Somewhere completely different today and a drive with SPR – felt privileged and a little apprehensive as I was the only person taking part with Steve the leader. We were off to Abergavenny which was about a two hour drive. Our aim for the day was Sugar Loaf which is a stand alone very nearly mountain (596 m) close to the Black Mountains range.
Having stopped briefly in the town Jane then drove up a small road which took us to a car park about half way up the hill. A really steep climb up straight from the bus but fortunately the path levels for a while. We can look back over the valley of the River Usk.
Looking over to the mountain there are some decisions to be made as to the route. Straight up the front face or further round and up a longer shoulder. We decided on the later as the weather was good- it look as if it might rain but to this point we had been lucky !
As we approached the climb became steeper and the wind is really picking up. The ground is rockier and we each pick our way towards the top. Before we finally reach the summit we look for somewhere for coffee but there is no shielding from the wind. 
And then on to the top having climbed up through the rocks! Now the wind is really showing it’s ferocious self and moving across the top plateau to the trig point is really quite difficult. We had started the walk with the feel of being the only ones on the hill but as time passed people could be seen emerging and transversing in various directions using numerous routes to the summit. Nobody lingered long.
Some good views out towards Blorenge. The clouds are moving around the sky with some speed and although they look rain ladened we have been lucky so far. We are going to have a steep descent and the wind is still strong so we managed to find some shelter on the far side of the hill amongst some rocks and were able to eat some nuts and dates and drink some coffee.
The descent had to be handled carefully, artificial stone steps do not always work well, especially when damp. I decide to use one of my walking poles to help steady me from the buffeting. As we descended it did become easier. I was given the choice of walking along a spur and then going down through a wood or dropping down into the wooded valley. Not surprisingly I opted to stay up as long as possible!
There is so much lichen on the trees really showing the predominant weather conditions. Having made the first part of our descent it’s possible to look back and see the wonderful conical shape of Sugar Loaf .
Lunch by a small pond (tarn) and again some good views towards Ysgyryd Fawr and Steve has suggested he will try to climb this hill soon.
Before too long we start to drop down through woods and the views disappear, but the trees have a certain charm! The path winds it’s way down and we eventually reach a road which ultimately takes us down into the town.
Not a hugely long walk but a rewarding one and again it felt good to be on something that had a very close resemblance to a mountain! 10.34 km.
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 