Iconic mountains, rich countryside and a sweeping 18th century landscaped park
With the changing seasons there is always something new to explore. Whether its getting closer to nature on a Wild Wednesday event or taking in your surroundings at the Skirrid, the Sugar Loaf and Usk Valley has plenty to offer.
The Sugar Loaf and Usk Valley is a landscape of contrasts. It’s where the dramatic Black Mountains give way to broader, rich and green open pastures.
The iconic peak of the Sugar Loaf mountain watches over the market town of Abergavenny, dominating the surrounding landscape and offering glorious views towards mid-Wales in one direction and south-west England in another.
Meanwhile the distinctive ‘Holy Mountain’ Skirrid peers in from the north-east, standing on the very edge of the mountain range - the legend of a landslide at the moment of Jesus’ crucifixion coupled with the now-ruined chapel at the summit are likely origins of the mountain’s local nickname.
Ancient woodlands and riverside walks provide the perfect escape from everyday life and each passing season brings something new to discover: Coed-y-Bwnydd’s carpet of bluebells to the rich turning colour of the woodland's at St Mary’s Vale.
The magnificent Clytha Estate brings the picturesque era into the present. It includes Grade One listed Clytha House, beautiful gardens and sweeping parkland with stately trees.
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points. Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you the Gift Aid Admission prices. But it's entirely up to you which ticket you choose. If you want the Standard Admission instead, just let us know when you come to pay.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid* — an extra 25 per cent — potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below: Payment of the additional percentage donation is entirely voluntary, so if you prefer to pay the standard admission please advise our reception staff at the till point.
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid donations must be supported by a valid Gift Aid declaration and a Gift Aid declaration can only cover donations made by an individual for him/herself or for him/herself and members of his/her family.
