Brecon Beacons: Sugar Loaf from Abergavenny

Sugar Loaf is one of the most popular dog friendly walks in South Wales and earns a solid 8/10 on our dog friendliness rating. The route climbs through bracken and gorse onto open mountain, giving dogs plenty of space to enjoy themselves alongside sweeping views over the Usk Valley and the Black Mountains.

Dogs can generally be let off lead once you're clear of the lower lanes and onto the open mountain. That said, the slopes are shared with hardy sheep and wild Welsh ponies that roam the common, so a reliable recall is essential before you let your dog run free.

There are no facilities at the Pentre Lane trailhead, so bring enough water for your dog before you set off — you won't find any on the hill. Parking is free at the National Trust car park, but the access lane off the A40 is narrow and single-track, so take it steady on the way in. Full facilities are available back in Abergavenny if you need them after the walk.