Day 0 — Thursday 14 May 2026 — Arrival in Abergavenny

Arrive in Abergavenny , settle in, stock up on food/water, and prepare for the long ridge traverse tomorrow.

Accommodation: The Kings Head:£199: £67 :Booking.com: cancellation:6th May

Day 1 — Friday 15 May 2026 — From Pandy to Hay-on-Wye

Distance: 28 km (17.5 miles)
Ascent: ~710 m (2,330 ft)
Taxi or Bus: Abergavenny to Pandy

Time: 7–9 hours

Character: One of the finest days on the entire National Trail — a dramatic and exhilarating ridge walk.

Terrain: A steep initial climb onto Hatterrall Ridge, followed by a long, exposed, high-level traverse with huge views into England and Wales. Long descent into Hay.

Notes: No services between Pandy and Hay — carry plenty of water. Very exposed in bad weather; a lower-level alternative exists via Llanthony.

Accommodation: The Old Black Lion: £262: £87 PP: Booking.com: Cancellation: 3 Days Prior:

Website: Confirmation: Location

Day 2 — Saturday 16 May 2026 — From Hay-on-Wye to Kington

Distance: 24 km (15 miles)
Ascent: ~600 m (2,000 ft)
Time: 6–7.5 hours

Character: A gentler, more pastoral day after the big ridge; classic Herefordshire countryside.

Terrain: Rolling fields, woodland paths, gentle ridges, and modest climbs.

Notes: Generally easier, but still a full day. Few refreshment options without detours. Kington has good facilities.

Accommodation: Kington Accommodation: £135: £45 PP: Booking.com Cancellation 8th May 2026:

Website: Confirmation: Location

Day 3 — Sunday 17 May 2026 — From Kington to Knighton

Distance: 22 km (13.5 miles)
Ascent: ~750 m (2,460 ft)
Time: 6.5–8 hours

Character: One of the toughest sections of the whole trail — demanding but very rewarding.

Terrain: A series of steep climbs and descents with superb border views. Long, varied upland and farmland walking.

Notes: Requires stamina.

Accommodation: The Knighton Hotel: £179: £60 PP: Booking.com : Cancellation 3 Days Prior:

Website: Confirmation: Loc a tion

Day 4 — Monday 18 May 2026 — From Knighton to Brompton Crossroads – Montgomery

Distance: 21 km (13 miles)+ 4.1 Miles
Ascent: ~680 m (2,230 ft)
Time: 6–7.5 hours + 1

Character: Energetic, rugged, and varied; a memorable stage with an infamous beginning.

Terrain: Very steep, repeated climbs in the early “Switchbacks,” then easier walking through valleys and farmland toward Newcastle-on-Clun.

Notes: End of the stage is the Brompton Crossroads but no accomodation: we could get a cab or walk 3 further miles on the trail and then a detour of 1 mile to Montgomery.

Accommodation: The Dragon Hotel: £183: £61 PP: Booking.com Cancellation 3 Days Prior:

Website: Confirmation: Location

Day 5 — Tuesday 19 May 2026 — From Brompton Crossroads to Buttington Bridge

Distance: 20 km (12.5 miles) +1 mile
Ascent: ~350 m (1,150 ft)
Time: 5–6.5 hours

Character: A calmer, pastoral end to this section — gentler and less demanding.

Terrain: Mix of lanes, easy farmland paths, and undulating low hills.

Notes: Start is 1 mile from Montgomery to where we left the trail. A pleasant final day that feels like a cool-down after the bigger stages.

[Head Home Approximately 5-6 Hours]

Totals (Days 1–5)

Distance: ~115 km (71.5 miles)
Ascent: ~3,090 m (10,140 ft)
Walking time: 30–38 hours