Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX takes the short southern approach to the 596 m summit of Sugar Loaf from the National Trust car park on Mynydd Llanwenarth. The out-and-back is 5.0 km with 252 m of ascent. It follows an open ridge throughout, making this one of the quicker ways onto the hill, though the final pull is steeper and rougher than the gentle start suggests.
Leave the small car park and follow the broad path north across common land. Several tracks cross the lower slope, so keep the summit ahead and stay with the GPX where the lines divide. The ridge narrows gradually and the path climbs through grass, heather and patches of loose Old Red Sandstone. The last rise brings you to the compact rocky summit, with wide views over Abergavenny, the Usk Valley and the Black Mountains. Return south by the same ridge, taking care not to drift onto one of the parallel paths lower down.
The car park is reached by narrow lanes and fills quickly, so arrive early and never block access. There are sheep and ponies on the common; keep dogs close and leave gates as you find them. Although the route is easy to follow in clear weather, cloud can hide the summit and make the many lower paths confusing. Carry a navigation backup, bring a layer for the exposed top and remember that the loose stones on the final slope are more awkward on the way down.
See panoramic views across South Wales, the Brecon Beacons and into south-west England from its peak.
National Trust
Route Waypoints
Start from the small National Trust car park. The approach lanes are narrow and spaces are limited, so park tightly without blocking access.
Pass onto the open common and take the broad northbound path. Keep dogs close around grazing animals.
Several worn tracks meet here. Stay with the line heading directly towards Sugar Loaf rather than dropping into either valley.
Continue over the rounded grassy ridge. The gradient is easy here and the summit remains a useful visual guide in clear weather.
The path becomes narrower among heather and bracken. Keep to the established tread to avoid widening erosion.
Climb the steeper, stonier slope beneath the summit. Loose sandstone can slide underfoot, especially during the descent.
Reach the rocky 596 m top. In clear weather there are broad views over Abergavenny, the Usk Valley and neighbouring Black Mountains.
Retrace the southern ridge. At the lower junctions, keep checking the GPX so that you return to Mynydd Llanwenarth car park.
Essential Tips
Mynydd Llanwenarth car park has limited space and is reached by narrow lanes. Have a longer alternative walk from Abergavenny in mind if it is full.
Sugar Loaf is common land. Keep dogs on a short lead near sheep and ponies and give cattle plenty of room.
Several parallel tracks cross the southern slopes. Check the GPX at junctions, particularly on the descent when the car park is out of sight.
The summit pull is loose and rocky. Take shorter steps downhill and avoid cutting onto bare, eroded ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to climb Sugar Loaf from Mynydd Llanwenarth car park?
About 1 hour 24 minutes for the full 5 km out-and-back route. That's based on Naismith's Rule with 230 m of ascent, though your actual time will depend on fitness and conditions.
Is the Sugar Loaf car park always full?
Yes, it fills quickly because it's tiny and reached by narrow lanes. Arrive early or have a backup plan to walk from Abergavenny if there's no space.
What's the hardest part of the Sugar Loaf walk?
The final pull to the summit. It's steeper and covered in loose Old Red Sandstone that can slide underfoot, particularly tricky on the way down.