2 to 4 nights
19 to 22 mls (km)
South Wales
Moderate
Mar to Oct
£220

Castle to Castle: The Three Castles Walk

  • Your walks link the trilateral castles built as part of the Norman conquest of Wales:
    • Grosmont Castle - One of the more complete, at the center of a pretty village
    • Skenfrith Castle - One of the most war-scarred castles, featured in the revolt of Owain Glyndŵr
    • White Castle - Cuts an impressive figure with a surrounding moat and drawbridge over the river Monnow
  • Finish your short break with a visit to the charming market towns of Monmouth and Abergavenny
  • Walk through rural, valley scenery, set against the surrounding Black Mountains
  • One of our shorter walking holidays, staying in a converted former 17th century rectory
Walknig holidays Welsh Castles

A Short Walking Holiday Break

The Three Castles Walk links the Trilateral Castles, a triangle of Norman castles built by Hugh de Burgh, to maintain a grip and a line of defence along the turbulent Welsh Marches. Walking through the quiet Welsh border countryside of sheep pastures and patchwork fields, it is hard to imagine the peaceful countryside as the backdrop of fierce medieval conflicts.

You will walk old monks path, along quiet riverbanks and an energetic ascent over Graig Syfyrddin descending to the sleepy little village of Grosmont to its castle, fine church, old market hall and narrow main street, 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. Time appears to have stood still, as you find yourself amongst the picturesque rows of cottages that have sprung up around Skenfrith Castle and its gem of a C13 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, with views across to the Black Mountains, the Skirrid (called Holy Mountain) and the Brecon Beacons.

Three Castles Walk map
Our Three Castles walking route links the famous castles of the Monmouthshire area

Path Walkthrough

Walkers can expect a landscape very typical of rural Wales, with farmland, fields and wooded hills, and the going underfoot fairly wild outside of the country lanes and winding market town streets.

The path is generally easy, but there are some undulating sections, as well as untamed parts of the path - which can make progress harder. The areas quiet nature, with farm and storehouses being the most developed use of the land, may account for some of the more unruly and less beaten parts of the path.

The part of South Wales is renowned for its scenic walks and traveling from White Castle to Grosmont over Graig Syfyrddin (aka Edmund's Tump), you'll find picturesque views over the Marches and the Black Mountains of South Wales.

From Grosmont, you'll be able to stop at the pretty village surrounding the castle before heading over to Skenfrith, on the banks of the river Monnow.

Our Three Castles Walk Itineraries

  • Caggle Street to Llangattock Lingoed
    Distance: 22 miles (35km)
    3CW1
    3 Nights, 2 Days
    from £280 pp
    3CW1 ~ Caggle Street to Llangattock Lingoed ~ 3 / 2 classic
    DayLocationsDistance
    Day 1:Arrival Day
    Day 2:Caggle Street to Skenfrith Castle via Grosmont11.5 miles/18.4km
    Day 3:Skenfrith to Llangattock Lingoed via White Castle10.5 miles/16.8 km
    Day 4:Departure Day

    or ask us a question
    What's Included:
    2 walking days
    3 nights accommodation
    3 breakfasts
    + all our usuals
    Prices
    Extras
    <~ Go back to all itineraries
    3CW2
    2 Nights, 2 Days
    from £220 pp
    3CW2 ~ Caggle Street to Llangattock Lingoed ~ 2 / 2 classic
    DayLocationsDistance
    Day 1:Arrival Day
    Day 2:Caggle Street to Skenfrith Castle via Grosmont11.5 miles/18.4km
    Day 3:Skenfrith to Llangattock Lingoed via White Castle - Departure at end of the day10.5 miles/16.8 km

    or ask us a question
    What's Included:
    2 walking days
    2 nights accommodation
    2 breakfasts
    + all our usuals
    Prices
    Extras
    <~ Go back to all itineraries
  • Caggle Street to White Castle
    Distance: 19 miles (30.5km)
    3CW3
    4 Nights, 3 Days
    from £360 pp
    3CW3 ~ Caggle Street to White Castle ~ 4 / 3 classic
    DayLocationsDistance
    Day 1:Arrival Day
    Day 2:Caggle Street to Grosmont Castle6 miles/9.6km
    Day 3:Grosmont to Skenfrith Castle5.5 miles/8.8 km
    Day 4:Skenfrith to White Castle7.5 miles/12 km
    Day 5:Departure Day

    or ask us a question
    What's Included:
    3 walking days
    4 nights accommodation
    4 breakfasts
    + all our usuals
    Prices
    Extras
    <~ Go back to all itineraries
    3CW4
    3 Nights, 3 Days
    from £300 pp
    3CW4 ~ Caggle Street to White Castle ~ 3 / 3 classic
    DayLocationsDistance
    Day 1:Arrival Day
    Day 2:Caggle Street to Grosmont Castle6 miles/9.6km
    Day 3:Grosmont to Skenfrith Castle5.5 miles/8.8 km
    Day 4:Skenfrith to White Castle - Departure at the end of the day7.5 miles/12 km

    or ask us a question
    What's Included:
    3 walking days
    3 nights accommodation
    3 breakfasts
    + all our usuals
    Prices
    Extras
    <~ Go back to all itineraries
    • Good standard accommodation in a country house or 13th century character Inn, with en-suite or private facilities, full cooked breakfast, packed lunches
    • Personal transfer between accommodation and path where necessary
    • We also provide a Walk Pack including trail booklet, information book about the 3 castles, itinerary and walking break planning

    You choose which day you would like your holiday to start on. We will book your holiday in accordance with your requirements.

    Our Three Castles Walk holidays are available to walk March to October.

    Weather conditions in Wales are not too dissimilar from the rest of UK, albeit when travelling through Wales, we advise carrying a waterproof jacket as you can never rule out the possibility of showers.

    Please note that some sections can be particularly muddy after prolonged wet spells across the area.

    That being said, in the summer months these wet spells are a lot less prolonged than the winter months, ideal for getting outdoors and spending the day walking through the countryside in the sunshine.

    The nearest train station, Abergavenny, is served by hourly trains running from London Paddington (an average journey time of 2½ hours).

    Celtic Trails can arrange to collect and return you to Abergavenny Station to the start of the route - prices available upon request.

    Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs. Call one of our helpful team on +44 (0)1291 689774 or e-mail us here.

    Three Castles Walk Client Reviews

    4.8/5 based on 9 reviews
    Great to have an aim to the walk - visiting the 3 castles en-route. Great walk with all the organisation covered - relaxingly sorted out by Celtic Trails - thank you. LOVED the marked up OS map and detailed instructions. All good.
    - May 2019
    We loved the views and the variety of countryside.
    - June 2018
    Very muddy path but a great adventure.
    - April 2018
    "The host of our accommodation could not do enough for us. Would recommend."
    - March 2018
    "We found Celtic Trails to be better than other companies, and Karen & Paul are perfect hosts, informative, helpful, gracious and witty. We spent four days there, loved every one. Plus, The Three Castles hiking was wonderful!"
    - April 2017
    "This walk surpassed my expectations in terms of scenery – it was stunning. Celtic Trails organisation made it carefree. Distances were perfect for a relaxed holiday."
    - September 2016
    "We would love to do one of your walks again! We enjoyed that the trail led through beautiful country, the views, the sheep + cow, the castles – and at the end of the day, a very comfortable and welcoming place to stay!"
    - September 2016
    ‘"Great hosts and very amenable. Pub food in the village good and staff very friendly and helpful. Overall a great short break. Thank you."
    - August 2016
    "This is our 6th walking holiday, so we have a good understanding of these tours. We could not fault Celtic Trails for quality & communication, administration, accommodation & assistance. Thank - you all."
    - September 2015
    Leave your own review of your Three Castles Walk Walking Holiday with us - add review.
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    What Happens Next?

    We will check your details and come back to you within two working days with a personalised estimate based on your requirements. We will then formally request a deposit of £150 per person (£100 per person for a single centre break) and book all your arrangements - find out about our full booking process here.

    Please note this does not constitute a booking confirmation, we kindly ask you to refrain from booking any travel until we have confirmed all your arrangements.

    Still Have Questions?

    If you are still unsure on any of your requirements, please do enquire with us first and one of our friendly team will be happy to help you with any queries you have.

    Enquire About Three Castles Walk
    +44 (0)1291 689 774
    Our lines are open: 9am to 5pm (GMT), Monday to Friday
    E-mail
    Sample Accommodations

    Please note: exact accommodation booked will depend on availability.