For many visitors, the stunning scenery surrounding Abergavenny is one of the main attractions. The mountains around the town are a huge draw for walkers, giving them breath-taking views from Mid Wales to Somerset.For many, a holiday would not be complete without the conquering of Abergavenny’s Three Peaks – The Skirrid, The Sugarloaf, and The Blorenge. There are walks of differing levels of difficulty, so you should find something to suit your trip!All three are within easy reach of your holiday narrowboat on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal.

The Skirrid

• North-east of Abergavenny
• Split into two bills, the higher peak is the Skirrid Fawr and the lower the Skirrid Fach
• 1,594 feet high
• The name comes from the Welsh word ‘ysgryd’ – meaning ‘split’
• Legend has it that part of the mountain broke off at the moment of the crucifixion, which is why it’s also known as Holy Mountain
• At the top, there are the ruins of an Iron Age hill fort and a medieval chapel
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The Sugarloaf

• North-west of Abergavenny
• You can see the Black Mountains, the Cotswolds, the Bristol Channel, and Pen y Fan and Corn Du in the Brecon Beacons, Shropshire, and Somerset from the summit
• 1,955 feet high
• In Welsh, the mountain is called Mynydd Pen-y-Fal
• It has the Sugar Loaf vineyard at its foot on the southern slopes, at Drummar Farm
• The wooded slopes have been declared a site of special scientific interest (SSSI)
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The Blorenge

• West of Abergavenny
• A glacier carved out an area at the eastern side of the mountain which is called the ‘punchbowl’. Its thermals make it popular with paragliders and hang-gliders
• 1,841 feet high
• In Welsh, the mountain is called Blorens
• Much of the mountain has been declared an SSSI, mainly because of the heather moorland which makes it an important breeding ground for red grouse
• The summit gives panoramic views of the Black Mountains and Usk Valley, and the historic industrial landscape of Blaenavon to the west
• The horse of Olympian showjumper Sir Harry Llewellyn is buried near a car park on the mountain – named the Foxhunter car park after the famous horse.
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Why walkers are welcome in Abergavenny!

In 2013, Abergavenny became the 100th Walkers Are Welcome (WAW) town in the UK.Non-profit community interest company WAW’s group in the town has created an online resource for walkers visiting the area and negotiated packages with businesses in the town.The local council also liaises with the group to ensure local rights of way are improved. Walkers Are Welcome aims to encourage towns and villages to support walkers by giving them information about walks, ensuring footpaths and facilities are maintained, giving them options to use public transport, and encouraging local people to get involved in walking. Read more on the Walkers Are Welcome Website.

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‍Are you a keen walker? Why not try a holiday which combines your passion with the sheer relaxation of a break on board a narrowboat?There is access to walking routes and public transport from the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal and our base in Gilwern.

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Call us on 01873 830240 to book your Road House narrowboat. Check availability and prices.