Blorenge, Abergavenny - Llanfoist Car Park, Canal Tunnel, Punchbowl & Keepers Pond Circular

Full route: www.welshmanwalking.co.uk/blorenge

This varied 8-mile Blorenge circular walk starts at Llanfoist Crossing Car Park and climbs through woodland to the Punchbowl before continuing to the 556-metre summit, Keeper’s Pond and the old tramroad back towards Abergavenny.

It is one of those walks that seems to include a little bit of everything: a dark canal tunnel, a steep woodland climb, a peaceful lake hidden beneath the mountain, huge views over Abergavenny, an exposed summit, Keeper’s Pond and a historic industrial route back down. It feels like a proper journey rather than a simple walk up and down one mountain.

The Blorenge is one of the three mountains surrounding Abergavenny. From the top you can look across to Sugar Loaf and the Skirrid, with the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal running below.

Distance: Approximately 8 miles / 13 km circular
Duration: Around 4 hours; allow longer for breaks and difficult conditions
Highest point: Blorenge summit — approximately 556 m / 1,827 ft
Difficulty: Moderate, with a steep woodland ascent and a long descent
Terrain: Lanes, canal tunnel, woodland, stiles, open moorland, surfaced tracks and an old tramroad
Navigation: Mostly established paths, but the woodland junctions and broad summit can be confusing in poor visibility
Best for: Varied scenery, the Punchbowl, mountain views, industrial history and a substantial circular walk near Abergavenny