The Three Castles Walk

The Three Castles Walk takes in three Norman castles. Skenfrith, Grosmont and Whitecastle, three small but still impressive castles in Monmouthshire.

If you were to walk, it is 18.6 miles. The walk is waymarked with a brown and white disc featuring a castle.  You could of cause choose to drive between the 3 castles instead.

From Abergavenny, the best starting point is White Castle which is around eight miles from Abergavenny along the B4521 (Old Ross Road), signposted Skenfrith.

The castles built by Hugh de Burgh acted as a line of defence along the turbulent Welsh Marches.

You will walk an old monk’s path, beside quiet riverbanks and then over Graig Syfyrddin descending to the sleepy little village of Grosmont with its castle, fine church, old market hall and narrow main street. The scene of dramatic encounters between Henry III and Llewellyn’s fierce Welshmen in 1233.

From Grosmont, you follow the trail through the Monnow valley to the tiny hamlet of Skenfrith on the meandering river Monnow.  There are picturesque rows of cottages around Skenfrith Castle and its beautiful 13th century church and wooden belfry.

Your walk then takes you to White Castle (Castell Gwyn), which remains well preserved within the fortifications and moat encompassing. The castle looms over the peaceful, surrounding farmland. Views across to the Black Mountains, the Skirrid (Ysgyryd Fawr) and the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog).

Dark Skies Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottage

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