Don't peak too soon (From Free Press Series)

Don't peak too soon

One of the main attractions of Abergavenny is the countryside around it.

A trio of mountains looks down upon the town. The broken outline of the Skirrid, the rounded Sugar Loaf and the imposing Blorenge combine to form the most dramatic frame.

They draw walkers from afar, but their familiarity to the people of Monmouthshire should never blunt their appeal.

You could, it is said, walk all three in one day - and some brave souls have done so. Or you could spend a leisurely lifetime on the hills and keep finding something new.

All three offer a range of walks of varying length and difficulty - and a spectacular view from the top.

Take your pick from a full day exploring the Sugar Loaf, or leave your car at the side of the road and make a round trip to the top of the Skirrid in under a couple of hours.

Whatever walk you choose, remember that, with autumn closing in, you should check weather forecasts and prepare for worse conditions than you expect. It's always colder at the top than you expect or remember it to be.

Conservation-minded walkers should think about leaving their cars in town and walking from there, although there are places to park closer to each peak.

Detailed directions and routes are available in the leaflet Brecon Beacons National Park Walks from Abergavenny, available from the Information Centre in Abergavenny town centre, Monmouth Road, priced £2. Tel: 01873 853254.

THE BLORENGE Perhaps the most interesting of the three, the Blorenge peaks at 559 metres. Starting from Llanfoist, and heading straight up through the steepest parts, you'll feel every one of them. But tunnels, tramways and a glacial lake await you for your troubles.

From the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal near Llanfoist Wharf, you walk through a long, dark tunnel under the canal.

From there the path rises steeply through woods until you break through, with a sense of achievement, into open countryside.

That is when you see the full, imposing, daunting mountain, like a giant armchair waiting to welcome you, should you be up to the challenge.

You don't have to walk on straight up. Turn left for an easier trek to the top, as well as scenery and archaeology in abundance.

That takes you to the Punchbowl - a glacial lake - and one-time venue for bare-knuckle fights.

It is a special, serene spot. You'll feel as if you're the first to discover it. So if there are other walkers there, enjoying a sandwich and a cup of coffee, you might feel a little resentment for their presence.

A road will take you to the top of the mountain, to Blaenavon World Heritage Site (worth a day's visit in itself). Take the path across the top and you'll eventually stand at the trig point. Looking down towards Abergavenny you may be able to watch hang-gliders floating below you - and the hardy souls slogging their way up the direct route.

THE SUGAR LOAF The highest of the three peaks at 596 metres. But don't let the extra height put you off - it doesn't stop many people.

On a warm, summer Sunday there'll be a long line of ramblers snaking their way to the top. The summit often presents a bizarre scene of crowds of worn out but satisfied walkers enjoying the view.

Nevertheless, a slight detour off the main paths and a sudden cover of mist could result in even experienced walkers getting lost, so don't let the Sugar Loaf's popularity lull you into forgetting you are in the Welsh wilderness.

Take your pick of the walks to the top. The car park off Chapel Road (off the A40 out of town) offers direct routes, though you may miss out some of the more interesting country on your way to the top. The 360 degree vista is stunning.

THE SKIRRID The baby of the three, at 486 metres, but a giant in folklore.

The Skirrid's spiritual links are portrayed by its other names - The Holy Mountain, or St Michael's Mount. There was once a chapel perched atop its blustery summit, where Mass was celebrated. Its foundations are still visible.

From the right angle, the outline of the ridge of the mountain is so striking it's obvious why so many legends sprung up around it. It looks like the back of a dinosaur with a bite taken out of it.

That fissure was said to have occurred at the time of the crucifixion when the mountain was rent by heavenly fury.

Or, it may have been caused by the devil losing his balance in an unholy battle of strength with Jack O'Kent, a local giant or cleric - or even a giant cleric.

To add to its legend, Nazi Rudolf Hess walked there when he was held prisoner at Maindiff Court in the Second World War.

Whatever the truth (it was a landslip during the last ice age), the Skirrid offers a great short walk.

You can leave your car in a lay-by on the B4521 towards Skenfrith and follow the path to the top. It doesn't take long, parts are quite steep and it will be cold on top.

When you've walked yourself out, try one of these excellent pubs for a cup of tea or a pint before your disappear home.

Around the Blorenge, try The Bridge Inn, at the base of the mountain, near the Waitrose supermarket. Tel 01873 853045.

Over the top, get your breath back at the Cordell Country Inn, on the steep road down from Blaenavon to Govilon. Tel 01873 830436.

Around the Sugar Loaf, try the Lamb and Flag on the Brecon Road, near Nevill Hall Hospital. Tel 01873 857611.

Around the Skirrid there's always the famous Skirrid Inn, a pub laden with oak-beamed atmosphere, ghostly tales - and a good pint. Tel 01873 890258.