the western end of the car park and follow the hedged track around to the right. Climb up to a gate and stile beneath a large oak tree. Cross these and follow the green and white waymarker that directs you off to the right.

Ascend a few wooden steps and keep straight ahead at a staggered crossroads, again following the green and white marker posts. You’ll cross a grassy forest track and then climb a series of steps to cross another forest track. Continue to a gate.
View all directions
Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain  - Tracks through woodland and bracken, steep climb and easy traverse of airy ridge
  Landscape  - Mixed woodland, bracken-covered slopes, views over Black Mountains
  Dog friendliness  - Care needed near livestock
  Parking  - Small car park on B4521
  Toilets en route  - None on route
Walks in Monmouthshire Dog-friendly walks in Monmouthshire Family friendly walks in Monmouthshire
About the walk
Ysgyryd Fawr, or Skirrid Mountain, is the easternmost peak in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Isolated from the Black Mountains by the Fenni Valley, it’s perfectly situated to offer superb views over the rest of the range. This is a short walk, but it’s not to be...
Read more
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Walking in Safety

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About the area
In their bid to control the borderlands of Monmouthshire – also known as the Marches – the Normans built a triangle of castles: Grosmont, Skenfrith and White. At first, they were simple wooden structures strengthened by earthworks, but when the lively Welsh refused to stop attacking them, it was decided more permanent fortresses were needed.
Explore Monmouthshire
Area image

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Caravan & Camping
Wernddu Caravan Park
★★★★
award
"Quality touring facilities on well-managed golf estate...."
  • Launderette
  • Ice pack facility
  • Cafe/Restaurant
  • BBQ
Guest Accommodation
The Abergavenny
★★★★
award
"Relaxed and friendly, experience efficient service and a comfy stay...."
  • Rooms 20
  • Free TV
  • Wifi
  • Open parking
Hotel
The Angel Hotel
★★★★
awardawardaward
"Former coaching inn where guest comfort and enjoyment are a priority...."
  • Family rooms: 2
  • Free TV
  • WiFi available
  • Lift available
Nearby places to stay
Wernddu Caravan Park
Located north of the town centre, this former fruit farm, adjacent to a golf club and driving range, is managed by three generations of the same family, and has been transformed into an...
★★★★    Rating
The Abergavenny
Located just a few minutes' stroll from the sister accommodation (the popular Angel Hotel), The Abergavenny offers high-quality bedrooms and bathrooms in a range of shapes and sizes. Gu...
★★★★    Rating
The Angel Hotel
Once a coaching inn and set in the very centre of Abergavenny, The Angel Hotel has long been a popular venue, with foodie credentials to spare. There's also a relaxed bar and a Oak Room...
★★★★    Rating
1861 Restaurant with Rooms
1861 Restaurant with Rooms is run by Kate and Simon King. Simon is the Head Chef while Kate looks after front of house. Bedrooms are located in an adjacent building and provide outstand...
★★★★★    Rating
Pont Kemys Caravan & Camping Park
Pont Kemys Caravan & Camping Park is a peaceful site adjacent to the River Usk, offering an excellent standard of toilet facilities with family rooms. The adults-only field benefits fro...
★★★★★    Rating
The Bear
The Bear is a favourite with locals as well as visitors; the character and friendliness of this 15th-century coaching inn are renowned. Bedrooms come in a variety of sizes and include s...
★★★★    Rating
Riverside Caravan & Camping Park
Within a few minutes' walk of the river and town centre with its excellent shopping and eating choices, is this all-level park. It is surrounded by mature hedges and trees to create pri...
★★★★    Rating
Rockfield Glamping
Located on a working farm in a stunning landscape of undulating hills, quality, well spaced bell tents are strategically placed to maximise the excellent views. Interiors are furnished ...
★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
The Walnut Tree Inn
   AA Rosette Award
The Angel Hotel
   AA Rosette Award
Restaurant 1861
   AA Rosette Award
The Bear
Places to eat nearby
The Walnut Tree Inn
   AA Rosette Award
The Angel Hotel
   AA Rosette Award
Restaurant 1861
   AA Rosette Award
The Bear
The Wallace Steakhouse with Rooms
   AA Rosette Award
The Whitebrook
   AA Rosette Award
Newbridge on Usk
Newbridge on Usk
   AA Rosette Award
View all
Route details
2hrs
Dog-friendly Family-friendly
Difficulty:
Medium

Gradient:
Challenging


Distance:
3.75 miles (6kms)

Ascent:
1150ft (351m)

Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby  
Discover more walks in Monmouthshire
If you like this walk, you can try more routes in the area.
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Views from Ysgyryd Fawr

Recommended by
Our view
"A circuit of Ysgyryd Fawr"
Walk details
2hrs
Dog friendly Family friendly
Difficulty:
Medium
Gradient:
Challenging
Distance:
3.75 miles (6kms)
Ascent:
1150ft (351m)
Walk directions

Walk through the barrier at the western end of the car park and follow the hedged track around to the right. Climb up to a gate and stile beneath a large oak tree. Cross these and follow the green and white waymarker that directs you off to the right.
1 of 6

Ascend a few wooden steps and keep straight ahead at a staggered crossroads, again following the green and white marker posts. You’ll cross a grassy forest track and then climb a series of steps to cross another forest track. Continue to a gate.
2 of 6

Turn left here and follow the moss-covered wall around. The wall drops to the left, but continue along the path.
3 of 6

This now undulates as it contours around the hillside, eventually leading into a narrow rock-strewn valley. Stay on the main path to pass a small pond on the left and gradually veer around to the right. Stay on the path and you’ll emerge on to open ground with a fence to your left. Continue until your way ahead is blocked by a gate.
4 of 6

Fork right in front of the gate and follow the open ground steeply uphill. Stay on the main path, following National Trust markers (watch out for the second one, which is very small and off to the right of the path), and eventually you’ll reach the top of the ridge. Turn right and follow the ridge for a few paces to the summit.
5 of 6

To descend, retrace your steps back to the point where you joined the ridge and then keep straight ahead to the end. Drop down the narrow southern spur and bear around to the right to join a stone path. Follow this down to a wall and bear right to return to the gate at Point 3. Retrace your steps back down through the wood to return to the car park.
6 of 6
Location
Starting point
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - Tracks through woodland and bracken, steep climb and easy traverse of airy ridge
  Landscape - Mixed woodland, bracken-covered slopes, views over Black Mountains
  Dog friendliness - Care needed near livestock
  Parking - Small car park on B4521
  Toilets en route - None on route
Walks in Monmouthshire Dog-friendly walks in Monmouthshire Family friendly walks in Monmouthshire
About the walk
Ysgyryd Fawr, or Skirrid Mountain, is the easternmost peak in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Isolated from the Black Mountains by the Fenni Valley, it’s perfectly situated to offer superb views over the rest of the range. This is a short walk, but it’s not to be...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more
Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more
Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more
About the area
Area image
Monmouthshire
In their bid to control the borderlands of Monmouthshire – also known as the Marches – the Normans built a triangle of castles: Grosmont, Skenfrith and White. At first, they were simple wooden structures strengthened by earthworks, but when the lively Welsh refused to stop attacking them, it was decided more permanent fortresses were needed.
Explore Monmouthshire

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Caravan & Camping
Wernddu Caravan Park
★★★★
award
"Quality touring facilities on well-managed golf estate...."
  • Launderette
  • Ice pack facility
  • Cafe/Restaurant
  • BBQ
Guest Accommodation
The Abergavenny
★★★★
award
"Relaxed and friendly, experience efficient service and a comfy stay...."
  • Rooms 20
  • Free TV
  • Wifi
  • Open parking
Hotel
The Angel Hotel
★★★★
awardawardaward
"Former coaching inn where guest comfort and enjoyment are a priority...."
  • Family rooms: 2
  • Free TV
  • WiFi available
  • Lift available
Nearby places to stay
Wernddu Caravan Park
Located north of the town centre, this former fruit farm, adjacent to a golf club and driving range, is managed by three generations of the same family, and has been transformed into an...
★★★★    Rating
The Abergavenny
Located just a few minutes' stroll from the sister accommodation (the popular Angel Hotel), The Abergavenny offers high-quality bedrooms and bathrooms in a range of shapes and sizes. Gu...
★★★★    Rating
The Angel Hotel
Once a coaching inn and set in the very centre of Abergavenny, The Angel Hotel has long been a popular venue, with foodie credentials to spare. There's also a relaxed bar and a Oak Room...
★★★★    Rating
1861 Restaurant with Rooms
1861 Restaurant with Rooms is run by Kate and Simon King. Simon is the Head Chef while Kate looks after front of house. Bedrooms are located in an adjacent building and provide outstand...
★★★★★    Rating
Pont Kemys Caravan & Camping Park
Pont Kemys Caravan & Camping Park is a peaceful site adjacent to the River Usk, offering an excellent standard of toilet facilities with family rooms. The adults-only field benefits fro...
★★★★★    Rating
The Bear
The Bear is a favourite with locals as well as visitors; the character and friendliness of this 15th-century coaching inn are renowned. Bedrooms come in a variety of sizes and include s...
★★★★    Rating
Riverside Caravan & Camping Park
Within a few minutes' walk of the river and town centre with its excellent shopping and eating choices, is this all-level park. It is surrounded by mature hedges and trees to create pri...
★★★★    Rating
Rockfield Glamping
Located on a working farm in a stunning landscape of undulating hills, quality, well spaced bell tents are strategically placed to maximise the excellent views. Interiors are furnished ...
★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
The Walnut Tree Inn
   AA Rosette Award
The Angel Hotel
   AA Rosette Award
Restaurant 1861
   AA Rosette Award
The Bear
Places to eat nearby
The Walnut Tree Inn
   AA Rosette Award
The Angel Hotel
   AA Rosette Award
Restaurant 1861
   AA Rosette Award
The Bear
The Wallace Steakhouse with Rooms
   AA Rosette Award
The Whitebrook
   AA Rosette Award
Newbridge on Usk
Newbridge on Usk
   AA Rosette Award
View all
Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby