to Railway Path

The Route Distance: 9 miles/14.5 km Llwyd. You’ll see plenty of wildlife preserved examples of 18th-century Terrain: mixed terrain with a gentle ascent along the way; look out for tiny in Western Europe. Built in 1788, Maps: NN4B Celtic Trail East map ponies and flocks of sheep huddled the ironworks reached their zenith in the up to the fences. With a gentle 1820s. and RB61 Celtic Trail Official Guide climb of over 650 feet (200 metres) - both £6.99 from Sustrans to Blaenavon it’s obvious that the Journey back the way you came, but this OS maps: Landranger 161/171, trip back down to Pontypool will be time, downhill! Explorer OL13/152 an easier ride! Family-friendly ride Find out more about this and many other If you catch a glimpse of steam in traffic-free routes throughout Wales: Discover the industrial the distance, you’re nearing www.routes2ride.org.uk/wales Blaenavon’s heritage railway. The line was heritage of south Wales with closed to passengers in 1941, though the this stunning traffic-free cycle section from Blaenavon to Pontypool was route from Pontypool through used for transporting coal from Big Pit and Or why not buy the Sustrans map of the area at: www.sustransshop.co.uk to Blaenavon. other local mines until 1980. Take a break, lock up your bike and travel back in time on one of their original steam locomotives. If you’re coming from Pontypool train station turn right onto a quiet road, before turning left The route ends brilliantly at Big Pit National onto the main road for about 500 metres. Coal Museum. This magnificent mining Take a left turn onto National Route 49 museum is well worth the trip. Original alongside the canal, looking out for the left features, like the Pithead Baths, bring life at turn off onto National Route 492. the coalface vividly into focus. Go 300 feet underground with a real miner and see what Whilst on the canal path, you can make a life was like for the thousands of men (and pit lovely lunch stop at the barge café at ponies) who worked there. Basin, or enjoy a picnic on the grass with views of Junction toll house, a low From here you can also detour into stone bridge and moored canal boats. Both Blaenavon, now a World Heritage Site, which make perfect pit stops to build up your played a significant part in the Industrial energy for the ride ahead. Revolution. The town became the home of mine owners and workers at the ironworks The path starts to ascend as it heads north and colliery when first established. Many of from Pontypool through Abersychan to the schools, shops and chapels built in those Blaenavon, soon entering a long stretch of early days are still standing today. The town lovely broadleaf woodland, with dramatic contains 17 listed buildings, including views to the east across the valley of Afon , one of the best

6 www. sustrans .org.uk