Hard
Wales · United Kingdom
- Distance
- 31.2 km / 19.4 mi
- Elevation gain
- 687 m
- Typical duration
- 8 hr 2 min
The Skirrid trail in the Sugar Loaf and Usk Valley, East Wales
EasyWales · United Kingdom
- Distance
- 3.3 km (2.1 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 73 m (240 ft)
- Typical time
- 48 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- Loop
- Highest point
- Not recorded
About The Skirrid trail in the Sugar Loaf and Usk Valley, East Wales
The Skirrid trail in the Sugar Loaf and Usk Valley, East Wales is a 3.3 km hiking route in Wales, United Kingdom. It climbs roughly 73 m (240 ft) along the way. Most people take around 48 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. The grade stays gentle throughout, so it works as a first hike of a trip.
The woodland changes character with the seasons, at its best when the canopy turns. Everything builds toward the summit, and the last section is steep enough that the view arrives all at once. This is mountain terrain, and the scale of the surroundings is the reason to come.
It is a 3.3 km loop, so you finish where you started and never repeat a section. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.
It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths. The nearest town of any size is Pontypool, about 17.6 km away, which is where most people base themselves. The route is maintained by National Trust.
In short, The Skirrid trail in the Sugar Loaf and Usk Valley, East Wales suits families, first-time visitors and anyone looking for a half day outdoors. Dogs are welcome along the route.
Route map
Easy3.3 km73 m
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
The route in detail
The loop is usually walked clockwise from the main trailhead. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. The upper section is where the route earns its reputation, and it is also where weather changes fastest. The return leg is the reverse of the outward journey, which makes it easy to judge remaining time.
Highlights
- Mountain
- Summit push
- Forest
- Circular route, no backtracking
Know before you go
- Best season
- April to October
- Waymarked
- Not consistently
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Not recorded
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 73/100
- Adventure
- 50/100
- Difficulty
- 10/100
- Accessibility
- 78/100
- Family
- 50/100
- Dogs
- 96/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
- Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
- Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.
Safety
Emergency services in United Kingdom are reached on 999. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
- Small first aid kit including blister plasters
Photography
Shoot the first hour after sunrise from the higher ground: the low angle picks out every ridge and the valleys still hold mist. Because it is a loop, the light changes direction as you go, so save some memory for the back half. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
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