Table Mountain and Pen Cerrig-calch

1. To reach Llanbedr, the start of this route, from Abergavenny travel about 5km on the A40 towards Brecon. Shortly after the 30mph sign outside Glangrwyney turn right. Follow this road as it winds up the Grwyne valley to Llangenny. Cross the fine stone bridge and immediately turn right. Continue up this road about 2km until just after a stone bridge where you turn left (signposted) to Llanbedr. There is no car-park in Llanbedr but you can usually park carefully in St Peter's Close - taking care not to cause any obstruction - just before you reach the church.

2. Walk up to the church and turn left through the village, passing the Red Lion (on your right) and several good looking houses. Continue to the T-junction where you turn right. From this road there are some fine views across the valley to the spurs of Crug Mawr.

3. After about 400m, and just past Ty-mawr farm, a path is signposted on the left. This path is now a steep concreted track leading to the "bunkhouse" accommodation known as Perth-y-pia. Instead of turning into the buildings continue upwards through a gate and then another to reach the open moor. Remember to look back at the fine view of Llanbedr and the Sugarloaf.

4. Take whichever path you please to reach the imposing stone-age fort of Crug Hywel, cross the embankments and climb to the flattish top. From the rim are excellent views of Pen Cerrig-calch, the Usk Valley and the Brecon Beacons. A wonderful picnic spot!

5. Even if you return to Llanbedr from here the walk will have been well worth doing but for those called to climb further leave the fort to the north where the path to Pen Cerrig-calch clearly leads from the saddle.

6. After a steep initial climb the gradient becomes quite gentle. Soon a large cairn is reached but this is not the summit.

7. Continue for some distance to the trig-point and a large rock wind-break (701m). From here the extent of the Pen Alt-mawr and Gadair ridges and the highest peak in the Black Mountains, Waun Fach (810m), can be seen. Note that Waun Fach is very uninteresting in appearance. The more striking peak is Pen y Gadair Fawr (800m) to its right (south). The path around the circuit formed by these ridges is often walked but in mist I would always use a compass to cross Waun Fach as it is quite featureless. Actually, I use a compass across Waun Fach when it's not misty!

8. Return to Llanbedr either the way you came or else when you have descended the steep part of the path you can turn left (east) and follow the numerous sheep tracks down hill until you reach a stone wall. Follow this northwards (left) until you reach a small stand of conifers (visible from the main path). On the north side of the conifers is a track that leads down to the road. Turn right along the road then take the first turn on the left to Llanbedr (signposted Tre-domen).