Sugar Loaf Hike Guide, Monmouthshire, Brecon Beacons National park
Situated in the east of the National Park, the 565m Sugar Loaf may not be the highest or the most dramatic of the peaks in the Brecon Beacons, but its ease of access and wonderful panoramic views make it a mountain which is definitely worth climbing.
alongside being a great choice for families Its also a hike which you can do if you are short on timeand one which is great for both sunset and sunrise.
Within this hike guide to the Sugar Loaf, I outline the shortest and easiest route to the summit.
Key Information
Type: Out & Back
Distance: 5.3Km
Elevation Gain: 265m
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Parking & Start point: Sugar Loaf National Trust car park
Facilities: None
Where to Park?
There is a large free car park which has space for around 20 -30 cars on the southern side of the mountain above the A40.
Being located over half way up the mountain, the car park offers great views and would be a
In the car park is full there is another un- tarmaced section located around 200m back down the road.
A word of warning. the road up to the car park is very steep and narrow, and it almost feels like you are driving to the summit at times.
The Route
Although the route is very straight forward, there are a few similar looking paths at the star of the walk which can be confusing.
Fortunately most of the paths link up, and the summit comes into view relatively quickly so it becomes obvious which path to take.
From the car park, head north-west and follow the wide path as it heads up the hill. After 500m you will reach a stone wall,
You can either bear right and follow the path up to the brow of the hill, or carry on straight and follow it parralle to the wall.
Once on the brow of the hill, Sugar Loaf will come into view and the numerous paths to the summit will become clear.
The path will gently drop down before steadily climbing up and around tot he summit. The path is wide grassy and easy underfoot. You might even pass a few wild horses on the way.
As you get closer to the summit, the path will gradually become steeper, the final 200m is the hardest and is also quite rocky.
The summit of Sugar Loaf
From the roadside, Sugar Loafs conical shape is reminiscent of a volcano, however the mounatains 596m (1,955ft) summit actually long, flat and narrow.
Made of the same red sandstone as the rest of the Black Mountains, Sugar Loaf is marked by a trig point and offers terrific panoramic views
The prominent Skirrid Fawr dominates the view to the east and, if the day is clear, you may see all the way south-east to the River Severn and east to the Forest of Dean, while to the west the central Brecon Beacons, including Pen y Fan and Cribyn, are visible.
To get back down to your car, simply retrace your step.
So there we have it, my hike guide to the Sugar Loaf in Monmouthshire.
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For more hiking inspiration check out my other guides below
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