Sugar Loaf, Monmouthshire — Attraction in Wales

Excellent climb for beginners, with multiple paths to the summit. All are well-marked on OS maps (which I always advise having on you even as a backup, since they can't run out of charge!) and are easily accessible. The last 20 metres or so may require a short scramble, but only if approaching from the South-Eastern approach, there is a second path from the North-West (snaking around in a spiral from the East) which is fine to walk up even in the last stretch before the summit.

The mountain is almost entirely composed of soil with thickets of bracken and assorted shrubbery, carved out with various footpaths and animal paths.

If you are considering taking your dog, it shouldn't be a problem, however make sure to remain mindful of the livestock present on and around the designated paths to the mountain, which are difficult to avoid since you cannot bypass these areas by motor vehicle. Expect horses, sheep and cattle. In addition, once at the summit, there are some very treacherous falls risking dashing rocks or sliding down steep surfaces, so remain vigilant when climbing with children or animals.

If Sugar Loaf is your first mountain, I wouldn't recommend bringing young children or animals due to the inherent risk nearing the summit, instead I would advise ascending the mountain yourself and scouting out the area so you know yourself if you are comfortable with taking any particularly small or furry passengers!

Whatever you decide to do, however many peaks you have or haven't climbed, absolutely give Sugar Loaf Mountain a crack! Have fun, take lots of pictures, leave behind only your footprints and make sure to enjoy the view while...

Well getting lost before we found the car park put us on the back foot, as we wanted to climb the easiest route and we were given directions by so lovely locals to the start of the easiest route, well as I said we got lost and ended up going the hardest route and to two very unfit people we did find it hard going with very uneven paths and some very hard inclines , but we did it in about one and a half hours, and an hour to get down, but at the top the views were spectacular, breathtaking, my wife does not like heights but she only had one wobble at the top , also at the peak were four or five builders bags , the bags you get sand in , but these were filled with rocks, quite amusing to see , but if we can do it you can , but I think next time we will take more time to find the easiest route but it was well worth the pain, luckily the sun was out but we also got burnt a little so come prepared with sun screen and plenty of water , Wales is a beautiful place to visit this is why we come every 2 years for 21 days, next is the Blorenge ! Enjoy your hiking...

Lovely short hike. During the beginning of our ascent our path became completely covered with very overgrown fern which reached our heads (we found it an enjoyable experience, but others may not enjoy); although this can easily be avoided by picking an alternative more established route, which we didn't bother researching before, so make sure you pick the correct route!

Once we passed this short area though we had a very scenic and even more enjoyable hike to the peak of sugar loaf, where we were met with a fantastic view of part of Brecon Beacons.

In terms of difficulty I'd say it's a moderate level of difficultly for a person who maybe hasn't done many hikes before (gradual gradient at beginning, then slightly steep towards peak), I personally have done a couple of mountains recently so I found it somewhat easy. As long as you have a basic level of fitness you should be fine and will definitely enjoy it. Hope...