A Gale-Force Trek Up Sugar Loaf

Monday, 15 September 2025

After two full days of exploring the Brecon Beacons, Monday marked the final chapter of our Welsh weekend. With bags packed and legs pleasantly tired from the previous hikes, we decided to round things off with a shorter, simpler walk - a climb up the nearby Sugar Loaf before heading home.

The forecast promised fewer showers than Sunday but warned of gale-force winds, so a modest outing seemed the sensible choice. Breakfast was back to the early 7:30 slot, after which we packed our newly dried gear, checked out, and picked up lunch supplies from the local garage before setting off.

My phone chose this morning to throw in the towel - no GPS signal, no maps, nothing. Later I discovered that rain from the day before had worked its way inside, fogging the camera lenses and confusing its sensors. Every photo looked like it had been taken through a bathroom mirror after a hot shower. Fortunately, Jack’s phone stepped in to guide us to the National Trust car park at the base of Sugar Loaf.

Another little drama occurred partway along one of the narrow country lanes. We hit a traffic jam of a different kind: a small flock of sheep. Most of the sheep eventually ambled into a nearby field, but one remained, frozen with indecision in the middle of the road. It was at this unfortunate moment that Vince stalled the car, completely blocking the narrow road. For a heart-stopping minute, the engine refused to restart. Just as the sheep finally found its way back to the flock, the engine sputtered back to life. A few relieved, shaky laughs followed this brief moment of panic.

When we arrived, the car park was completely empty - and it didn’t take long to understand why. Even at that lower elevation, the wind was fierce enough to make putting our boots on a bit of a battle. A brief shower swept through just as we set off, leaving a rainbow glowing over the hills as if to wish us luck.

The path to the summit was broad and grassy, with only the occasional sprinkle of rain. We made quick progress and soon reached the top - where the wind hit with full force. Standing upright was a challenge in itself. After a few hurried photos, we ducked behind some rocks for a well-earned banana break, enjoying the sweeping views in relative shelter.

The descent turned into a bit of a fight against the elements. From the eastern end of the summit, we turned south and walked straight into the gale, accompanied by another burst of rain. Our plan had been to drop down into Cwm Trosnant, but when we reached the fork in the path, we wisely opted for the right-hand route - the one we’d come up. It was the fastest way back to the car and, more importantly, out of the wind’s relentless grip.

A short but memorable walk - wild, blustery, and the perfect way to end our trip.

As we drove away, Sugar Loaf fading in the rear-view mirror, we agreed that although it might have been windy, wet, and wild at times, that had only made it more memorable. A weekend well spent. 

Summit	Height (m)	Status
Sugar Loaf	596	Marilyn