Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain
4.5
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
42 within 3 miles
Attractions
41 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
251 reviews
Excellent
193
Very good
47
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
4
Michael B
Bristol, UK463 contributions
Feb 2020
The Sugarloaf is just north of Abergavenny and took us just 15 minutes to reach it from our hotel in Neville Street. Its part of the Brecon beacons National Park. On arriving we parked up and took a route through a wooded area. It was very windy with bursts of heavy rain and this weather really effected the overall visibility. I would guess the views must be fantastic on a warm fine day. It took us about an hour and a half to get to the top which should be within the reach of an average fitness person. I would recommend making sure the weather and visibilty are good otherwise it could be disappointing.
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracey N
Watford, UK6 contributions
Sept 2020
A shortish climb , slowly rising to start but quite steep towards the end. I walk regularly but I'm not fit ,so had to have a little rest towards the top as my heartrate was a bit fast! Was worth the efffort as fantastic views all round at the top. Several paths to choose from coming down. We looked toward the woodland and came down there following a different path which was long and winding through woods , over a stream and back to the car park. We were 2.5 hrs from start to finish .
Written 19 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura
96 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
We walked up Sugar Loaf Mountain on a Sunday afternoon starting at about 5pm. There were only a few cars in the National Trust car park and we hardly passed anyone on the walk. We were alone when we reached the top which was lovely. The walk starts fairly easy from the NT car park but does get very steep for about the last 1/3. The very last bit is quite rocky. It took us (two people in their early 30s with moderate fitness) 50 minutes to reach the top. We stayed and admired the view for a while so the whole round trip took us 2 hours. The views were amazing so definitely worth the climb!
Written 7 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chan G
Reading, UK271 contributions
May 2023
First ever summit and it was perfect! Highly recommend doing SugarLoaf for sunrise hike, it's flat pretty much through out leading up to the peak. There is a slight incline as you get closer and then you need to be able to do proper climbing towards the peak, it's not for long though and is absolutely worth it!! We got there just in time for sun rise and it was magical. Park at the national trust car park and walk up any route, it's not hard to miss and there are plenty of sheep, birds and wild rabbits to stop and admire on the way.
Written 31 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
138Paul138
Canterbury, UK1,428 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
This review is for those who want to do a quick ascent and descent. Use postcode NP7 7LA this will get you to the small car park/ viewing point, (maybe 10 to 15 vehicles)? It is free and there is a large map on a board to guide you. This route will take no longer than 2 to 2hrs 30mins. Having parked take the obvious path that leads off to the left. Continue and keep a dry stone wall on your left shoulder. Sugar loaf or Pen-Y-Fal will appear and you will see two obvious routes to the summit. The initial walk is easy but it does become steeper. The path is generally good and safe throughout. Usual advice is to wear decent footwear and have a waterproof just in case. Trig point on the summit. Fabulous views once on top. You can re-trace your route or descend on the other path back to the car park.
Written 16 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Explorer
Carmarthenshire, UK9 contributions
Jan 2022 • Solo
I have been told that I am a positive person, so I will start with the positives. The Sugar Loaf is a beautiful and imposing mountain, the ascent of which allows spectacular views of Abergavenny and the surrounding mountains. Seeing the sheep and horses in the field really added to the rural idyll. The mountain itself is fairly easy to climb, but does get quite steep and jagged for the final 100 metres, so please take care. The summit looked pretty, sprinkled with frost and the shroud of mist gave it an eerie yet tranquil feel.
And now for the negatives...The car park of the Sugar Loaf is not easy to find if you are walking from Abergavenny town centre as the roads or footpaths are not signposted. Also, the road leading to the car park is narrow and single-laned, with quite a lot of traffic going back and fore, creating problems for drivers and pedestrians alike. Since I didn't feel safe walking along such a dangerous road, I decided to walk along the public footpath, which passed through some fields. I was enjoying my pleasant walk through the field when, suddenly, two idiots in tweed started shouting their heads off at me from their landrover: "Get out! Get off our land!" I was shocked and told the irate man and wife to calm down and stop shouting at me. It turns out that they were the charming farmer and his wife and that I was walking on "their land" (even though the gate stated it was a public footpath). They were quite intimidating but I reasoned with them, and we all realised it was a misunderstanding as I climbed over a gate and back onto the main road. I would recommend anger management lessons and a study of Buddhism for the both of them.
To conclude, The Sugar Loaf is an enjoyable hike, but it would be so much better if the road and footpaths were clearly signposted.
And now for the negatives...The car park of the Sugar Loaf is not easy to find if you are walking from Abergavenny town centre as the roads or footpaths are not signposted. Also, the road leading to the car park is narrow and single-laned, with quite a lot of traffic going back and fore, creating problems for drivers and pedestrians alike. Since I didn't feel safe walking along such a dangerous road, I decided to walk along the public footpath, which passed through some fields. I was enjoying my pleasant walk through the field when, suddenly, two idiots in tweed started shouting their heads off at me from their landrover: "Get out! Get off our land!" I was shocked and told the irate man and wife to calm down and stop shouting at me. It turns out that they were the charming farmer and his wife and that I was walking on "their land" (even though the gate stated it was a public footpath). They were quite intimidating but I reasoned with them, and we all realised it was a misunderstanding as I climbed over a gate and back onto the main road. I would recommend anger management lessons and a study of Buddhism for the both of them.
To conclude, The Sugar Loaf is an enjoyable hike, but it would be so much better if the road and footpaths were clearly signposted.
Written 25 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jakford923
Bridport, UK80 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Superb walk for beginners and families. Really lovely marked routes up and down the mountain. Took 90 minutes at a really leisurely pace. Absolutely brilliant for dogs off the lead too.
Don’t listen to the poor drivers on here moaning about the trip to the car park. It’s absolutely fine. Yes it’s narrow and yes you may have to reverse, it’s a mountain! This forum alone explains why there’s so many poor drivers on the road; their car insurance will somehow be a lot cheaper than mine!!
Only negative would be there was no bin even at the base for dog waste. Free parking though, probably explains that negative.
Don’t listen to the poor drivers on here moaning about the trip to the car park. It’s absolutely fine. Yes it’s narrow and yes you may have to reverse, it’s a mountain! This forum alone explains why there’s so many poor drivers on the road; their car insurance will somehow be a lot cheaper than mine!!
Only negative would be there was no bin even at the base for dog waste. Free parking though, probably explains that negative.
Written 2 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Franny
71 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
I’m very overweight (UK Size 20) and I’ve been trying to get fitter; this mountain was a very good first mountain to climb. It provided a challenge, but it was still very doable and didn’t seem too daunting. From the car park to the top it took me 1hr20mins. I think most people get to the top in 1hr or less, but I took it at my own pace.
For others who are unfit and considering the climb, go for it, and well done for trying to get fitter! Just make sure that the person/people you climb with are supportive of your journey and current fitness level. My partner came with me and he was really sweet and encouraging the whole way up. However I saw another overweight person in larger group who had to endure a few comments about his obvious slowness. Likely that person didn’t enjoy their climb whereas I did. So go with someone supportive!
For others who are unfit and considering the climb, go for it, and well done for trying to get fitter! Just make sure that the person/people you climb with are supportive of your journey and current fitness level. My partner came with me and he was really sweet and encouraging the whole way up. However I saw another overweight person in larger group who had to endure a few comments about his obvious slowness. Likely that person didn’t enjoy their climb whereas I did. So go with someone supportive!
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
super_ginge
Cardiff18 contributions
Jan 2020
This is a quite an easy walk as mountain walks go, I think. There are lots of paths to the top, so you can choose a gradual, gentle slope up, or alternatively, take a more direct challenging route. The National Trust website has maps of all the paths you can take, but it's unlikely you'll need them, as the paths are quite clear. It gets more challenging nearing the summit, but is certainly do-able. On the way down I saw a few people (myself included) slip on their behinds - it's mostly grass you're walking on, and if it's wet it's very slippery.
The worst part of the whole day was the car park. As it was so wet, cars (including the four by fours), were struggling to find any traction and get to the road. Today, we helped push 8 cars (yes that's 8 cars!) back to the road, before being pushed ourself. It was very stressful, and one parked car was hit by an out of control car. To avoid this get there early, and park in the upper, paved car park. Also, be prepared to reverse on the way up/down, as the roads are narrow, and mostly only big enough for one car. You'll still have a blast though - it's a lovely day out!.
The worst part of the whole day was the car park. As it was so wet, cars (including the four by fours), were struggling to find any traction and get to the road. Today, we helped push 8 cars (yes that's 8 cars!) back to the road, before being pushed ourself. It was very stressful, and one parked car was hit by an out of control car. To avoid this get there early, and park in the upper, paved car park. Also, be prepared to reverse on the way up/down, as the roads are narrow, and mostly only big enough for one car. You'll still have a blast though - it's a lovely day out!.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma P
Ammanford, UK449 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Parked in the free NT car park. It's quite a whirl up in the car. Can get very congested driving up and back down....regulalarly having to pull over, reverse back etc. There were car's that were completely stuck, wheelspinning on the top opposite the car park. It was getting like a scene out of fast n furious! Please be aware! On another note a stunning walk with vast, open areas. The top was steep and very windy. So changeable conditions often as you'd expect. Go for it 😊😁
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Over the years my wife and I have twice tried to climb the Sugar Loaf only to be beaten by the weather. We can no longer walk far - old age and disability. We are wondering if there is any way we can be driven to the top suitable for us 2 crones! It is on my bucket list to get up there one day. Any info gratefully received.
Written 17 February 2022
No not possible unfortunately.
Written 1 October 2024
Where are people parking to walk up? Main car park closed
St Mary’s Vale?
Written 15 September 2020
Car park open put in Google car park address.
Written 1 October 2024
Hi,
Where would be the best place to park a mini bus and how long would the walk be from here? I have looked at NP7 7LA but the roads look very narrow.
Written 28 May 2019
The approach roads are all very narrow but the one to the small car park beyond Pantygelli and Bettws is a bit easier for a minibus. The ascent from there would be longer. From NP7 7LA it takes just under an hour; from Bettws I would estimate 90 mins to 2 hours though I have not used that route. The road the Llanwenarth car park is not impossible with care and most drivers will give way to a minibus.
Written 2 June 2019
Is there another route to go up Sugarloaf?
Written 9 March 2019
Have a look at two of the recent photos on the Sugarloaf Tripadvisor page - they show three different circular routes up Sugarloaf.
Written 9 March 2019
There is a car park about 3/4 of the way up. I often see people with a BBQ there. Not sure about right at the top of the mountain though.
Written 21 July 2018
adrian679
Caerphilly, United Kingdom
Hi. Can anyone confirm where the parking is for the walking route from Pantygelli.
Also, what is difference between walking from the Pantygelli start and the Llanwenarth National Trust Car Park start. Thanks Adrian
Written 14 June 2018
How long roughly to get from car park to summit?
For reasonably fit adults
Written 21 March 2018
Ruth, from the small Fro car park on the Bettws/Pantygelli side
it is about 2hrs return for fit walkers.
It is a white road access from both directions but reasonable passing places and the car park is not usually full during the week. Also the Crown at Pantygelli is very nice pub (book if w/e)
Written 27 March 2018
Hi Bryan,
The Sugarloaf Barn looks great, how much does it cost to book a Wedding there?
I couldn't see a price anywhere?
D
Written 24 January 2018
Nothing at the top of the mountain 😆. Sorry, in all seriousness probably best to call them.
Written 28 January 2018
hi what is the postcode we need to start from and how many miles to top and back?
Written 27 August 2017
NP7 7LA and approx 4 mile round trip and well worth it
Written 27 August 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 10
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing