7km 2.25 hr 363m of ascent Hill farmland, woods, and open moors. Good views. Mostly easy to follow paths. Easy parking
Picking whimberries above the car park. In the far distance is the ridge leading to Bal-Mawr.
Bettws in the hollow below Bryn Arw on the left, with Skirrid Fawr behind
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In the wood keep left to find the stile, i.e. ignoring the path which bears to the right.
The stile into "Parc Lodge", with the Sugar Loaf behind
Looking north towards the Gaer with Bal Mawr in the distance
Description
This path starts at the car park 1km south of Fforest Coal Pit. I have chosen to descend rather than ascend the north face of the Sugar Loaf so that the views of the Black Mountains can be enjoyed. It is a very scenic and varied route which takes in farmland, woods and moors.1. Leave Abergavenny going north on the "Old Hereford Road" (by the Baptist church opposite the war memorial). Drive past King Henry School on your left and 2km further, at Pantygelli (garage and pub), turn left. This narrow road passes Great Bettws Farm after 1.5 km. The car park is a bit under 1km further, on the left.
2. At the rear of the car park a path leads to a gate. Go through the gate and turn immediately left to follow the stone wall, climbing gently. When the path divides follow the left hand path which contours to the farm (Blaenawey). The path continues straight past the right side of the barn along a walled (rather muddy) track until a stream is crossed and the track turns left into a field. 3.Cross the field diagonally right to the stile (not the gate that is straight ahead). Cross this and continue diagonally across this field and the next until a field is reached bounded by a wood on its SW side (see diagram). Head diagonally towards and enter the wood, crossing the stream where a path joins from the east. In the wood keep keep left, do not be tempted to take the path which curves to the right, to find the stile. Cross the stile and walk towards the house. Follow the track which starts by the right side of this house and leads SE to a junction of several paths. Turn sharp right and walk up the slight rise onto the open moor. From here an obvious path can be seen ascending the east ridge of the Sugar Loaf, although its not the one we will take. 4.Continue along the broad path towards the corner of a wood where there is a gate and stile. A National Trust sign (lying down) states that this is "Parc Lodge". Cross the stile and take the right hand fork which contours through pleasant, open woodland, then a field, to a gate. 5.Go through the gate to a junction of paths and turn right taking the broad path that ascends the SE ridge of the Sugar Loaf. If there is a North wind, take shelter below the summit rocks and enjoy a "cuppa" before walking up to the trig point. This is the main path that leads from Abergavenny, up the Rholben, then the Sugar Loaf. 6. Once at the summit, enjoy the panoramic views before taking the path, steeply at first, down the north face to join the main path leading NE. Follow this main path for about 1km to where it joins another main path at a stone wall. 7. Follow the path down beside this stone wall as it swings right then left to bring you back to the car park.