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A white house below autumn trees with autumn light shining on the scene and a view of hills beyond
The Kymin, Monmouthshire | © National Trust Images/M Hallett
Wales

Discover the Kymin walk

Follow in the footsteps of Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton, who came here to enjoy the fine views of both Wales and England more than 200 years ago. This walk visits two fascinating Georgian buildings: the Naval Temple, a monument to Admiral Lord Nelson; and the Round House, a circular castellated banqueting house.

Total steps: 4

Total steps: 4

Start point

The Kymin car park, grid ref: SO528125

Step 1

From the car park head towards the white building you can see to the north. This is the Naval Temple.

Step 2

Walk to the Round House. Emerging on your left is an impressive view over Monmouth and beyond. You may spot buzzards and peregrine falcons soaring here. You are likely to see Sugar Loaf Mountain, which looks like a pointed volcano, from this direction. On a clear day you will see Pen y Fan in the far distance: the highest point of the Brecon Beacons.

Step 3

From the Round House, keep going along the drive. In front of you is Beaulieu Grove, an ancient woodland once used particularly for charcoal burning. Enter this woodland and follow the well-worn track along the top of the ridge until you reach the viewpoint with a bench and information board to the left of the path. Carry on for approximately 150m and take the steep winding path downhill on the left, just before the end of the ridge. This can be slippery and difficult to find at certain times of the year. Follow the path downhill for about 250m until it joins a wide vehicular track. Turn right following the track for 600m until you reach a kissing gate signed 'Kymin'. Go through the gate and follow the path through the middle of the field. Continue uphill through a few trees, then cross diagonally through a second field to a kissing gate to re-enter the Kymin ground.

Step 4

Proceed through the kissing gate, and keeping The Old Stable to your left, walk straight ahead until you come to the Bowling Green. This was landscaped by the same people who built the Round House and is a lovely spot for a picnic or a game of croquet. If you're not stopping then it's a short walk back along the drive to the car park.

End point

The Kymin car park, grid ref: SO528125

Trail map

Discover the Kymin walk map
Discover the Kymin walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Get in touch

The Round House, The Kymin, Monmouth, Monmouthshire, NP25 3SF

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