Ebbw Fach Valley: Llanhilleth - Six Bells
If you live in Wales or if you're just visiting; this spectaular monument is something everyone should visit. Not only is it stunning to view, but it highlights the sacrifices made by mining communities thoughout the world.
465
Llanhilleth - Six Bells
Overview
• Distance: 2.5 mi. / 4.02 km
• Elevation: +194 ft / -70 ft
• Travel Time: 1 - 2 hours
• Level: Beginner
• Elevation: +194 ft / -70 ft
• Travel Time: 1 - 2 hours
• Level: Beginner
Starting at the train station in Llanhilleth, the route turns immediately to cross over the train tracks and enters a small housing estate. After .3 mi. the route exits the housing estate and climbs a very short hill to enter a small industrial estate for another .3 mi. This section may have some light traffic entering and/or leaving businesses, but the road is wide and vehicles generally travel slowly. At the end of the road the route then zig-zags very briefly down through a housing estate to come alongside the Ebbw Fach River in Aberbeeg.
At the end of the lane, the route turns sharply under a subway and climbs a very steep, but short hill (show caution!) However; once at the top of the hill, the route again turns sharply to the right and immediatley enters a traffic-free path.
The remainder of the route to Six Bells is along a quiet and peaceful wooded path. You'll find picnic tables and benches all along the way... perfect for a day out. The route back to Llanhilleth is exactly as you came. Enjoy!
Note: This short route is a subsection of the longer NCN Route 465 running all the way up the valley from Llanhilleth to Brynmawr.
At the end of the lane, the route turns sharply under a subway and climbs a very steep, but short hill (show caution!) However; once at the top of the hill, the route again turns sharply to the right and immediatley enters a traffic-free path.
The remainder of the route to Six Bells is along a quiet and peaceful wooded path. You'll find picnic tables and benches all along the way... perfect for a day out. The route back to Llanhilleth is exactly as you came. Enjoy!
Note: This short route is a subsection of the longer NCN Route 465 running all the way up the valley from Llanhilleth to Brynmawr.
| COLOUR KEY: | Traffic-free | Shared Use | Quiet Road | Steep Hill |
Additional Details:
• Train Station(s): Llanhilleth
• Bus Stations: none
• Parking: At train station in Llanhilleth and the car park by the Guardian at Six Bells
• Bus Stations: none
• Parking: At train station in Llanhilleth and the car park by the Guardian at Six Bells
Additional Links:
• Sustrans webpage: Route 465
• Ordnance Survey: Online Map
• Map for print: NCN Route 465: The Guardian
• Ordnance Survey: Online Map
• Map for print: NCN Route 465: The Guardian
Points of Interest
The Guardian - Commissioned to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1960 mining disaster at Six Bells, this stunning 20 metre (65 ft.) tall sculpture towers over the site of the former colliery and pays tribute to 45 men and boys who lost their lives on that tragic day.
Constructed from over 20,000 strips of Corten steel — welded in such a fashion that when viewed from a distance the figure of the miner appears almost transparent and ghostly. This unusual technique allows the monmument to blend softly into the heavily wooded landscape. Only when viewed up close does the figure appear solid and the true presence of Guardian is fully appreciated. . ► Read more...
Constructed from over 20,000 strips of Corten steel — welded in such a fashion that when viewed from a distance the figure of the miner appears almost transparent and ghostly. This unusual technique allows the monmument to blend softly into the heavily wooded landscape. Only when viewed up close does the figure appear solid and the true presence of Guardian is fully appreciated. . ► 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.
