My name is Owen Thomas,…
Distance
2.6km / 1.62miles
OS grid reference SO285133
Postcode NP7 9LP
Starting co-ordinates
° 0' 0" N ° 0' 0" W (DMS)
Approximate time
1 hour
Walk Grade
(5 = Hardest)
- Facilities
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Come for an amble between two canalside villages along this old railway which runs below The Blorenge’s verdant wooded slopes. It offers a contrast to Abergavenny town itself by providing an opportunity to enjoy the area’s natural and industrial heritage. This is a grade 1 walk - routes which are barrier free, have negligible gradients and solid or compacted surfaces. Also have seats.
Route details
Of interest
You will be following the old Merthyr, Tredegar and Abergavenny line through cuttings and along embankments, enjoying views over the surrounding countryside. Savour the dappled sunlight as it plays on the path through the branches of the birch and willow trees. You may see a wren or other wildlife foraging for food amongst the array of shade loving plants which decorate parts of your route. Listen out also for the tinkling of a bicycle bell warning you that a cyclist is approaching. This may be the modern equivalent of the old steam whistles which the trains used to blow as they strained their way up towards Brynmawr – a gentle gradient for you but quite a challenge for a train! Look out for the many features which hark back to the days of steam; mileposts, gradient signs and lineside buildings such as the old Govilon Station.
Watch for passing cyclists; route 46 of the National Cycle Network passes along the line.
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