Blorenge Circular Walk from Govilon

Yes, the Blorenge Circular Walk is a popular choice for dog owners, earning a 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The route takes you from the Mon and Brec Canal at Govilon Wharf up through woodland and open moorland to the 561m summit, with sweeping views over Abergavenny and the Usk Valley as your reward. Back in Govilon, the Bridgend Inn and the canal towpath cafes welcome dogs too, so you can round off the walk nicely.

Dogs can run off lead on the broad summit common, which gives them plenty of space to stretch their legs after the climb. That said, you'll need to keep them under close control up there, as both grazing sheep and wild Welsh ponies roam the plateau. It's worth having a reliable recall before letting your dog loose on the open moorland.

Come prepared for a genuinely stiff climb — the route rises sharply from the canal at Govilon onto the Punchbowl woods and up to the summit cairn at 561m, so your dog will need to be reasonably fit. There are no facilities on the hill itself, so bring plenty of water for you and your dog, especially in warmer months. Parking is free at Govilon Wharf canal car park, but with around 30 spaces it fills early in summer, so an early start is a good idea.