View larger map This is a 6 km (4 mile) walk that has some moderate to steep gradients to climb. Most of the climb is on quiet country lanes but there is a short steep forest track to the summit of Ysgyryd Fach. Most of the walk is along farmland and rough paths with some stiles to climb. Allow for about 2 – 3 hours for the walk.
Download the Abergavenny to Ysgyryfd Fach pdf
Go to printable page with map and directions
1. At the Tourist Information Centre turn left and walk down the main out of the town . After passing the Plas Derwen restaurant look for the Plas Derwen Lodge – just before the green road directions sign and opposite a bus shelter. turn up the driver, go through the green bollards and go through the gate onto the footpath. follow the footpath under the railway line. the path runs alongside the rail track until the signal where it will bear to the left and head up to the road. Cross the road with care – it is a fast road – and go through the metal gate turning right.
2. For those in shorts this is a nettles and bramble section! Keep in the main field but stay to the right and cross the field. As you get close to the end of the field look for a partially hidden stile to your right- before going under the second set of pylons. Climb this stile and turn left. Keep to the top of the bank and walk along the fence-line until you enter a field. turn left and cross field. Cross over driveway and enter the next field. walk across the field to the stile in the top left corner of field. climb stile and turn left onto the lane.
3. Stay on this lane passing a junction with a track on the right. Go up the hill and past the farm on the right. At the brow of the hill, just after walking under the second set of pylons turn to the left and follow the footpath sign along the track. When the track forks in the road take the right fork through the gate. and follow track up hill. At the top of the incline the track bears to the left and is joined by another track to the right. The footpath leaves the road and enters into the woodland at the footpath sign. Stay on this path – it is reasonably well identifiable if you are used to woodland walks. Follow the path up to the peak.
4. Keep to the path which takes you down the other side of Ysgyryd Fach. This is a steep and uneven path so take care. Cross over the first track you come to and continue downhill. Cross over 2nd track and continue down hill.At the bottom of this path you will come to a stile. Cross the stile and enter the field. Keep to the right of the field and head to the stile at the bottom. Cross the stile and look for a gate at the bottom of the field. Head for this gate and once there look to your right for the stile and footpath. Follow this path through the thicket and into the field. Keep to the right and cross the stile at the bottom of the field. Once you climb the stile you will be at a main road.
5. Take care crossing this road – it is a fast road – the footpath continues on the other side of the road a little to the right of where you came out of the field. Follow the footpath alongside the railway track and cross the track at the bridge at Abergavenny Station. After crossing the bridge turn left and walk to the main road. Turn right and continue up the road till you get back to the tourist information centre.
Pictures:
We leave the roads of Abergavenny by going under the railway line.
part of the walk takes in cross country paths
most of the uphill climb is undertaken along quiet country lanes
We get some nice views down the valley on our climb up.
we take the short steep path back down from the summit
the down hill section also offers some nice views
