Sirhowy Valley: Blackwood - Tredegar
Sirhowy Valley is one of the few valleys in South East Wales without train service and yet this seclusion makes cycling NCN Route 467 just a bit more special. You'll quickly find that making the extra effort is well-worth the reward whilst cycling this lovely hidden gem.
Sirhowy Valley
467
Blackwood - Rhymney
• Distance: 10.5 mi. / 16.89 km
• Elevation: +847 ft / -208 ft
• Travel Time: 1 - 2 hours
• Level: Beginner/Intermediate
• Elevation: +847 ft / -208 ft
• Travel Time: 1 - 2 hours
• Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Entire route runs along Sirhowy Valley in two distinct parts divided by a section along a very busy roadway.
Part One: Blackwood to Hollybush - Starting by Chartist Bridge roundabout in Blackwood, route is traffic-free for approximately .5 mi., before crossing a small car park and continuing down a short lane. Path then becomes completely traffic-free again and continues, uninterupted for next 3.5 mi. to Hollybush. This first section is excellent for familes with small children or inexperienced cyclists. (For more information see our mini-route: Quoits Wood Crossing)
Caution! At Hollybush the route heading north enters the very busy Newport Road (A4048) for 2.4 mi. to Puchin / Bedwelty Pits.
Part 2: Puchin to Tredegar - Descending from Newport Road at Puchin the route returns to a traffic-free path following along valley floor for .85 mile(s). Route then climbs onto shared-use path running alongside Newport Road (A4048) for roughly 2 mi. The last .5 mi. becomes a series of alternating quiet roads and traffic-free paths as it snakes its way to Parc Bryn Bach, ending at junction with Route 46.
Part One: Blackwood to Hollybush - Starting by Chartist Bridge roundabout in Blackwood, route is traffic-free for approximately .5 mi., before crossing a small car park and continuing down a short lane. Path then becomes completely traffic-free again and continues, uninterupted for next 3.5 mi. to Hollybush. This first section is excellent for familes with small children or inexperienced cyclists. (For more information see our mini-route: Quoits Wood Crossing)
Caution! At Hollybush the route heading north enters the very busy Newport Road (A4048) for 2.4 mi. to Puchin / Bedwelty Pits.
Part 2: Puchin to Tredegar - Descending from Newport Road at Puchin the route returns to a traffic-free path following along valley floor for .85 mile(s). Route then climbs onto shared-use path running alongside Newport Road (A4048) for roughly 2 mi. The last .5 mi. becomes a series of alternating quiet roads and traffic-free paths as it snakes its way to Parc Bryn Bach, ending at junction with Route 46.
| COLOUR KEY: | Traffic-free | Shared Use | Quiet Road | Steep Hill |
Additional Details:
• Train Station(s): none
• Bus Stations: Blackwood and Tredegar
• Parking: At car park across from The Rock pub on Newport Road (A4048), along side streets in Argoed, Hollybush, and throughout Tredegar town
• Bus Stations: Blackwood and Tredegar
• Parking: At car park across from The Rock pub on Newport Road (A4048), along side streets in Argoed, Hollybush, and throughout Tredegar town
Additional Links:
Points of Interest
Bedwelty House - Bedwellty House and Park is a historic, Grade II listed Regency residence built in 1825 by Ironmaster Samuel Homfray. In 1901, the house and its grounds were given to the local community and today you can explore the house and it's extensive grounds or relax at it's award winning café. The property is is managed by the Aneurin Leisure Trust,on behalf of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council. ► Read more...
Parc Bryn Bach - This local nature reserve and park is centered around a 36-acre lake and boasts 340 acres of grass and woodlands to explore. Activities include go-karts, mini golf, a climbing wall, artificial caving facilities, assorted water sports, and many golf activities. There are picnic areas and nature trails surrounding the lake, whilst the café offers hot and cold snacks. The park also sits at the junction of NCN Route 467 & NCN Route 46. ► 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.
