This route captures the heart and soul of the Welsh Valleys. Immortalised in "Rape of the Fair Country", the lush beauty Alexander Cordell wrote of can still be seen today along the Ebbw Fach and Afon Lwyd valleys.
Route Overview: Cordell Country
Locations include: Pontypool/New Inn, Llanhilleth, Brynmawr, and Blaenavon
Total Distance: 30.8 miles / 49.56 kilometres (round-trip)
Elevation Change: + 2554 / - 2554 ft
Approximate Travel Time: 5 - 7 hours
Ride Level: Intermediate
This historic ride incorporates four routes of the National Cycle Network into a larger circular route which encompases the villages and valleys of which Alexander Cordell based his 1959 Welsh classic Rape of the Fair Country.
The ride itself has been divided into three parts which include; a brief ride along on NCN Route 49 of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, a rolling quiet road along NCN Route 466 from Pontypool to Llanhilleth, followed by an easy, but gradual climb up the Ebbw Fach Valley on NCN Route 465 to Brynmawr.
From Brynmawr the route follows NCN Route 46 a short distance onto the high ridge above Garn Lakes where it finally joins NCN Route 492 for an easy glide back down the Afon Lwyd Valley returning to Pontypool.
Additionally, the ride is mostly all traffic-free. However, leaving Pontypool NCN Route 466 has a section of approximately 3 miles which follows a quiet road from Old Forge to Haffodrynys and then both Llanhilleth and Brynmawr involve several brief rides along narrow streets through the towns.
The ride itself has been divided into three parts which include; a brief ride along on NCN Route 49 of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, a rolling quiet road along NCN Route 466 from Pontypool to Llanhilleth, followed by an easy, but gradual climb up the Ebbw Fach Valley on NCN Route 465 to Brynmawr.
From Brynmawr the route follows NCN Route 46 a short distance onto the high ridge above Garn Lakes where it finally joins NCN Route 492 for an easy glide back down the Afon Lwyd Valley returning to Pontypool.
Additionally, the ride is mostly all traffic-free. However, leaving Pontypool NCN Route 466 has a section of approximately 3 miles which follows a quiet road from Old Forge to Haffodrynys and then both Llanhilleth and Brynmawr involve several brief rides along narrow streets through the towns.
The map shown above is divided into three sections to assist with navigation. Downloadable versions of each section are available at the end of this guide in the ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
Table of Contents
You may jump directly to any section of the overall route by clicking the section title below. Additionally, at the end of each section you will find links to return to this TOC.
PART ONE
Travel from Pontypool along NCN Route 466 for 8.2 miles along quite roads and traffic-free cycle paths to the town of Llanhilleth.
Highlights include:
Highlights include:
PART TWO
Join NCN Route 465 in Llanhilleth and begin journey north for 9.1 miles along quite roads and traffic-free cycle paths to the town of Brynmawr.
PART THREE
Briefly cycle along NCN Route 46 out of Brynmawr to then join NCN Route 492 returning 14.1 miles to Pontypool down the Afon Lwyd Valley.
Relevant links and route maps are provided for print or download. Additionally, you'll find links to train station(s) and local weather.
PART ONE
| NCN | 49 | 466 |  |
+ | ON ROAD |
Pontypool/New Inn to Llanhilleth |
Section Distance: 8.2 miles / 13.19 kilometres
Elevation Change: +700 ft / -565 ft
You begin your ride by leaving the the Pontypool/New Inn train station along the (poorly named) "Highway Road". After roughly .25 mile(s), however; you will then drop down onto the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal (NCN Route 49). Only going another .25 mile(s) once again, you'll exit the canal at Pontymoile Basin. Here you'll find the lovely Boatyard Tea Room sitting alongside the basin.
The next section can be rather tricky as you snake your way through Pontypool Park and then ride along the High Street of Pontypool proper to a busy double-roundabout. Once across the roundabouts the you will join NCN Route 466 and the route soon exits town as you begin a rolling three mile ride along the very quiet Old Crumlin Road.
There are facilities by the leasure centre within Pontypool Park, as well as a coffee shop. Of course too, you'll find most anythng you might need along the High Street of town.
The next section can be rather tricky as you snake your way through Pontypool Park and then ride along the High Street of Pontypool proper to a busy double-roundabout. Once across the roundabouts the you will join NCN Route 466 and the route soon exits town as you begin a rolling three mile ride along the very quiet Old Crumlin Road.
There are facilities by the leasure centre within Pontypool Park, as well as a coffee shop. Of course too, you'll find most anythng you might need along the High Street of town.
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| ROUTE COLOUR KEY: | Traffic-free | Shared Use | Quiet Road | Steep Hill |
Less than .25 mile from the Pontypool/New Inn train station along Highway Road (not really a "highway", just a poor choice of a name...) you will come to a small bridge crossing over the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal. You should see the entrance dropping down to the canal just before the bridge on the left-hand side.
Once on the canal towpath, you've less than .25 mile to reach Pontymoile Basin. Here you will exit the canal and make your way across to Pontypool Park.
The Boatyard Tea Room has limited hours, but there is also a coffee shop (as well as toilets) in the leisure centre just ahead in Pontypool Park.
The entrance to Pontypool Park is down the road from Pontymoile Basin and is clearly recognizable by the lovely Pontymoile Gates. (Currently marred by the Covid 19 sign.)
The area around the leisure centre can often be crowded with pedestrians and children from the nearby playground, so show caution (ring your bell!) There is large cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. The toilets are in a seperate builidng (shown on the left in photo above).
Once through the park, navigating the High Street is quite simple. There are no route signs, so you'll need to follow the map closely.
At the end of the High Street you reach a double roundabout.
Cycling through the roundabouts can be a little tricky, but if you take your time it can be done safely and without too much difficulty. I grabbed the two images (above and below) from Google Streetviews because stopping to take photos is not so easy.
Note: There is an option of riding your bike over a footbridge to avoid the roundabout(s) (shown in image below), but getting to the path is somewhat difficult as you must navigate the very busy Tesco's car park (on right) and then descend a set of stairs at the far side of the roundabouts.
Approximately .5 mile past the roundabouts, you'll find yourself heading out of town on Old Crumlin Road (NCN Route 466). You'll cycle along this quiet road for three miles before crossing the A472 where you'll then join a traffic-free section to the village of Hafodyrynys.
It looks like a spaceship, but it's not! This unusual building was once the coal washery for the Hafodyrynys Colliery and a wonderful landmark along the route.
Soon after passing the washery you will cross the A472. The road can be very busy, so show caution. Once on the other side, you've a lovely traffic-free section for about a mile to Hafodyrynys.
The traffic-free section ends at Hafodyrynys where you'll briefly cycle past several sets of terrace houses, cross back over the A472 (this time with a traffic light!) and enter the village of Sofrydd along the road.
You'll make way through a small housing estate overlooking the Ebbw Valley. Far on the opposite side of the valley are the villages of Crumlin and Treowen.
Despite their poor condition, the colliery in Crumlin is quite unique in that the buildings haven't been demolished and as such are now "listed" buildings.
At the end of the housing estate, you'll leave the road again and re-join the traffic-free path again for a short, but fast glide down into Llanhilleth.
At the end of the housing estate, you'll leave the road again and re-join the traffic-free path again for a short, but fast glide down into Llanhilleth.
At the bottom of the hill NCN Route 466 merges with NCN Route 465 which you'll follow for the remainder of the ride to Brynmawr. Here too you'll exit the cycle path and follow along a very quiet road to the Llanhilleth village High Street.
Coming into the village you'll soon find quite a steep descent down to the Llanhilleth Train Station (photo above). Then at the bottom of the hill you'll take a left turn and cross the bridge over the train tracks (photo below).
On the far side of the bridge and directly on your left, you can't miss the Llanhilleth Miner's Institute. If you're feeling hungry, there is the lovely Heritage Cafe. It's worth a look around inside too because they've done a wonderful job of updating and restoring the building.
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PART TWO
| NCN | 465 | |
+ | ON ROAD |
Llanhilleth to Brynmawr |
Section Distance: 9.1 miles / 14.64 kilometres
Elevation Change: +819 ft / -138 ft
The next section of the route will follow NCN Route 465 through Llanhilleth and up to Brynmawr for a distance of 9.1 miles.The route is a combination of quite roads, traffic-free and shared-use walking/cycling paths.
Some of the highlights along the route include The Guardian at Six Bells and Nantyglo Roundhouses.
The route passes through several small towns and villages where food, facilities, and most services are available.
Some of the highlights along the route include The Guardian at Six Bells and Nantyglo Roundhouses.
The route passes through several small towns and villages where food, facilities, and most services are available.
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| ROUTE COLOUR KEY: | Traffic-free | Shared Use | Quiet Road | Steep Hill |
Opposite the Miner's Institute, turn right and make your way down the narrow road of terrace houses. There are several turns left and right, but traffic is very light and the route (NCN Route 465) is clearly marked.
You'll continue through a small industrial estate before dropping down alongside the Ebbw River in Aberbeeg (shown below).
After you pass a lovely row of houses in Aberbeeg (above), you'll come to a bridge on your let and a subway under the railway line to your right (below). This is where NCN Routes 466 & 465 split.
Turn right under the subway with caution. Cars generally toot their horn. It's just a short distance but it's dark and narrow with a slight turn in the middle (ring your bell!).
Turn right under the subway with caution. Cars generally toot their horn. It's just a short distance but it's dark and narrow with a slight turn in the middle (ring your bell!).
As you exit the subway, you'll find a sharp, but short climb followed by an immediate right-hand turn leading under yet another bridge where the route becomes traffic-free along an abandoned passenger platform.
NCN Route 465 gently climbs through the woods for the next 1.5 miles to Abertillery.
Six Bells & the Guardian
As you approach Six Bells, look to your left, you might catch a glimpse of the Guardian through the trees. Just ahead is Parc Arael Griffin and you might want to make a brief stop to view the sculpture closer.
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It's well-worth your time to spend a few moments exploring the parc... to read the information boards, to think about life and how fortunate you are to be cycling — carefree through the countryside.
On the morning of 28 June 1960, tragedy struck the small mining community of Six Bells. Firedamp ignited coal-dust trapped in the poorly ventilated air of the mineshafts causing a massive underground explosion, killing 45 men and boys almost instantly.
On 28 June 2010, exactly fifty years after the explosion, a commemorative service led by the Archbishop of Canterbury unveiled the statue to a crowd of nearly 7,500 people from across the world, including four hundred relatives.
Dedicated to all mining communities and the hard sacrifices made by their families — wherever they may be, the names, ages, and home town of each of the the 45 victims who lost their lives here are cut into steel plates which surround the lower section of the plinth.
Behind the statue stands a small information board which presents a truly chilling poem written by Gillian Clarke; National Poet for Wales, 2008-2016.
At a cost of over £200,000, the Guardian is constructed from over 20,000 horizontal rings of COR-TEN steel which allow a protective patina of rust to form on its surface.
Each ring is slightly separated from the next so that from a distance the sculpture appears semi-transparent. Yet upon closer inspection, the gaps disappear giving the sculpture a solid appearance, with well-defined features. Additionally, when viewed from certain angles the seperated rings create a moiré effect as the steel sections appear to shimmer in the light.
Often compared to Sir Antony Gormley's Angel of the North, the statue itself is 12.6 m (41 ft) tall, weighs over eight tonnes, and stands on a sandstone plinth 7.4 m (24 ft) tall. In November of 2011, Prince Charles visited the statue and the visitor centre.
At a cost of over £200,000, the Guardian is constructed from over 20,000 horizontal rings of COR-TEN steel which allow a protective patina of rust to form on its surface.
Each ring is slightly separated from the next so that from a distance the sculpture appears semi-transparent. Yet upon closer inspection, the gaps disappear giving the sculpture a solid appearance, with well-defined features. Additionally, when viewed from certain angles the seperated rings create a moiré effect as the steel sections appear to shimmer in the light.
Often compared to Sir Antony Gormley's Angel of the North, the statue itself is 12.6 m (41 ft) tall, weighs over eight tonnes, and stands on a sandstone plinth 7.4 m (24 ft) tall. In November of 2011, Prince Charles visited the statue and the visitor centre.
As you leave the park, rejoin the main cycle path and continue your adventure. It's just a short distance now to Abertillery.
The route rejoins the road for a short distance as you make your way around Tesco's car park and through a couple of small housing estates. At the end of the road you'll find Abertillery Park.
The NCN Route 465 signs can be a little tricky to spot at times, so you'll need to look carefully. But once you're at the park it becomes very straight-forward again.
For the next 2.5 miles NCN Route 465 is completely traffic-free as it rolls along through the woods closely following the Ebbw Fach River.
As you come out of the woods you'll see a playground to your left (photo above) and a set of gates leading onto a small service road (photo below). Turn right and head up the hill.
After a rather sharp, but short climb up the service road, the route veers left to a subway passing under the very busy A472 and into the village of Blaina.
Note: This subway can often be littered with broken glass. I highly recommend dismounting your bike and walking the short distance to the other side.
It's only a short distance along the road past the edge of Blaina to where you'll turn onto a shared-use path heading north alongside the A472. This section runs along the busy road for just under two miles before exiting onto a much smaller local road which then crosses back over the A472 into Nantyglo.
Nantyglo Round Towers
Once in Nantyglo and roughly .15 mile from the bridge, you should see a small brown sign pointing off to the left for the Nantyglo Roundhouses (image below). It's only a short detour and rather interesting to see the remnants of last fortified house built in Wales.
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| Nant-y-Glo Ironworks 1820 — image courtesy of the National Library of Wales |
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| Nant-y-Glo Ironworks 1835 — image courtesy of the National Museum of Wales |
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| Nant-y-Glo House — image courtesy of the Blaina & Nantyglo Community Archive |
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For more information: Wikipedia - Nantyglo Round Towers, The Round House Farm, Brynmawr Historical Society, Nantyglo Round Towers by Jeffrey L. Thomas, Out of the Blue Artifacts, Wales Online , and Industrial Wales - Monmouthshire's Western Valley, Nantyglo and Brynmawr
[1] Early Industrial Development by Alquin M.J.Grubb
[2] Out of the Blkue Artifacts - William Williams Company
[1] Early Industrial Development by Alquin M.J.Grubb
[2] Out of the Blkue Artifacts - William Williams Company
Back on the road, the route continues through a housing estate which then leads to another short section of traffic-free cycling into the town of Brynmawr.
Shortly, NCN Route 465 the traffic-free path ends as you merge onto the road and NCN Route 46. Both routes are clearly marked. (Thanks Sustrans!)
Turn right onto NCN Route 46 and follow the road for less than .5 mile into the town centre. You'll soon reach the Brynmawr bus station and town square where you'll find plenty of places to grab a sandwich and tea or coffee. (The pubs can also be very accommodating with the use of their facilities.)
This is the end of Part 2 of your adventure. You've traveled nearly 18 miles, climbed over 1,400 feet, and this is a great place to stop for a well-deserved break.
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PART THREE
| NCN | 46 | 492 | |
+ | ON ROAD |
Brynmawr to Pontypool/New Inn |
Section Distance: 14.1 miles / 22.69 kilometres
Elevation Change: +464 ft / -1,279 ft
The third part of your ride continues out of Brynmawr along NCN Route 46. Exit the bus station by following the little blue signs and you zig-zag your way through a small housing estate for approxiamtely .5 mile to cross a narrow pedestrian bridge.
Once on the other side of the bridge, you'll pass through one more housing estate before entering the traffic-free path heading up onto a high ridge. The route is well-marked, but there are quite a few turns. Follow the map and take your time.
Once on the other side of the bridge, you'll pass through one more housing estate before entering the traffic-free path heading up onto a high ridge. The route is well-marked, but there are quite a few turns. Follow the map and take your time.
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| ROUTE COLOUR KEY: | Traffic-free | Shared Use | Quiet Road | Steep Hill |
Nearing the end of the housing estate (on your left) you should see the entrance to the traffic-free path off to the right of the road. Cars are often parked near the entrance so you may need to look closely.
Soon after entering the path the route divides. NCN Route 46 veers sharply left; however, you should continue straight onto NCN Route 492 which continues up the ridge directly in front of you (photo below).
It's a mild, steady climb, but the views slowly open to a grand vista overlooking Clydach Valley. Far off in the distance, The Skirrid stands perfectly framed bewtween Llangattock Esparpment (left) and The Blorenge (right).
Next, you will come across another connection to NCN Route 46 and Abergavenny. This is the old bypass down the mountain into Clydach Gorge (that's a ride for another day!) You should continue straight, climbing NCN Route 492 and enjoy the views.
Soon you might see The Sugarloaf rising majestically along your left horizon.
NCN Route 492 continues up a slight grade for approximately .75 mile(s) before crossing Blaen Avon / Garn Road. Traffic can be somewhat busy, so show caution. It's clear to see the path continuing directly on the opposite side of the road.
This is the highest point of your journey. The next few miles are quite special as you pass through a high wide valley before dropping down into Garn Lakes nature reserve.
Note: The weather can, and often — changes quickly in Wales. You will be completely exposed on this high plateau. On the day I took these photos, the clouds blew in and within minutes the temprature dropped and it began to rain.
The path starts off paved, but soon changes over to a very unusual rubber mesh/grid. It's an interesting surface that's designed to protect the natural grasses, yet provide a smooth and easy path to roll across. Wonderful!
As you continue, there is a short section of fine gravel where the path resembles an image from the old Amercan West. But that too is short lived, as the path drops down onto a grassy moor where you'll then pedal across some very clever raised decking for a short distance.
You'll exit the cycle path at a small service road. Turn right and proceed down a slight hill. Go slowly, take time to look around.
Garn Lakes Nature Preserve
At the bottom of the hill on your left side you will find the entrance to Garn Lakes Nature Preserve and the traffic-free cycle path.
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Also of note: Just to the right of the path is the northernmost stop for the Blaenavon Heritage Railroad.
Read more about Garn Pit and the history of coal mining in this area at: Welsh Coal Mines and Kay and Kears Recalmation Scheme.
As you exit Garn Lakes, turn right onto the road heading down the hill. You will soon see the entrance for the Blaenavon Heritage Railway . However, just before reaching the railway station, turn left onto the traffic-free cycle path again heading down alongside the river for a very short coast to the next juction.
The path veers left and it's pretty obvious which way to go. There is a NCN Route 492 sign, but you can see the next junction just down the hill.
As you reach the gate, NCN Route 492 continues diagonally on the opposite side of the road.
However, it is important to note that this is a significant juntion; to the right is Big Pit National Coal Museum, whilst to your left and just a short distance into town is the Blaenavon Ironworks and the Blaenavon Heritage Centre. In fact, this entire area covers a vast complex of buildings, mines, and associated industrial landmarks all noted as part of a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2000.
However, it is important to note that this is a significant juntion; to the right is Big Pit National Coal Museum, whilst to your left and just a short distance into town is the Blaenavon Ironworks and the Blaenavon Heritage Centre. In fact, this entire area covers a vast complex of buildings, mines, and associated industrial landmarks all noted as part of a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2000.
Sidebar of Note:
Visit Blaenavon
Located at the gateway to the South Wales Valleys, partly within the Brecon Beacons National Park; the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape is a testament to the human endeavour of miners and ironworkers of the past. Set in 33 square kilometres, the attractions, events, activities and landscape make a perfect destination for a day out. The main attractions such as Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon Ironworks, the World Heritage Centre and Blaenavon Heritage Railway are all just a few minutes’ drive or walk from each other. Indeed, there are so many brilliant attractions that you need to spend more than a day here to enjoy everything – so plan a weekend if you can!
Text provided by Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, photographs © muse kidd |
As you continue down the path, the next significant landmark will be the restored Blaenavon High Level Train Station.
If you're lucky, the Blaeavon Heritage Train will be running!
Now you're in for a treat. After you leave the the train station, you have nearly eight miles of uninterupted cycling through the lovely Afon Llwyd Valley... all of it downhill.
It's easy to just race down the valley, but be sure to slow down... there are some interesting details, such as these sculptures along the abandoned platform in Varteg.
Ever changing views. The valley opens up to your right at Abersychan.
On the far side, Llanerch Colliery once stood. An explosion in 1890 killed 176 men and boys (read the Pontypool Newspaper article). There's now a memorial built at the site of the former colliery.
There is so much lost to time...
What was this place? What did they do here?
Then suddenly you're heading back into civilisation as the path crosses several small roads leading into Pontypool.
Directly after the path crosses over the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal you should see a sign on your right for NCN Route 49 along with a short drop onto the canal path itself.
Turn right again onto the canal path and continue. There are often children and dog walkers along the narrow path, so show caution.
Soon you will come to a group of bridges all crossing over each other and surprisingly too, the largest one is NCN Route 492, which you just cycled over!
Then just a short distance after the bridges, you will re-enter Pontymoile Basin, which should look familiar.
From here you will continue to the bridge where you entered the canal path at the beginning of your ride. This will lead directly up to "The Highway" and back to the Pontypoll/New Inn Train Station.
Congratulations! You made it.
Congratulations! You made it.
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Additional Details - Cordell Country
Getting to the start: Exit the Pontypool / New Inn Train Station on the short service road, then turn right onto "The Highway" (not the best name for a road, it's just a minor B road with two wide lanes). You'll travel less than .25 of a mile before exiting onto a small path leading down onto the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal.
| ROUTE COLOUR KEY: | Traffic-free | Shared Use | Quiet Road | Steep Hill |
Returning to Pontypool / New Inn Train Station: Simply return from the M & B Canal (NCN Route 49) back the way you came. Exit the canal along the small path onto "The Highway", turn right and travel approximately .25 mile, then turn left up the service road to the train station.
Before you leave: It's worthwhile to do a little research before you make your trip to learn about the areas you'll be passing through so that you can plan your time. There are several locations with facilities, but they're some distance apart.
You & your equipment: You should bring plenty of snacks and drinks to last the day. It is highly recommended that you also carry suitable rain gear (This is Wales!) Always carry a spare tube, tyre patch kit (with tyre levers), a good quality multi-tool, and a reliable tyre pump. Be sure your bicycle is in top mechanical condition (do the 11-step M-test) and check yourself; are you are physically fit to ride 40 miles?
Getting there: All of the routes outlined in this section begin and end at various train stations in the Southeast Valleys of Wales — all of which can be easily reached from Cardiff Central (CDF) or Newport (South Wales) (NWP).
Parking: Because the routes begin and end at train stations, there is generally ample parking. Some locations may charge a daily or hourly fee. Of course you can load your bike up in the car, but why not reduce your carbon footprint and take the train? Plus, taking the train adds to the adventure!
You & your equipment: You should bring plenty of snacks and drinks to last the day. It is highly recommended that you also carry suitable rain gear (This is Wales!) Always carry a spare tube, tyre patch kit (with tyre levers), a good quality multi-tool, and a reliable tyre pump. Be sure your bicycle is in top mechanical condition (do the 11-step M-test) and check yourself; are you are physically fit to ride 40 miles?
Getting there: All of the routes outlined in this section begin and end at various train stations in the Southeast Valleys of Wales — all of which can be easily reached from Cardiff Central (CDF) or Newport (South Wales) (NWP).
Parking: Because the routes begin and end at train stations, there is generally ample parking. Some locations may charge a daily or hourly fee. Of course you can load your bike up in the car, but why not reduce your carbon footprint and take the train? Plus, taking the train adds to the adventure!
Pontypool Station
Trains: Most all of the Valley train lines allow bicycles without difficulty. However, it is always best to check first and plan to travel off-peak.
Weather: This is Wales! The weather often changes quickly - especially as you reach higher elevations. Check the weather before you leave!
Find a Route
The following section(s) of the National Cycle Network were used in creating this route. Click the links below to read more.
NCN Route 46
Brynmawr
- joins NCN Route 492
- joins NCN Route 492
NCN Route 465
Ebbw Fach Valley
Ebbw Fach Valley
Llanhilleth - Brynmawr
- joins NCN Route 46
- joins NCN Route 46
NCN Route 466
Pontypool - Llanhilleth
- joins NCN Route 465
- joins NCN Route 465
NCN Route 49
M&B Canal
M&B Canal
Pontypool
NCN Route 492
Afon Lwyd Valley
Afon Lwyd Valley
Brynmawr - Pontypool
- joins NCN Route 49
- joins NCN Route 49
Maps & downloads
generously provided by:
Download: Select a map below to view a .pdf file of the route/section. You may then save or print the file for your adventure!
1. Pontypool/New Inn - Llanhilleth
2. Llanhilleth - Brynmawr
3. Brynmawr - Pontypool
Note to Readers: Examine the provided online maps closely to understand conditions prior to your ride. Each route listed includes a colour-coded map indicating specific terrain along with the distance(s). When considering difficulty; remember elevations +/- gains are equally important to distances. Printing the included .pdf maps and/or downloading the GPS file is highly recommeded.
Disclaimer of Liability. Bike Wales™ and everyone associated with this website/blog accept no responsibility for the conditions of the routes discussed. These are simply "suggested" routes of the National Cycle Network that the reader may choose to follow. Any action(s) taken from reading the content herein, is solely the responsibility of those involved.
