Three Castles Walk
A 20-mile long-distance path in Monmouthshire, South Wales, linking the three magnificent castles of Skenfrith, Y Castell Gwyn (White Castle), and Grosmont. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: SO 457 202
Distance: 20 miles (32 km)
Time: 8–10 hours
Duration: 1–2 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
OL13 Brecon Beacons / Bannau Brycheiniog: Eastern Area
OL14 Wye Valley and Forest of Dean
189 Hereford and Ross-on-Wye
Summary
The Three Castles Walk is a walking route in Monmouthshire, South Wales, which links Skenfrith Castle, Grosmont Castle, and White Castle. All three were originally built after the Norman Conquest, possibly under the supervision of William FitzOsbern. The castles changed much during their active history and are now impressive ruins representing some of the finest remaining examples of such fortifications in Great Britain.
The route follows woods and hills, taking the walker over Graig Syfyrddin (Edmund’s Tump), from which there are magnificent views of the Welsh Marches, the mountains of South Wales (including the Black Mountains), and the Forest of Dean and beyond. From start to finish at the castle in Skenfrith, the walk visits Trevonny, Little Cross, Grosmont, Graig Syfyrddin, Edmund’s Tump, Pont Brook, Upper and Lower Green, Pont Gilbert, White Castle, Tump Farm, Llyfos Wood, Great and Little Llan-llwydd, Lettravane Farm, Traveller’s Seat, The Boot, Lade, and Norton.