I had signed up for an AAC walk this weekend - closer than the last one, being just the other side of the Black Mountains from us. The description was vague - a circuit of Sugar loaf from Abergavenny, however it has been a long while since I had been there.
I parked in the large car park beside the sports fields with views up the valleys to Sugar loaf (slightly hidden behind the fore peaks. Then walked into the town to meet the others at the town hall - there were only three others on the walk which was a little disappointing, however these were all new to me.
We left the centre of the town and struck out across the A40 and into the residential areas, where the roads got narrower.
The narrow lanes continued out of the built up area before we started to circumnavigate the foothills going parallel to the A40.
After Orchard house we crossed a field (still traversing) to reach Tyrewen farm - slightly run down. Before a zigzag to continue towards Twyn bungalow.
The path became a little more rugged here as we continued the traverse into woods and over a stream.
The first views of some tops came as we left the trees and passed Pen-y-graig farm. Then dropping down on a farm track to Cwm-cegyr.
A brief rest before we turned towards the mountains and the start of the ascent.
Across the valley the buildings of Pen-twyn and Dan-y-cefn.
The path took us on a rising traverse through a sheep pasture and into the depths of the cwm.
Then a large zigzag took us out of the cwm and up on the rounded ridge coming down rom Mynydd Pen-y-fal
Ascending the vague spur, to reach the wide ridge, where the path flattened off.
Looking north to my walk of earlier in the week - you cannot see the Dragon's back ridge, however the rest of the route from Waun Fach to Pen Allt-mawr followed the skyline.
Ahead of us was the top of Sugar loaf - just continue along the ridge to the high point.
Over several steps before the final slope up to the summit ridge.
I had forgotten the "sharper" element along to the trig point from this side of the mountain.
looking west around the secondary top.
looking east to Lanthony.
After a pause, sheltering from the wind (and a short rain shower) for some sustenance we began the return section.
Dropping down the equally steep East side to the plateau below.
Working our way across the bracken on the plateau around the head of a valley
Looking back to the distinctive summit of the mountain, before following the eastern finger towards the town below.
The wide path thropugh the bracken was easy going dropping to the woods above Sunny View.
We passed several DofE groups along here - obviously a popular training route.
Through the woods to pick up the back road at Sunny vale
Then through the fields beside the road and back into the outskirts of the town.
eventually meeting our outward track just past the large roman catholic church.
Back into the town for a coffee passing time until the next train for the others and I went back to the car.
A useful session and I hope for more in the future.
