Exploring an Industrial Age

Starting out from St John Square, Abergavenny, (NP7 5AA) and heading out to Llanfoist Crossing via Castle Meadows, you will begin a 9 mile ascent on the former Merthyr, Tredegar and Abergavenny Railway towards Brynmawr. This is now the Sustrans National Cycle Route 46, paved and a gentle climb averaging 2-3%. Crossing the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal Path and through the first station, Govilon. Continuing up the side of the valley past Gilwern station, a double platform with stairs on one platform. The track deviates from the cycle route onto a narrow lane for about two miles through two switchbacks for a short steep section and then re-joining the railway which has now been made into a road. Over a viaduct at Clydach and the remains of the station. The route circumnavigates the two railway tunnels that are now bricked up and disused. Clydach quarry workings appear on the left with much evidence of derelict buildings. There is a very steep hill, but short in duration, just before we reach the peak. There's no shame in walking this little section and you'll be rewarded with some very spectacular views at the summit.
The route meanders up to the top of Llanelli Hill. Crossing the Blaen-Afon Road it continues onto the National Cycle Route 492 (Brynmawr to Pontypool Railway). The route takes on grass paths with plastic mesh sunk into the ground and non-slip decking boards which assist with traction during inclement weather.
The Garn lakes appear below, and beautiful scenery opens with occasional reminders of a once industrial age. The Pontypool and Blaenavon Heritage Railway is passed and at the weekends run steam locomotives. Possible Tea stop/refreshments available.
From here it’s possible to freewheel downhill all the way to Pontypool! Cutting through Pontypool Park we reach the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. This is approximately 11 miles of flat canal path on a mixture of gravel and loose soil. Penelope’s Café at the lovely Goytre Wharf is at about 5 miles to go and offers indoors and outdoors sitting with tasty foods and refreshing drinks, ideal to recharge for the final pedal back to the car park at Llanfoist, and a short ride back to the start point in the centre of Abergavenny.

This is a truly fabulous ride with spectacular views of the Clydach Gorge, Brecon Beacons, Sugar Loaf and Skirrid Mountains, through the Blaenavon World Heritage Site and descending towards Pontypool then joining the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal Path back to Abergavenny town centre. A stunning guided ride, predominantly traffic free and utilising National Cycle Routes.

Sustrans cycle route and canal paths which are gravel/hard packed soil. Predominantly traffic free with a couple of road sections to cross. I have had people ride road bikes but would advise against it mainly from a comfort perspective. It's more suited to hybrid type bikes with wider, more forgiving tyres.

The start point has The Trading Post Café which should be open for refreshments before the ride commences. Further stops at Blaenavon Heritage Railway café and Penelope's café at Goytre Wharf before returning to Abergavenny town centre where other outlets are available for a post ride reflection.

Helmets are advisable and clothing to suit the weather conditions. The weather can change unpredictably. I'll usually monitor the weather prior to the ride and will make any decisions about cancellations the day before and notify participants via e-mails. I have a basic knowledge of cycle maintenance but it would help if participants bring along any tools, spare inner tubes for punctures etc..