The Skirrid (Ysgyryd Fawr) from the B4521
Monmouthshire
The Skirrid, or Ysgyryd Fawr, is a solitary 486 metre peak on the eastern edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons), its distinctive landslipped profile visible for miles across Monmouthshire. This 5.6km circular walk from the National Trust car park on the B4521, with room for dogs off lead in the lower woods, climbs steadily through Caer Wood and Skirrid Wood, passing the earthworks of an Iron Age hillfort before a steep final pull to the summit ridge, where the foundations of a medieval chapel dedicated to St Michael can still be traced. From the top, the ground drops away sharply on both sides to give wide views over Abergavenny to the Sugar Loaf and the Black Mountains, and the descent follows the eastern ridge back down through the trees. The climb totals around 320 metres, most of it concentrated in the second half of the ascent.
This is a dog friendly hill, though the National Trust asks owners to keep dogs on a lead once through the gate onto the open mountainside, since sheep graze the upper slopes and the summit is a Special Area of Conservation. Off-lead time is best kept to the lower woodland paths before that point. There is no water source on the mountain itself, so bring enough for a dog on a warm day, and take care on the steep, sometimes loose ground near the summit ridge. The Skirrid Mountain Inn at Llanvihangel Crucorney, reputedly the oldest pub in Wales, is a short drive from the car park for a rest afterwards.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.6 km (3.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Woodland, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- None on route; the Skirrid Mountain Inn is a short drive from the car park.
- Parking
- Free National Trust car park on the B4521, 1.5 miles east of Abergavenny.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to The Skirrid (Ysgyryd Fawr) from the B4521, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Llanover Estate - Court Farm House
Sleeps 8 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £1,202 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in MonmouthshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is The Skirrid (Ysgyryd Fawr) from the B4521 dog friendly?
The Skirrid is a dog-friendly hill walk, earning a 7/10 rating on Wildpack Collective. Dogs are welcome throughout the route, though the National Trust asks that they be kept on a lead once you pass through the gate onto the open mountainside, where sheep graze the upper slopes and the summit is a Special Area of Conservation.
Can dogs be off lead at The Skirrid (Ysgyryd Fawr) from the B4521?
Dogs can enjoy some off-lead time in the lower woodland sections — through Caer Wood and Skirrid Wood — before you reach the gate onto the open hillside. Beyond that point, leads are required for the upper slopes and summit, so it's worth making the most of those woodland paths on the way up.
What should I know before visiting The Skirrid (Ysgyryd Fawr) from the B4521 with my dog?
This is a fairly demanding outing — the 5.6km circular route climbs around 320 metres, with steep and sometimes loose ground near the summit ridge, so confident, sure-footed dogs will get the most from it. There's no water source on the mountain itself, so bring plenty for your dog, especially on warmer days. After the walk, the Skirrid Mountain Inn at Llanvihangel Crucorney is a short drive from the car park if you're after a well-earned rest.
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Skirrid car park, B4521 Old Ross Road, Llanvihangel Crucorney, Abergavenny NP7 8AU
51.8470, -2.9860
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