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Bristol to Brecon Walk

138 km / 86 miles

Bristol, Mons, Powys, S Glos
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.


Details:

Path Type: Other Paths
Attributes: Challenging; River; Moorland
Start:
ST559786 - Blaise Castle Estate, Henbury, Bristol
View on StreetMap
Finish:
SO044287 - Brecon, Powys
View on StreetMap
Open Date: 2008
Web Sites: Bristol Ramblers

Publications, Badges and Certificates:

Paperback: Bristol to Brecon Walk (Nigel Andrews)

Maps:

Show OS Map
Purchase Ordnance Survey Maps:
OS Landranger: 160161162171172
OS Explorer: 121314152154155167
OS Explorer Active: 121314152154155167

Group Accommodation within 5 Km of this Path:

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

Click to show 6 more Accommodations


Connected Paths:

National Trails (England & Wales): Offa's Dyke Path National Trail; Wales Coast Path
Paths Marked on OS mapping: Beacons Way (Brecon); Bristol and Bath Railway Path; Community Forest Path; Gloucestershire Way; Jubilee Way (South Gloucestershire); Severn Way; Taff Trail; Usk Valley Walk; Wye Valley Walk
Click to show 6 more Paths Marked on OS mapping
Other Paths: Bristol City Triangular Walk; Cambrian Way; Celtic Way; Cistercian Way (Wales); Great English Walk; Hobblers Way (Coast to Coast - Wash to Severn); Iron Mountain Trail; Summits of Somerset and Avon; Torfaen Trail
Click to show 6 more Other Paths
Anytime Challenges: Brecon Beacons Traverse; Taith Torfaen Anytime Challenge

Downloads:

GPS Exchange Format Route File: Bristol to Brecon Walk GPX Exchange Format Route File Login to Download
(Members Only)
Leaflet - External PDF: Chepstow by Public Transport
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)

Route Profile:

138.5 Km (86.1 miles)
4,412 m (14,475 ft) ascent
851 m (2,792 ft)  maximum height