The Skirrid (Ysgyryd Fawr) Circular Walk in the Black Mountains, Abergavenny

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

This 2.8-mile Skirrid Mountain walk is a short but steep out-and-back route from the National Trust car park near Abergavenny. It follows one clear path through woodland and onto the open ridge before reaching the summit of Ysgyryd Fawr, also known as Skirrid Fawr or simply the Skirrid.

You can walk up and down in approximately 1 hour 40 minutes, although I normally allow around 2½ hours. The summit is too good to rush: I like to sit there with a coffee and take in the views across Abergavenny, the Sugar Loaf, the Black Mountains and the countryside towards Herefordshire and the English border.

The steepest work arrives near the beginning, where the woodland path can become extremely muddy after rain. Once above the trees, the route is straightforward, but the ridge and summit are exposed to strong wind and winter weather.

Distance: 4.5 km / 2.8 miles

Walking time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes

Time to allow: Around 2½ hours with a summit break

Total ascent: Approximately 294 m / 965 ft

Summit: Ysgyryd Fawr / Skirrid Fawr, approximately 486 m / 1,594 ft

Difficulty: Moderate; short and straightforward but with a steep initial climb

Start / finish: National Trust Skirrid car park

Terrain: Woodland tracks, muddy and stony paths, grass and an exposed summit ridge

Main highlight: Panoramic summit views across Abergavenny and the Black Mountains

Best for: A short mountain walk, sunsets, families with hill fitness and dog walkers

Navigation: Straightforward out-and-back route; GPX recommended in mist or poor visibility

Route type: Out and back using the same path