Trail Running > Routes > Brecon Beacons Routes > Sugar Loaf Abergavenny
A 10 km trail run up one of South Wales’ most iconic mountains, offering spectacular views from its conical peak.
Why run this trail?
The distinct cone of Sugar Loaf (596 m) dominates the skyline above the town of Abergavenny at the southern edge of the Black Mountains. Though just shy of “true” mountain status, it’s a favourite of runners and walkers alike thanks to its accessible trails and 360-degree panoramas across South Wales, the Brecon Beacons, and even into south-west England.
What makes Sugar Loaf especially inviting to run is the myriad of paths waiting to be explored – you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a route to the summit. Fast, flowing and non-technical trails guarantee maximum enjoyment on the way down, too.
This route begins at the small Porth y Parc car park, tucked at the end of a narrow lane a couple of miles north of Abergavenny (space for about eight cars, so avoid peak times).
Porth y Parc to Deri Ridge
From the car park, the route follows the minor lane north for a short distance before a sharp right hand turn into picturesque woodland. Climbing steadily, the path zig-zags for a couple of kilometres to emerge through bracken onto the grassy ridge of Deri.
Deri Ridge to Sugar Loaf Summit
This section is easy running, with great views of Skirrid mountain to the right and the ever-present beacon of Sugar Loaf providing the perfect visual anchor ahead. After a couple of kilometres, the trail kicks up suddenly as it makes its way round the lower slopes of Sugar Loaf, with extensive views of Table Mountain and the Black Mountains beyond, the high point of Waun Fach clearly visible.
As the path orbits the north-western tip of the summit there’s a short, steep scramble up to the top, but I followed the lower path as it contoured around the base and up a final ramp to deposit me neatly at the summit cairn.
Because of Sugar Loaf’s monolithic shape and isolated topography, it really is worth repeating that the views from the top are terrific and the payoff far outweighs the effort required to climb it.
I spent a good 20 mins wandering from one end of the small plateau to the other, admiring the views from all corners. The central Brecon Beacons and the twin peaks of Corn Du and Pen y Fan were particularly striking. It also proved a good opportunity to case out Sugar Loaf’s closest mountain neighbours – Skirrid and the Blorenge. Two more runs that I have now added to my to-do list!
The Fast Descent
After lingering on the summit and swapping camera duties with fellow “Loafers”, a sudden cold wind offered a timely reminder that it was time to move. I zipped up and bolted down the south-western slope to start my descent. This dropped a couple of hundred metres in short order before cutting off east across the face of the mountain into the bracken again.
Picking my way through narrow trails in the undergrowth, I stopped to admire the wild ponies grazing in the late afternoon sun. Despite my best stalking efforts I failed to capture the perfect photo before calling it a day.
The descent gradually wound its way off the slopes, passing through some wooded sections and fields to emerge back at the starting point and the finishing prize of an ice cold Coca Cola waiting for me back at the car.
The entire descent – minus the time I had spent faffing around with ponies – had taken under 20 minutes. Now if I could just get my ascending times down a bit… the next few days in the Brecon Beacons would offer plenty of practice!
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Have you run this route? If you’ve discovered a better variation, noticed something that’s changed or have local knowledge to share, I’d love to hear from you.
More trail running routes in the Brecon Beacons
Trail Running Routes in the Brecon Beacons
Disclaimer
All routes and GPX files are provided as a guide only. Conditions, rights of way, and landmarks may change. Always carry an up‑to‑date map and use your own judgement. See the Trail Run Disclaimer page for details.