Llangattock escarpment

Llangattock escarpment proudly stands high above the Usk Valley near Crickhowell. It looks to be a striking natural feature, but was actually formed by extensive quarrying in the 18th and 19th centuries. Both stone and lime were shipped out via the nearby Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. In fact, stone from here was used to construct the canal. A tramway transported the stone down to the canal.

The quarrying ceased over 60 years ago, and the area soon became quite wild again. The cliffs are used today for rock climbing, especially by local outdoor centres. The quarrying also exposed an entrance to one of the most extensive cave systems in Britain. 12 miles of passage have been discovered so far, with new passages and connections are still being regularly added.

A lane takes you high up to the south of Llangattock village, with plenty of parking at 209154. A gently rising track takes you westwards to the start of the main escarpment. I have previously done a walk across the top of it (no obvious path) for about 2 miles to the west, then descended round the end to follow paths under the cliffs and back to the start point.