Sugar Loaf

Is Sugar Loaf the perfect little mountain for an introductory winter route? Chiz Dakin reckons so – whether there’s snow underfoot or not!

Viewing Sugar Loaf’s conical summit from afar you would be forgiven for thinking it is volcanic in origin, but that's far from the case. Its geology is determinedly sedimentary in make-up, mostly being the same old red sandstone as the nearby Black Mountains.

This is part of the pleasure of this easy-going hill, which presents very few technical difficulties, although the summit has (easily-avoidable) craggy outcrops and is exposed to bad weather. The gently rolling, broad, grassy finger-shaped ridges to the south make for a perfect horseshoe and moderate ascent/descent.

There are fantastic views in every direction – Skirrid to the east, Blorenge and the Usk Valley to the south, the Black Mountains to the north and the Brecon Beacons to the west. And if you’re lucky enough to encounter snow, often little more than a light dusting, this adds to the splendour of the hill’s shapely outline.

Later on in the year the hill is undeniably popular, and the seasonal vineyard/café is a welcome bonus towards the end of the route. All of which makes for an easy day out, albeit one with a proper hill summit and great views as your target.

The conical summit of Sugar Loaf, viewed from the Deri ridge.

Overlooking Abergavenny and Blorenge, from the track below Twyn-yr-Allt.