The Sugar Loaf mountain is a small peak in the Black Mountains of South wales. In this guide I describe two walking route options to reach the summit of Sugar Loaf.
The Sugar Loaf
At 596m high Sugar Loaf UK actually falls shy of full mountain status by just 4m. However, for a relatively small amount of effort the views from atop this Welsh hill reach far and wide.
On clear days there are impressive views of Abergavenny to the South, Pen y Fan and the Central Beacons to the west and the Severn Estuary to the South East.
From most angles, the Sugar Loaf, or Pen Y Fal as it’s known in Welsh, stands out from other flat top peaks in Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons) as it appears to be conical in shape.
Sugar Loaf is often mistaken as an extinct volcano because of this conical shape but it is in fact red sandstone, like the rest of the Black Mountains. More fabulous hikes in the Black Mountains include its highest peak Waun Fach and walks in the Llanthony Valley such as Hay Bluff.
That being said, once on top of Sugar Loaf you will soon discover that it too, is a relatively flat-topped peak with a ridge running along its length. At the western most end of the summit ridge there are several rock pinnacle towers, which are worth exploring for some bouldering and photography fun.
Sugar Loaf mountain is located just 6km from the market town of Abergavenny in Monmouthshire, South Wales. Sugar loaf, along with Skirrid Fawr and Blorenge comprise the Abergavenny 3 peaks.
Did you know? To be considered a mountain rather than a hill, the peak summit needs to stand at 600m or more. Sugar Loaf doesn’t qualify as a mountain but click here to discover the highest mountains in the Brecon Beacons or to find all the highest mountains in Wales, take a look at this guide!
Sugar Loaf Walk, Brecon Beacons
Paths to the summit of Sugar Loaf ascend from all directions, but the most interesting routes are from the South. There is no public transport available to these remote car parks so without a car there is the longer option to walk to Sugar Loaf from Abergavenny itself.
1. Sugar Loaf walk from Mynydd Llanwenarth (National Trust car park with no facilities)
Route overview: A partial loop walk across open moorland to the summit of Sugar Loaf.
- Distance: 5.5km
- Elevation gain: 240m
- Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Starting location: National Trust car park (Link to Google maps)
- Map: OS Explorer OL13 Brecon Beacons National Park
From the car park take the trail to the right of the information board. The paths leading to Sugar Loaf are all wide and obvious to follow. After 1.3km the path forks into two. Take the fork to the right which heads towards the eastern end of the summit ridge. (you will return via the left fork)
Upon reaching the base of the hill the climb becomes steeper and one final push is required to reach the ridge summit. Once on the ridge turn left to walk along to the Sugar Loaf trig point.
Leave the summit from the western end of the ridge and follow the path until it rejoins the point where you branched off to the right on the outbound leg. Now simply retrace your steps back to the LLanwenarth car park.
- Pros of this Sugar Loaf walk: Easy parking at the National trust car park
- Cons of this Sugar Loaf hike: This is the most popular route up Sugar Loaf and can get very busy
Related Reading
- 20 Beautiful Places To Visit In Wales
- Waterfall Walks In The Brecon Beacons
- A Wonderful Welsh Road Trip Itinerary
2. Sugar Loaf walk from Porth-y-parc (Lay-by with no facilities)
Route description: An out and back walk through old Oak woodland and open moorland
- Distance: 6km
- Elevation gain: 350m
- Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Starting Location: Porth-y-parc layby (Link to Google Maps)
- Map: OS Explorer OL13 Brecon Beacons National Park
From the lay-by take the small tarmac lane opposite and begin walking uphill. This lane shortly becomes a footpath as you begin the ascent through a beautiful old oak woodland. The path is quite obvious to follow.
Once out of the forest and onto open moorland you will then see Sugar Loaf standing proud ahead of you. You will see various paths leading through the ferns to the summit. Cross through the gate and take the path to the right.
At the base of the hill the path becomes a little rocky and one big push is required to reach the summit ridge. Continue along the ridge to reach the summit trig point.
For the return journey simply retrace your steps back to Porth-y-parc lay-by.
- Pros of this Sugar Loaf route: A fairly quiet trail which includes a walk through a beautiful old Oak forest
- Cons of this Sugar Loaf trail: There is only a small lay-by at the start with room for around 10 cars to park and there is more elevation gain
Now Available
Bannau Brycheiniog Hiking Routes
Hiking routes include the ever popular Pen y Fan, Llyn y Fan Fach, Sugar Loaf and the Four Falls.
Enjoy 35 beautiful hikes in Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons) with the help of my pre-planned hiking routes. I have 35 beautiful hiking trails marked out on the free, offline app Maps.me. Simply download my pins into the app and choose which one of these epic hikes you’d like to enjoy!
What to pack for your Sugar Loaf walking trip
- Waterproofs – of course, it’s Wales and we get lots of rain!
- Food & water – filtering water bottles are very handy for safely refilling in streams and rivers. You can read more about filtering water bottles in this guide.
- Hat, gloves and warm layers for the summits
- Quality hiking boots are a must
- The relevant map and compass, and the ability to use them!
- A first aid kit for hiking
- These paths are also marked on various mapping apps. A great free option is maps.me, alternatively consider an annual subscription to OS to have access to all UK OS maps on your mobile.
These are just some of the essentials, but for a complete list of things to take on a day hike, take a look at this guide!
Prefer not to walk alone? If you’re looking for a Mountain Leader to guide you on a mountain adventure, please contact me here to discuss rates and availability.
Where To Stay After Hiking Sugar Loaf
The best place to stay after hiking Sugar Loaf is in nearby Abergavenny. Abergavenny is a historic market town which has a fabulous food festival in September. Throughout the year you can enjoy Michelin Starred fine dining, at the famed Walnut Inn or for a more budget friendly option with tasty pub grub, try the Lamb and Flag Inn which is just on the outskirts.
For some wine tasting head to Sugarloaf Vineyard where you can enjoy wine grown on the side of Sugar Load itself. They also serve a selection of platters to accompany the wine tasting or if you’re not a wine fan, enjoy a cup of tea and piece of cake!
Abergavenny has numerous accommodation options which you can explore here.
For more information on walks in the Brecon Beacons, take a look at this guide!
Sugar Loaf Walk Summary
Sugar Loaf is a conical shaped peak on the outskirts of Abergavenny in South Wales. This peak sits in the Black Mountains region of the Brecon Beacons. Walking to the summit of Sugar Loaf usually takes around 2 – 2.5 hours to complete.
I describe two walks to reach the top of Sugar Loaf mountain in this guide, both of which start of gradually then have a short steep section to finish. Fabulous 360 degree views await those walkers who reach the summit.
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