An easy 6 mile walk to the summit of this most distinctive of Welsh hills.
Date walked: 13th December 2104
Distance: 6 miles
Map used: OS Explorer OL 13 Brecon Beacons National Park
This walk was taken from “Circular walks in the Brecon Beacons National Park” by Tom Hutton
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This is the nearest walk to my home that is included in Tom Hutton’s little paperback. I have passed by Sugar Loaf countless times in trips into deepest Wales, so climbing it was well overdue. And we had picked a wonderful day.
Paul and I met in the (free, but no loos) car park (GR268167) about a mile out of Abergavenny, which Hutton describes as the most visited car park in the Brecon Beacons National Park. It’s quite high up, too, at 1,131 feet.
Paul was waiting for me when I arrived. He very reliably turns up before me and today he was carrying a newly bought Canon G15 which is the same camera I carry on my treks. Good choice.
There are several possible routes to Sugar Loaf from here. None are in any way difficult but we agreed we would keep to Hutton’s slightly indirect approach. This took us to the west of the hill at first and past a well-built but slightly degraded stone wall….
….. before dropping down into a steep little valley by a conifer plantation. The sun had had neither the time or the energy to melt the frost off the short grass. Paul sensibly kept to the bracken for a surer footing.
The other side of the valley had had a longer sun-bathe and here the muddy surface was stony but firm.
The route to Sugar Loaf turned us due east; over to the north we had a fine view out to the Black Mountains (not to be confused as Paul frequently points out with the Black Mountain.)
Paul got out his camera for some tuition from his Resident Expert (shoot into the sun at every opportunity).
We came across a little pond that had had a section of its frozen surface removed and set aside.
The spirit of Goldsworthian creativity descended upon us and we launched ourselves on the icy sheet.
The result was an undisputed success and no doubt led all those who passed by after us that day to pause and wonder.
Paul contemplated extending The Work on a larger canvas.
In this he was defeated.
We agreed that another poolet that we came across nearby required no improvement from us, its previously shattererd surface had already re-frozen into a most pleasing form.
As we neared the top of the hill, a lower flank began to intrigue us, where geometric-shaped areas of the bracken had been removed or flattened.
No reasonable theory emerged from our combined intellects.
Finally. a steeper section over bumpy ground brought us to the rocky outcrop that surrounds Sugar Loaf’s summit.
Pause for another into-the-sun pic……
…. and some more taking in of the views.
It was also a jolly nice spot for a sit, a cup of coffee and a point. Hutton says that this is a place where Ravens reliably hang out but I didn’t see any.
Refreshed, it was time for my Trig Point picture. Paul thought that I should mount it, as is my wont, but offered no leg-up.
We spotted an item of peak-graffiti which always amazes me that anyone had given the time to sitting carving their names in such exposed places.
Sugar loaf is a popular destination and it began to get positively crowded…
It was time to go. The track down was quite steep at first but soon levelled out.
Though wide, these paths are not bridleways or even RUPPs, and certainly not BOAT s. None of which was of the slightest interest to a group of three off-road motorcyclists who tore up the path towards us.
I was a bit worried about Paul for a second as he looked like he was going to launch himself at the leading offender (they have rather made a mess of the mountain where he lives). Me, I decided to try and unnerve them by taking their pictures.
Actually no great harm was done by these three, though the peace and quiet of the place was rather cut across.
What a fabulous place to have on my doorstep.
I think Tom (or you and Paul) had been anywhere near Storey Arms in the recent weather, I think you might change your view about the busiest car park in the National Park!!
Another great post – still have to arrange that walk at some point!
🙂
I’m sure that you are right! And it wasn’t that busy. Thanks, and yes, will look at our walk.
Another entertaining Sunday morning post, Charles; thank you. I know nothing of bracken management, but here in the Clwydian range similar patches of heather are cut or burned to improve the habitat for wildlife, in particular the black grouse we have here. The patterning looks very similar to that in your picture.
Hello Ian! Nice to hear from you. Interesting idea about the heather patches. It just seems like such small areas. I wonder if there are some choice plants that someone is trying to encourage?
Ah beautiful pictures! What a stunning day it was.
But what about the art!?!?
The art needed no words Charles ! You are right about the lads doing no damage – on reflection I should not have got so hot tempered – In fact I made it worse as the tail- ender deliberately skidded up some turf at me. Oh foolish old man that I am. The whole walk ,vista and conversation was art. x
Company brings out the best in your posts. But, true, you do look awful. I’m married to you????!!!!!
There’s nothing like support from one’s wife!
Great pictures. Perhaps it’s a ‘to do’ walk when we have completed the Wales Coast Path. Michelle
Thanks Michelle. Yes, add it to your list!
A good hearty walk, Charles. Sunshine, ice and Alien bracken circles. I often get annoyed at motor bikers on paths but those I’ve encountered have always been pretty polite and friendly. I shall try photographing them to see what difference that makes. Checked out your Canon camera – very nice. And lightweight! There’s a lesson there. Dave
Hiya. S’cuse the tardy reply. I doubt that photographing the bikers would make them more friendly!. Yes, am happy with the Canon. It is very compact and its versatile and I shoot raw and work the files up. Which takes a lot of time as you know.