Sirhowy Valley: Blackwood to Holly Bush
Beginning in Blackwood, this lovely wooded route has been converted from a disused trainline into a traffic-free walking and cycling path that is perfect for beginning cyclists or familes with small children.
467
Blackwood - Holly Bush
Overview
• Distance: 3.5 miles / 5.63 km
• Elevation: +234 ft / -74 ft
• Travel Time: 1 - 2 hours
• Level: Beginner
• Elevation: +234 ft / -74 ft
• Travel Time: 1 - 2 hours
• Level: Beginner
Don't let the elevation profile disuade you, this route is mostly flat (±2% grade) and easy to cycle. Plus, it is very safe because there are no road crossings! It's short enough for little wheels and legs, yet long enough to feel like an adventure.
The route begins at the very busy roundabout by the Chartist Bridge; however, we suggest that you start .5 mi. further north at the car park across the road from The Rock pub. It's easier, more convenient, and just safer.
At side of the car park, there is very short (and quiet) lane which leads directly onto the path. Immediately you will head into the woods which sets the scene for the majority of the ride. You will soon pass the village of Argoed and continue along the western edge of the valley as the hillsides narrow and the valley becomes more remote.
Roughly 2 miles from the start, you'll enter the site of the former Markham Colliery which provides a wonderful view north up the Sirhowy Valley. There are picnic tables and benches here — perfect for short break.
Re-enter the woods and snake your way up the remaining 1.5 mi. to Holly Bush. Be sure to keep an eye out for "The Druid" and the two mysterious totem poles along your way! The route back to Blackwood is exactly as you came. Enjoy!
Note: This short route is a subsection of the longer NCN Route 467 running from Blackwood to Tredegar.
The route begins at the very busy roundabout by the Chartist Bridge; however, we suggest that you start .5 mi. further north at the car park across the road from The Rock pub. It's easier, more convenient, and just safer.
At side of the car park, there is very short (and quiet) lane which leads directly onto the path. Immediately you will head into the woods which sets the scene for the majority of the ride. You will soon pass the village of Argoed and continue along the western edge of the valley as the hillsides narrow and the valley becomes more remote.
Roughly 2 miles from the start, you'll enter the site of the former Markham Colliery which provides a wonderful view north up the Sirhowy Valley. There are picnic tables and benches here — perfect for short break.
Re-enter the woods and snake your way up the remaining 1.5 mi. to Holly Bush. Be sure to keep an eye out for "The Druid" and the two mysterious totem poles along your way! The route back to Blackwood is exactly as you came. Enjoy!
Note: This short route is a subsection of the longer NCN Route 467 running from Blackwood to Tredegar.
| COLOUR KEY: | Traffic-free | Shared Use | Quiet Road | Steep Hill |
Additional Details:
• Train Station(s): none
• Bus Stations: Blackwood
• Parking: At entrance to route on Newport Road (A4048) across from The Rock pub.
• Bus Stations: Blackwood
• Parking: At entrance to route on Newport Road (A4048) across from The Rock pub.
Additional Links:
• Sustrans webpage: Route 467
• Ordnance Survey: Online Map
• Map for print: NCN Route 467: Quoits Wood Crossing
• Ordnance Survey: Online Map
• Map for print: NCN Route 467: Quoits Wood Crossing
Points of Interest
Abernant-y-felin Viaduct - As you leave Argoed keep a look out to your right and see if you can spot the buried viaduct!
"Built in 1900 and buried in 1918, a short but brief existance for a very fine 6-arch stone viaduct. Unfortunately it began to subside as soon as it was built so they in-filled it with colliery waste (from Markham Colliery). Now it's a substantial embankment but it's still under there somewhere. Back in 2013 the tops of the arches could just be seen from the track beside the trackbed for the first time in nearly 100 years." -Andrew George ► Read more...
"Built in 1900 and buried in 1918, a short but brief existance for a very fine 6-arch stone viaduct. Unfortunately it began to subside as soon as it was built so they in-filled it with colliery waste (from Markham Colliery). Now it's a substantial embankment but it's still under there somewhere. Back in 2013 the tops of the arches could just be seen from the track beside the trackbed for the first time in nearly 100 years." -Andrew George ► 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.
