Ysgyryd Fach

About Ysgyryd Fach

The Great Skirrid’s pint-sized sibling is often ignored by peak-baggers rushing for higher altitudes. At 271m, it's essentially a hill that lost its nerve halfway up. It offers delightful views of Abergavenny without the lung-bursting commitment of its more famous, 'shattered' neighbor.

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Did You Know?

• •While its big brother Skirrid Fawr is famous for its massive prehistoric landslip, Little Skirrid remains stubbornly intact. It serves as an essential component of the 'Abergavenny Circle' of hills, anchoring the southeastern skyline of the town.
• •The name 'Ysgyryd' derives from the Welsh word for 'split' or 'shattered', referring to the local geological history. Despite the name, Ysgyryd Fach lacks the dramatic 'holy split' of its counterpart, making it the more stable, if slightly less legendary, family member.
• •Much of the hill is covered in thick deciduous woodland, which provides a stark contrast to the barren, windswept tops of the nearby Black Mountains. It remains a popular spot for locals who want the views of the Usk Valley without a mountain rescue risk.
• •The summit is crowned by a modest trig point that looks slightly embarrassed to be at such a low elevation. It is one of the lowest points in Wales to feature a formal summit marker, proving that vertical importance is purely subjective.
• •Hiking this fell is less of an 'epic expedition' and more of a 'lengthy walk to a very high garden'. You will likely spend more time navigating the confusing local kissing gates than you will actually ascending, usually while being judged by a particularly unimpressed sheep.