Ebbw Fawr Valley: Pontypool - Rassau
This complex route combines a unique cross-valley connection between Pontypool and Llanhilleth, as well as a challenging ride along an unpaved forestry road. The route then continues intermittently on traffic-free and quiet roads up the Ebbw Fawr Valley.
Ebbw Fawr Valley
466
Pontypool - Rassau
• Distance: 15.5 mi. / 24.94 km
• Elevation: +1,270 ft / -644 ft
• Travel Time: 1 - 2 hours
• Level: Advanced
• Elevation: +1,270 ft / -644 ft
• Travel Time: 1 - 2 hours
• Level: Advanced
This route is in two parts; the first part runs east-west, primarily on-road between Pontypool and Llanhilleth, whilst the second part heads north from Llanhilleth to Rassau. Close attention needs to be paid to route signs, steep hills, and a particularly odd set of stairs before reaching Cwm.
Part 1 - Pontypool to Llanhilleth: Route begins traffic-free at junction with NCN Route 492 along overpass near Tesco's in Pontypool. The route soon moves onto a quiet roadway for next 3 miles. After crossing the very busy A472 (show caution!), the route then alternates between traffic-free paths and quiet roads for the next 3.5 miles as it weaves though Hafodrynys, Swffrydd, and into Llanhilleth.
Part 2 - Llanhilleth to Rassau: Crossing the train tracks, the routes continues norht on a quiet roads to reach Aberbeeg. After crossing the Ebbw River, the route continues on an unpaved/mixed surface logging road for 2.5 miles to Cwm. From Cwm through Ebbw Vale and up to Rassau, the route changes intermittently between traffic-free to shared-use and quiet roads.
The route ends in Rassau with junction of NCN Route 46 at the Heads of the Valley.
Part 1 - Pontypool to Llanhilleth: Route begins traffic-free at junction with NCN Route 492 along overpass near Tesco's in Pontypool. The route soon moves onto a quiet roadway for next 3 miles. After crossing the very busy A472 (show caution!), the route then alternates between traffic-free paths and quiet roads for the next 3.5 miles as it weaves though Hafodrynys, Swffrydd, and into Llanhilleth.
Part 2 - Llanhilleth to Rassau: Crossing the train tracks, the routes continues norht on a quiet roads to reach Aberbeeg. After crossing the Ebbw River, the route continues on an unpaved/mixed surface logging road for 2.5 miles to Cwm. From Cwm through Ebbw Vale and up to Rassau, the route changes intermittently between traffic-free to shared-use and quiet roads.
The route ends in Rassau with junction of NCN Route 46 at the Heads of the Valley.
Click to view: detail of Bargoed Train Station to Start | Full-route map
| COLOUR KEY: | Traffic-free | Shared Use | Quiet Road | Steep Hill |
Additional Information:
• Train Station(s): Pontypool/New Inn, Llanhilleth, Ebbw Vale
• Bus Station(s): Pontypool, Ebbw Vale
• Parking: Pontypool/New Inn Train Station, Llanhilleth Train Station, and Ebbw Vale Train Station
• Bus Station(s): Pontypool, Ebbw Vale
• Parking: Pontypool/New Inn Train Station, Llanhilleth Train Station, and Ebbw Vale Train Station
Additional Links:
Points of Interest
Festival Park - Festival Park in Ebbw Vale comprises of over 70 acres of woodlands and scultptures remaining from Natioanl Garden Festival of Wales in 1992. Additionally, there is an active Owl Sanctuary and two fishing lakes, popular with local anglers. It's a lovely spot to discover along the route and a perfect place to stop for a break. ► Read more...
Hafodyrynys Washery - The Hafodyrynys Washery design was influenced by the functionalism of pre-war collieries in Germany which were designed by the Bauhaus architect Peter Behrens. All of the buildings had reinforced concrete frames filled by brick or glass panels with flat, curved or sinuous forms. Additional references can be associated to the nearby Brynmawr Rubber Factory. ► Read more...
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.
