5km 1.5hr 292m of ascent An easy and accessible ridge walk with good views over the country east of Abergavenny. My past preference has been to walk out and back by the same route and enjoy the ridge twice but having recently tried it, I would now also recommend the circular route option (Route 2). Easy parking
Skirrid Fawr from near the top of the Rholben, showing the long ridge to the summit
Description
The start of this route is at a layby on the B4521 about 4km from the centre of Abergavenny. Reach this by leaving Abergavenny on the B4521 as if driving to meet the A465 on the way to Hereford but turn right 500m north of the town's traffic lights, just on the other side of the bridge over the old railway line. Continue along this road as it winds under the A465 and then passes Maindiff Court Hospital (where Rudolph Hess was held after his capture during World War 2). The layby is about 2km beyond the hospital, on the left.1. From the layby take the path accross the field towards the Skirrid. The path then winds up through delightful woodland until it reaches a gate in the stone wall at the top of the wood. Go through the gate and turn right.
(Fifteen years ago when I first walked the route I remember this path was rather dark and enclosed by conifers. It was then "devastated" by contractors taking out many of the conifers but it has now recovered leaving an open broad-leaved wood, in spring carpeted with wood anenomes, celendine, and violets.)
2. After about 300m follow the path that forks sharply left leaving the other to continue contouring around the Skirrid. The path climbs for about 200m (wooden steps have recently been added to the bottom of this steep and often muddy section and a nicely done stone "pavement" to the top section). After the "pavement" the path swings steeply right and ascends the southern spur of the mountain to reach the 1km long ridge which gently rising to the summit. The ridge is narrow in places and has some small rocky outcrops which the paths winds between. To the left (west) lies the Sugar Loaf and the Black Mountains whilst to the right rolling farmland stretches far into the distance.
3. Just in front of the summit trig point two upright stones and a hollow mark the site of St Michael's Chapel which is believed to have been in existence at the end of the 17th Century but had disappeared by the 19th apart from the remains visible today.
4. Return to the car park by retracing your steps.
5km 1.5hr 292m of ascent
Last updated April 18, 1998
Description
Follow Route 1. to the summit then descend NW down a steep slope to the path that contours around the mountain. Turn left and follow the undulating, boulder-strewn path between the Skirrid's western "cliffs" and a hill on your right (produced by an ancient great landslip). Continue through woodland until you reach the stone wall. Follow this to the gate and return down-hill to the car park.In the evening I would suggest doing this route in reverse, maximising your enjoyment of the sun and perhaps watching the sunset from the ridge.