Skirrid Fawr

This slightly peculiar (even slightly weird) narrow, flat-topped and steep-sided ridge-hill north east of Abergavenny, Ysgyryd Fawr in Welsh, stands clear to the south-west of the Black Mountains, but is very much part of them. It commands gorgeous all all-round views on a clear day. 

The hill has some mystery to it; it is known locally as the Holy Mountain, whether because of the ancient ruined chapel at its summit or a legend linking the great landslide on its northern flank to the crucifixion.

The most-used route is from a lay-by on the B4521 to its south. You climb straight up its relatively quieter southern ridge, through pretty woodland to gain the spectacular high ridge, with the ruined St Michael’s Chapel at its northern end. There are other approaches, including climbing the steep northern slope for thise who want a scramble.

Can be walked in a lovely 17km circuit with the Bryn Arw ridge to the north-west.

Expect unpredictable weather: this is one of the wetter bits of the UK!

Good Information In Day Walks in the Brecon Beacons Henri Roberts

FOR MORE WALKS AND PRACTICAL AND FURTHER INFORMATION, GO TO OUR BLACK MOUNTAINS PAGE.