Heads of the Valleys Ride

Starting out from St John Square, Abergavenny 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 railway 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. Continuing along the newly refurbished Sustrans route towards Brynmawr and over the new John Williams Bridge (in honour of local Nantyglo First World War Hero Sgt Major John Henry Williams awarded the Victoria Cross). The route then takes the Hafod Road, where you can observe the route you've just taken on the other side of the valley (Clydach Gorge). Dropping down a fairly steep descent into Llangattock we pick up the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal path back to Llanfoist before returning to Abergavenny.

22 miles 1400ft Climbing. The ride is predominantly off road on a mixture of hard packed and asphalt surfaces. Gravel bikes, CX Bikes, MTBs suitable. Hybrids with a bit of traction should be fine. Electric bikes welcome. Road bikes are probably not best suited due to the narrow gauged tyres which could prove problematic on gravel and flint sections.

Reviews:
Name - Helen
Rating - 5 stars
I really enjoyed this guided ride, and Jeremy was a first class leader, very knowledgeable, professional and friendly. First of all my bike was checked out for safety and I found this useful and will follow through on the recommendations. Jeremy said he would normally brief on the route at the start but I was already familiar with it. We had dry and sunny conditions with a breeze; initially the ride was under the dappled light of trees until we climbed gradually up to Brynmawr (800feeet, I was told). After the steady climb, it was lovely to ride on the Old Hafod Road (very quiet) which is level and follows the escarpment; the views were stunning; then we descended to the canal at Llangattock which made for a gentle ride back along the canal path to the cycle path and then the return to Llanfoist. Jeremy cycled at my pace and I felt very safe and comfortable. We took a couple of breaks, including coffee in a pub. The route was full of variety, starting with the more challenging ride at the beginning. All in all, a great day out cycling. This cycle route is largely off road which is a bonus for me; the route also highlights the industrial history of the area which Jeremy referred to. I recommend this guided ride and definitely give it 5 stars with Jeremy as the leader!

Name - Ian
Rating - 5 stars
Very enjoyable ride. All done at a gentle pace, great views on a virtually traffic free route. Well led to make sure no one was struggling and a nice group to ride with.

Name - John:
I went along and thoroughly enjoyed the cycle and the company. Looking forward to the next one! Thanks Jeremy.

Name - Stephen
Rating - 5 stars
A thoroughly enjoyable morning's ride with Jeremy. This was my first guided ride, I'm relatively new to the area and this was a perfect opportunity to learn a new route. The 15 mile loop was excellent, with a mixture of cycle paths, quiet roads and canal paths, some great views along the way at a pace which was comfortable for all. Jeremy was an excellent guide and I'll certainly be signing up for another one of his rides!

Name - Helen
Rating - 5 stars
This was a fabulous ride, well led by Jeremy. It was the first time I had been on my new electric bike and it was excellent to go on a guided cycle ride on the a route that I knew. The ride was well supported with 5 of us signed up and it was a friendly group. I appreciated all the knowledge about bikes and particularly about an electric bike. The weather was perfect; the ride was very varied with some lovely shaded parts, the views were stunning from from the highest point; finally the easy flat ride by the side of the canal. It was lovely to end the ride with a cuppa/drink in the square outside the Kings Arms. We said that we hoped to meet again on another guided bike ride

Name - Nicola
Rating - 5 stars
What a lovely ride today. Jeremy who led, was considerate, checking in with the riders that we were OK and making us aware in advance of some of the trickier sections of the route and always waiting for everyone so we could keep together. He was knowledgeable about the route and the characteristic points along the way and we stopped a couple of times to admire the gorgeous scenery. A well worth drive from Cardiff to the starting point of Abergavenny to enjoy the cycling in a beautiful part of South Wales with some lovely fellow riders - I'll look forward to our next cycle together.