Adventure Two - Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain
For the second adventure we walked to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. A day of very changeable weather, mist, rain and bright sunshine meant for some spectacular views through the low cloud. Although at the top of the mountain the clouds descended and we were stuck with a view of the trig point and nothing beyond.
There is always another day………..
As we walked up through the amazing oak forest with its gnarled and twisted branches we arrived at a fern clad ridge with intermittent views of the mountain through the mist and cloud.
Looking over towards Skirrid mountain and in the opposite direction towards Pen Y Fan we caught glimpses of the spectacular landscape of the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains with its Red Sandstone peaks.
Mynydd Pen-y-fâl or Y Fâl (Sugarloaf Mountain) is situated 2 miles north west of Abergavenny in the county of Monmouthshire. It sits in the Brecon Beacons National Park and is the southernmost peak of the Black Mountains.
It rises 596 metres and is made of sedimentary rocks, mainly Old Red sandstone laid down during the Devonian period.
The Twisted and Gnarled Oak Forest
What a sight this will be in a couple of weeks when the ferns turn golden brown and the mist envelops the trees. Definitely a time to return with the camera.
It’s Up There Somewhere
Views of the mountain came and went as the weather cycled through mist, rain and sunshine.
Fine Views From Here?
Unfortunately as we reached the summit the clouds descended and the views were restricted to the hardy walkers and trig point. Thank you to the chap that took this picture of us on my phone and didn’t run away with it. By that point I was not in a position to give chase!
Sunshine On A Rainy Day
This picture sums up the day really. Sun, rain, clouds and wild ponies. Amazing landscape and typical British weather.
We Broke Out Of The Forest Onto the Ridge
Where we caught glimpses of Sugarloaf Mountain through the clouds (and mist and rain and brilliant sunshine). You have to love the British weather, all seasons in one day.
A Break In The Clouds Across Abergavenny
This picture sums up the day. A few miles apart you could be enjoying bright sunshine or heavy showers. Come prepared!
Chief Guide and Walking Wikipedia / GPS
Glyn has such an amazing knowledge of the locality that he can pick out features in the local landscape bringing it all to life. It is not just a walk, it is a lesson in history and geography all rolled into one. Alternatively you will need a map and to google the locality before you go.
A Final Glimpse of Skirrid
A final look at Skirrid Mountain before descending back through the oak forest to the car and the journey home.
To see the route and pictures in context here is a video of the walk captured via a Garmin Fenix watch and the Relive App.