Gospel Pass

[1] Starting from Abergavenny the narrow mountain road climbs steeply to a height of 549 metres (1,801 ft) [2] above sea level, squeezing between the mountains of Twmpa to the west and Hay Bluff to the east, before dropping down into the valley to the south on its way to Llanthony Priory, Llanfihangel Crucorney and Abergavenny.

It is well used by walkers since it gives access to the major peaks of the Black Mountains, especially at the northern end of the road, where there are several car parks.

The name is believed locally to derive from St Paul, brought to Wales through the pass by the daughter of Caradog (or Caractacus), first preaching the gospel to her people here.

According to the Community Council website[4] he paid a visit on that occasion to Caradog, who then lived at the Celyn, and whom he had formerly met in Rome.

Although substantial efforts have been made to provide a dry stone pavement on the footpaths, especially the official Offa's Dyke Path, other routes are not so well protected.