Day 7 of the Brecon Beacons Way - YHA Llangattock to Llantony
Departure from Llangattock (Powys)
This route takes us across the River Usk and through Crickhowell, up Table Mountain to visit Crug Hywel (fort), over the Grwyne Fechan valley, up to Crug Mawr and down into Grwyne Fawr valley. It passes Partrishow Church, parts of which date from before 1065. Then it's a climb up Garn Wen and Bâl Bach before dropping down to Llantony and the Prior.
The Sugar Loaf from near Abergavenny (short ascent)
Departure from Abergavenny (Monmouthshire)
This Monmouthshire walk offers a short and direct ascent of the Sugar Loaf, which lies a few miles west of Abergavenny. The route is generally easy to follow and should be saved for a fine day as the views from the summit are excellent in fine weather.
Day 6 of the Brecon Beacons Way - YHA Danywenallt to YHA Llangattock
Departure from Talybont-on-Usk (Powys)
The route goes from YHA to YHA but essentially follows the Brecon Beacons Way going west-to-east. This section goes through a Site of Special Scientific Interest as it passes Llangorse Lake (Lyn Syfaddan). Formed in the Ice Age, it is one of the few naturally eutrophic lakes in Wales and is of national if not international importance.
Ysgyryd Fawr (The Skirrid) near Abergavenny
Departure from Llantilio Pertholey (Monmouthshire)
The Skirrid (Ysgyryd Fawr) is a solitary hill rising from the countryside to the east of Abergavenny. This walk takes the most direct route to the summit and includes a steep ascent. The return route takes through pleasat woodland on the western flank of the hill.
Day 8 of the Brecon Beacons Way - Llantony to Abergavenny Station
Departure from Crucorney (Monmouthshire)
The route goes south from Llantony Priory over Hatterall Hill, where it joins the Offa’s Dyke for 4.5km, down to the village of Llanvihangel Crucorney, which has an inn that dates back to the 11th century and up The Skirrid (also known as Holy Mountain), which rises to 486m. Finally, the route finds its way into Abergavenny and terminates at the station.
Into The Black Mountains
Departure from Craswall (Herefordshire)
This walk leads you up into the black mountains starting along the cat's back, taking in 3 peaks, crossing the England/Wales boarder and across the highest road pass in Wales.
Highest Peaks of the Brecon Beacons
Departure from Glyn Tarell (Powys)
This Powys walk starts from Cwmgwdi and visits Corn Du passing the monument to the Lost Lad before continuing to Pen y Fan, the highest point in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Continuing, the walk then visits the summits of Cribyn and Fan y Big before returning to the start along the western side of Cwm Cynwyn.
Craswall Priory & Hay Bluff
Departure from Craswall (Herefordshire)
This Herefordshire walk offers some wonderful views of the Black Mountains without too much ascent. The route follows tracks and paths north of Craswall and includes the opportunity to visit the remains of Craswall Abbey. Despite the title, an ascent of Hay Bluff is not included but could easily be added to the route.
Pen y Fan
Departure from Glyn Tarell (Powys)
A circular hike which allows easy access to Pen y Fan (886 m); the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons and South Wales. A walk through stunning landscapes, surrounded by sheep.
Very busy intinerary in high season.
Day 5 of the Brecon Beacons Way - YHA Brecon Beacons to YHA Danywenallt
Departure from Glyn Tarell (Powys)
The route continues on the west-to-east Brecon Beacons Way, now over halfway to its final destination at Abergavenny Station. This is possibly the most strenuous day's walking as there are a number of climbs, starting with Corn Du and Pen y Fan. However, on a clear day, the views are spectacular.
Lodge Hill
Departure from Caerleon (Newport)
Lodge Hill Circular Walk in Caerleon. Mostly rural paths with some stiles and kissing gates. Some steep sections. Spectacular views from the high ground over the River Usk and the City of Newport. Look out for the distinct Lodge Hill Circular Walk Waymark Disc.
Fourteen Locks
Departure from Rogerstone (Newport)
A refreshing walk following the surfaced towpaths of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal with some steep steps,
stiles and uneven field paths further along requiring sturdy footwear.
Rhiwderin
Departure from Graig (Newport)
Mostly rural paths, woodland tracks with some steep climbs, stiles and gates to negotiate. Enjoy great views over the rolling countryside around Machen. Look out for the distinct Rhiwderin Circular Walk Waymark Disc.
Michaelstone-y-Fedw
Departure from Michaelston-y-Vedw (Newport)
Michaelstone-y-Fedw Circular Walk. Rural footpaths through woodland and pasture with some steep sections.
Stiles and gates to negotiate. Look out for the distinct Michaelstone-y-Fedw Circular Walk Waymark Disc.
Rhymney River
Departure from Michaelston-y-Vedw (Newport)
The Rhymney River Walk is a seven-mile circular walk around the lower Rhymney Valley.The short climbs through dappled woodland reward the walker with panoramic views of the valley floor and archaeological heritage of the area.
Langstone-Penhow
Departure from Langstone (Newport)
Mostly rural paths with some stiles, kissing gates and steep climbs with fantastic views over Wentwood and surrounding countryside.
Look out for the distinct Langstone-Penhow Circular Walk Waymark Disc.
Llanwern Hill
Departure from Bishton (Newport)
An exhilarating walk with some steep inclines and declines requiring sturdy footwear but there are fine views along the way.
Gwent Levels
Departure from Nash (Newport)
NewportWetlands Reserve is a nationally important haven for wildlife and is a designated National Nature Reserve. There is an amazing variety of wild birds, wildlife and flora.
An exhilarating mostly level walk on hard surface paths around the reserve. Generally flat rural footpaths with stiles and gates to negotiate as you leave the reserve. Walkers are encouraged to find an alternative route between point 2 and 3 during the nesting season.
Magor Caldicot Levels
Departure from Magor with Undy (Monmouthshire)
An easy circular walk starting and finishing in the village of Magor, Monmouthshire; taking in the village of Redwick, the Caldicot Levels and the Wales Coastal Path. Follows relatively quiet country lanes and farm tracks plus along the sea wall following the WCP. Very flat!
Redwick
Departure from Redwick (Newport)
A pleasant mix of rural footpaths and a refreshing coastal walk. Many stiles and narrow footbridges to cross, however, fields can be very muddy throughout winter. Limited car parking opposite Redwick Church.
Look out for the distinct Redwick Circular Walk Waymark Disc.