19th August 2017 Blorenge

Today’s walk was decided upon by the view from The Sugar Loaf above Abergavenny. From the top a few weeks before we had seen a peak on the opposite side of the town. A quick map check revealed this to be Blorenge, possibly the only thing to rhyme with orange. Though I would argue that lozenge rhymes with said round fruit. Although Blorenge is a smaller peak than Sugar Loaf the route to the top is more direct and the car park is very much at the bottom. For the less adventurous there are two car parks on top of the hill, both free, accessible from the B4246. We parked in a free car park in Llanfoist. Be aware it gets very full on a weekend. Watch those wing mirrors.

The rather idyllic canal setting.

The walk starts on the opposite side of the road. It goes steeply up hill and passes under the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal. Recommend going up the stairs to have a look at the canal as it is a lovely tranquil little spot. Be aware if you have a dog that likes going in the water they won’t be able to get out on their own. I had to drag Chuck out by his harness and got drenched in the process. We ended up walking back along the canal so if you intend to do the same you can leave this bit for now. The route to the top goes under the canal through a stone built tunnel. The other side is private property apart from the path.

The tunnel underneath the canal.

The climb up is wooded which is good as it was hot day. Eventually the track breaks out into a field of ferns. A quick hop over a style leads to a track which circumnavigates the peak. We decided to take this track anti-clockwise as there isn’t really a path straight to the summit. Even though it isn’t the top it affords some spectacular views. Be aware there are sheep about but as long as you keep a good eye out you dog shouldn’t notice them as the ferns are too high. Chuck did get startled by a sheep on the side of the path which we missed but he couldn’t chase it through the thick ferns. Know your dog and act accordingly.

Abergavenny. Far away, not small.

There is a large pond next to the car park by the main road. We decided to cut the corner off here as Chuck had dried by now. We headed towards the two large masts just over the peak of the hill. From here you can pick up the track from the second car park that leads to the summit. At the top we met a lady who had a lovely little greyhound looking dog. He was a bit timid at first but he and Chuck were soon running around and chasing. The lady was just a few months from retirement and was looking forward to walking all the time. We both got our respective dog photos at the top and headed off the peak.

It was very windy up top. Check the bacon shaped wind sock.

The path continues down to a small hut. At this point we turned towards the south. My aim was to go around The Punchbowl. What I thought was The Punchbowl was actually a re-entrant much further away. Our path was actually much closer and after a little shortcut down a steep slope we were back on track. The path goes to the third and final carpark and into a small National Trust area. We didn’t actually go into The Punchbowl but took a track down to the road so we could walk back along the canal. Chuck hadn’t learned from his previous experience and got straight back in the water. He had a good long swim before I had to drag him out yet again. We got back tour initial crossing point and headed back down to the car.

Fern Britain. They're everywhere up here.

This is a great walk for the very fit. For the not so fit the car parks at the top allow you to still take in the view. Just remember to be careful of the canal if you are not able to fish out your dog. There really is no other way for them to get out. If they always make a beeline for the water and you can’t lift them, put them on a lead. We walked for about a mile along the towpath and there really is nowhere for them to get out. We’ve already spotted our next walk from the top so look out for a walk up to the top of Skirrid/Ysgyryd coming soon.

Is there anything better than a happy dog with a stick?