Our favourite local hill walks, many of which are literally right on the doorstep! This guide is one for the walkers, explorers, photographers and the scenery lovers…!
1. HATTERRALL HILL
From Hatterrall, meander through the trees, crossing the babbling brooks, to the top field, head through the metal gate located in the top right corner until you reach a hollow in the ferns, opening out onto the Offa’s Dyke path. The brave may wish to scale the mountain at the first opportunity (when the ferns allow), or for the more conformist amongst us, follow the Offa’s Dyke Path until you reach a rhiw (an old sheep track) where you can gently climb the hill until you reach the summit of Hatterrall Ridge.
From Longtown, follow Penyrhwiau Lane (located at the end of Tri Afon’s garden) to the top, where you are met with a set of wooden steps leading to a footpath onto the hill. Ramble across a few fields, sticking to the footpath until you reach the Offa’s Dyke Path at the base of Hatterrall Hill.
At the summit, breathtaking views await! On a clear day, one can see as far as the Severn Bridge near Bristol, the Malvern Hills, and out to Clee Hill in Shropshire.
By walking directly over the top of the hill and back down the other side, you will eventually reach Llanthony Priory where you may decide to stop for a drink of a bite to eat. Walking easterly, you can follow the loop around to Pandy, or to the West, you will eventually reach Hay-on-Wye. Bearing off to the right before this point will bring you back around the Cat’s Back (Black Hill).
2. BLACK HILL (CAT’S BACK)
The Black Hill, known locally as The Cat’s Back is not one to be missed! This popular walk is just a ten minute drive from the cottages, or can be reached by foot by walking along Hatterrall Ridge.
One of the most spectacular walks within the Black Mountains range, the summit of the Black Hill is easily reached from the car park at the bottom. Conquer the initial steep climb, stopping to take some photos, then continue along the humpback ridge until you reach the trig point at the top, either turn around at this point on continue to follow the path, to join onto Hay Bluff, or loop back around and return to the car park by scaling back down through the valley until you meet the road at the bottom.
And if you can face the early alarm, a Cat’s Back sunrise is not to be missed!
3. SKIRRID FAWR
The Skirrid, a National Trust site, is the last outcrop of the Black Mountains. With 360 degree spectacular views, a walk to its summit is certainly rewarding!
Part in the National Trust car park at the bottom, and meander through the wood, climb the steps and ascend the hill until you’re met with glorious views in every direction, looking across Herefordshire, the Malverns, the Brecon Beacons, the Use Valley, Somerset, Gloucestershire and the Forest of Dean.
4. SUGAR LOAF
Another beautiful local mountain is the Sugar Loaf, which the colossal weathered mound that provides a spectacular backdrop to the local market town of Abergavenny.
One of the highest peaks in the Black Mountains range, the Sugar Loaf offers panoramic views but with a gentler walk than the previous. With criss-crossing paths from which to ascend the summit, follow the routes that take your fancy, all amounting in the peak, from which you can see the Black Mountains to the north, the Cotswold Hills to the east, as far as the Brecon Beacons and Pen Y Fan to the west, and the Bristol Channel to the south.
5. GARWAY HILL
Last but by no means least is the lovely, gradually climbing, Garway Hill. A 3.8 mile circular loop which starts on Garway Common, an 85 acre beautifully rugged landscape full of biodiversity and largely unaffected by intensive farming methods. Following a sloping ascent, enjoy heart-warming views from the 1200ft peak.
When the weather is kind, Garway Hill offers 360 degree views of five counties, and is a great spot to have a picnic, seeking shelter in the disused radio station that sits at the top.
If you time it right, there are stunning sunsets to be enjoyed from the top of the hill too!
