Blog Visit Monmouthshire: A Walk Up The Blorenge
A Walking Route For The Blorenge Mountain
Monmouthshire is filled with so many wonderful places to visit and things to do. What better way to take in the Welsh countryside than a good old walk! When staying with us why not use this guide we've put together and go and try it for yourself. Just bear in mind that you will need a car to get to the starting point of this walk from our hotel. Image above: Looking over Keepers Pond from the car park. This 7 mile circular walk will take you all the way around the Blorenge mountain. Your path will encompass the lovely Keepers’ pond upon the top of the mountain where your walk will begin, some rocky paths, steep climbs and possibly some wild horses (if you’re lucky!). For people looking for adventure combined with spectacular views of the Welsh countryside that will take your breath away (literally if you’re walking up the hills while looking!) then this route will be ideal for you. A Google map of the route the walk will take you. Taking approximately 4 hours to walk, this route is fairly moderate in terms of difficulty. There are no toilets at this location however there are some in the neighbouring towns of Blaenavon and Abergavenny. The same can be said for refreshments, there are cafes and pubs that you can stop at for lunch in Blaenavon and Abergavenny. However, there is always an ice cream truck parked opposite the Keepers Pond where you can get yourself a tasty treat and a drink! Image above: One of the many wild horses that roam the mountain. Dogs are welcome to join you on your travels but should be kept on the lead due to the roaming livestock and wild horses, we also have dog friendly rooms for any guests wishing to bring their beloved pets with them! The terrain of this route varies, expect to encounter a mixture of rough, even and also well-made paths, rocky surfaces, and some steep slopes (don't worry they're not too bad!). Now we have the introduction about the walk out of the way lets get walking! Parking alongside the Keepers pond almost at the summit of the Blorenge, take a path that leads left around the pond and continues onwards in the direction of the summit. Keep your eyes peeled for the wild horses that graze along the mountain top and often stop at the pond for a drink! Image above: A information sign next to the Keepers Pond telling you about the area. When you reach a way marker and a sign that points to Llanfoist turn left. Following this thin path will take you down the side of the mountain and can be quite rocky so mind your footing. Following this route take the right path that is fairly flat when you reach a fork in the path. You will join the old tram road further on down the mountain and will walk past another sign pointing back up to the Keepers pond where you came from on your right. Image above: The wooden signpost that you will pass when descending the rocky path. Once you have joined the old tram road (you will notice large square stones underfoot set within the grass) keeping the fence on your left you will soon pass a tunnel on your right. It looks quite unusual and out of place on the side of the mountain. Looking up to your right you will see the side of the Blorenge rising high up above you (don’t worry you will be up there eventually). Keep along the path until you reach a gate to a public bridleway. Carry on a grassy path, not much further there is a bench to take a moments rest on and take in the views. Images above: The old tram road with the exposed stones in the grass (above left) and a lovely view across one of the fields you will pass (above right). From here the path ascends slightly, once you reach the peak of this small hill your view will open up to the punchbowl. Carved out by a glacier you will now find a man-made lake in the middle, which is popular spot with local fishermen. This is the perfect place for a picnic if you’ve decided to bring one! After your yummy picnic head left around the lake from your initial entry point and head towards a small wooden post, and what looks like a rising woodland. Once at the post the path rises steeply under the cover of woodland. The path will curve to the right on the ascent and will reach a gate, pass through and continue up just a little further to reach another bench where you will definitely need a breather, again this is the perfect stop to take in the beautiful views of the walk. Image above: The view over the Punchbowl when you reach the top of the small hill. Follow the grassy path until you reach a gate, going through you will see the road in front of you and a cattle grid to your left. Take a right shortly after you’ve passed through the gate, just after the Carn y Gorfydd enclosure. This path will take you onward toward the summit of the Blorenge. Heading onwards along a rocky track you will soon reach a point with terrific views down onto the punchbowl. Turn left when you reach a small brick building and follow a sometimes boggy path to the summit. Look out for boulders near a top, these mark the site of a Bronze Age burial chamber. There are now only a few meters to the top! Image above: The view back up to the summit if you look behind you after heading towards the Foxhunters car park. After taking in the views from the top of the mountain and basking in your achievement head towards the two radio masts along a stony path. Follow this path until you reach the Foxhunters car park, take a right and follow the road which will lead back to your starting point at Keepers Pond. Image above: The end view back where your walk began. Remember to look out for the horses! We hope you all enjoyed the walk, and remember we're always open for a coffee, a quick lunch or even a yummy dinner in our Clarkes Restaurant if you fancy stopping by! Image above: The two radio masts to look out for in point 6. when heading towards the foxhunter car park. Image above: The Foxhunter racehorse headstone, look out for it when you near the foxhunter car park! 
Posted on Fri 7th Sep 2018 at 13:42
