Bristol to Brecon Walk
138 km / 86 miles
The route starts from Blaise Castle and heads for the old Severn Bridge by way of Spaniorum Hill and Severn Beach. Once in Wales, the first day finishes at Chepstow Castle. The following day follows an intricate but scenically varied journey to Usk by way of Gray Hill and the Wentwood Forest. An easy start the next day follows the River Usk before heading west to one of the best walkers’ pubs in Wales and the Blorenge ridge. A beautiful descent leads to Abergavenny and the end of the day.
The climb of Sugar Loaf is the highlight of day four but its attractions don’t end there. The route also ascends Table Mountain before easier and delightful walking leads to the next overnight stop at Crickhowell. Next morning the most varied day of the walk stays attractively at low-level in the morning before the afternoon climb of Tor y Foel (hopefully) gives panoramic views of the Brecon Beacons. This classic group of mountains is traversed during the final day’s walk from Talybont to Brecon, culminating in the ascent of Pen y Fan, the high point of the walk.
The walk would make a wonderful and inexpensive week’s holiday. It can also be enjoyed as a series of day walks or by creating circular walks using sections of the Bristol to Brecon route.
Connected Paths:
Details:
| Attributes: | Challenging; River; Moorland |
| Start: | ST559786 - Blaise Castle Estate, Henbury, Bristol  |
| Finish: | SO044287 - Brecon, Powys |
| Open Date: | 2008 |
| Web Sites: | Bristol Ramblers |
Maps:The map to the right is from the Ordnance Survey. You can use the interactive controls to zoom in and out and to move around the map, or click on a marker for more info. (interactive map help) |
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| Ordnance Survey Maps: | |
| OS Landranger: | 160, 161, 162, 171, 172 |
| OS Explorer: | 12, 13, 14, 152, 154, 155, 167 |
| OS Explorer Active: | 12, 13, 14, 152, 154, 155, 167 |
Route Profile:
| 138.5 Km (86.1 miles) 4,412 m (14,475 ft) ascent 851 m (2,792 ft) maximum height |
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Group Accommodation within 5 Km of this Path:
| Bunk House: | Middle Ninfa Bunkhouse, Llanellen, Abergavenny | 1 Km |
| Hostel Accommodation: | Abergavenny YHA, Penypound, Abergavenny | < 1 Km |
| Bunk House: | Smithy's Bunkhouse, Pantygelli, Abergavenny | 1 Km |
| Bunk House: | Llangattock Bunkhouse YHA, Wern Watkin Hillside, Crickhowell | 2 Km |
| Bunk House: | Wern Watkin Bunkhouse, Llangattock, Crickhowell, Powys | 2 Km |
| Hostel Accommodation: | Danywenallt YHA, Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon, Powys | < 1 Km |
| Hostel Accommodation: | Llwyn y Celyn YHA, Libanus, Brecon, Powys | 4 Km |
| Bunk House: | Cantref Farm Bunkhouses, Brecon | 2 Km |
| Bunk House: | Canal Barn Bunkhouse, Canal Bank, Brecon, Powys | 1 Km |
| Hostel Accommodation: | Brecon YHA, Groesffordd, Brecon, Powys | 3 Km |
Publications, Badges and Certificates:
| Paperback: | Bristol to Brecon Walk (Nigel Andrews) |
Downloads:
| GPS Exchange Format Route File: | Bristol to Brecon Walk GPX Exchange Format Route File | Login to Download (Members Only) |
| MemoryMap Route file: | Bristol to Brecon Walk Memory Map Route File | Login to Download (Members Only) |
| Tracklogs Route file: | Bristol to Brecon Walk Tracklogs Route File | Login to Download (Members Only) |