There are various walks to ascend Skirrid Fawr but the more usual one from Llanddewi Skirrid starts at the lay-by on the B4521 about three miles north-east of Abergavenny map reference SO329164. Select 'Location' on the Menu to use the Multimap locator. Park your vehicle bonnet or boot to the hedge to leave room for others to safely park as this lay-by is well used. Leave the lay-by the hedged track. Climb the stile by the gate at the entrance to Caer Wood and now follow the obvious route up through the wood. There are other tracks off to the left and the right at various points but ignore these unless you wish to explore the wood further.

Caer Wood covering 35 acres was acquired by the National Trust in 1986, since then the Trust has removed a large proportion of the conifers and the conservation value of the wood has improved. The wood holds a large number of tree species including a very old Hornbeam in the centre which is quite unusual for this area. Recently an amateur botanist brought to the Trust's attention that Broad leaved Helllaborines were growing well in the woods.

As you walk straight up through the wood on the central path you will see paths off to the left and the right which provide lovely walks in themselves.

The trek up through Caer Wood is strenuous climbing all the way. On reaching the gate in the stone wall turn right and shortly after this turn left and follow the track upwards. The 'staircase' path here is paved with stones making it easier to negotiate than in the past. When you reach the top of this path you will be rewarded with a pleasant view. To the left is a hillock which is well worth climbing up to explore yet another vista before continuing up on to the main ridge.

The route to the top is on the right. Within a very short distance you will be at the start of the mile long ridge. You can either climb directly up the rocky route or take a sheep-trail type path that leads more gradually to the ridge. Once on the ridge itself you will be rewarded with wonderful views on either side. The walk now to the summit is less strenuous but nevertheless invigorating. Shortly before you arrive at the summit you will pass a large chunk of rock with names and initials carved on it sometimes referred to as Cist Arthur (Arthur's Chest).

Immediately in front of the trig point (486 metres/1595 feet) are two stones and a hollow. The stones are about 2 foot high with chambered edges. This is all that remains of the doorway to St Michael's Chapel. The summit is also ringed by an incomplete fortification ditch of an Iron Age fort. You can return to the lay-by via the same route or you can take a path to the left some 200 odd metres from the summit. Descend via this path and then follow the path to the right at the bottom back to the gate in the stone wall and then to the lay-by again via Caer Wood.

To lengthen the walk turn left at the bottom of the path from the summit.

This 'return' route around the base of the Skirrid will take considerably longer and will pass through the landslide from which the mountain takes its name. Looking up as you pass through the ravine you will see a toadstool shaped rock known as the Devil's Table. The path now leads into woods and you eventually arrive at the gate in the stone wall leading you back to the lay-by via Caer Wood.

For Walks in and around Usk visit www.jtallet.co.uk/uskwalks