Ysgyryd Fawr

The Skirrid above Abergavenny

Ysgyryd Fawr, the Skirrid or Holy Mountain, stands at 486.1 m on the eastern edge of the Black Mountains. Its wooded lower slopes give way to an open ridge and a summit with a trig point and the remains of St Michael's Chapel. The recorded high point is a rock 3 m east of the trig point.

Choosing a route

Both options start and finish at the National Trust car park on the B4521, south of the hill, at SO328164.

• National Trust circuit: climb to the gate above the woods, turn left along the hillside path and round the northern end. A steep, waymarked climb on the eastern side reaches the summit. Return south along the ridge and descend through the woods to the car park. The National Trust lists 6.4 km and about 2 hours for its full trail.
• South ridge out and back: climb through the woodland and continue along the ridge beyond the first rise to the trig point. Retrace the same ridge and woodland path to the car park. This alternative is about 4.5 km. Allow time for the steep sections and summit stops.

Underfoot and in view

Woodland tracks and steps can be muddy; higher up, grass and stony paths lead onto an exposed ridge. Views take in Sugar Loaf, the Black Mountains and the Usk Valley, with the Malvern Hills and Bristol Channel visible in clear conditions. Spring bluebells are a highlight of the lower woodland.

Wear footwear with good grip and carry waterproofs, warm layers and a map. Wind, low cloud, snow or ice can make this short hill walk much more demanding. Stay on the paths and away from steep edges and landslip slopes. Keep dogs controlled, with a short lead around livestock.

Rock, landscape and history

The hill is built from Devonian Old Red Sandstone. Resistant sandstone above softer strata, followed by erosion and landslipping, produced its distinctive shape. The large cleft on the western side is a particularly striking landslip feature.

Ysgyryd is associated with shaking or shattering, and fawr means big or large. The medieval summit chapel remained a place of Roman Catholic worship after the Reformation. Local folklore links the cleft to the Crucifixion, helping explain the hill's Holy Mountain name.

Planning your visit

Check the car park signs for current charges and restrictions; overnight parking is prohibited. Abergavenny is the nearest town for refreshments, shops and toilets, and the main rail and bus gateway. Arrange the onward journey and the return before setting out. Bring food and water for the hill.

Nearby hills include Ysgyryd Fach (271 m), Sugar Loaf (596 m) and Blorenge (561 m). They make separate outings rather than extensions of either short route above.