A walk to the summit of Tor y Foel starting in Talybont on Usk

With stunning views towards the Black Mountains in the east the skyline includes the summits of Hay Bluff and Lord Hereford's Knob to the northern end of the range and Waun Fach in the middle while further south you can see the Sugar Loaf close to the town of Abergavenny. It's a popular area for walking, hiking and other outdoor activities. Family friendly walks include an amble along the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal or a visit to the Henry Vaughan Garden. The garden can be found on the right-hand side of the Brinore tramroad just after the old railway bridge. For the more experienced walker and as an extension to your walk along the canal you may want to consider the ascent of Tor y Foel. At 551 metres above sea level it may not be the highest peak in the area but the views from the top are amazing and the walk along the tram road reveals a wealth of industrial history. Be prepared for a steep climb to the top and uneven terrain. Stout walking shoes or hiking boots are essential for the ascent of this hill. Walking poles will aid your balance particularly on the steeper sections of the trail. Take plenty of water and a packed lunch especially if you intend to complete the whole route. By starting at the Youth Hostel a shorter version of this walk is possible. I started the walk from Henderson Hall and I recorded a distance of 11.25 miles or 18 km in metric but that is quite far and if pushed for time the walk from the YHA is 6.3 miles (10.2 km). This would make it a half day walk. So you may want to consider this option.