tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75131031458699675092024-02-02T16:02:13.967+00:00z-ARCHIVE - Routes to Ridemuse kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323247214302767869noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513103145869967509.post-18863014626865265792021-08-31T09:18:00.002+01:002022-01-10T14:04:25.667+00:00 <div align="center" style="height: 600px;"><a href="https://bikewalesroutes-home.blogspot.com/2021/04/routes-routes-to-ride.html" rel="nofollow"><img class="plain" width="90%" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr37zcRHM-WzzVKb5yqC2kGG3QNwUbDp2YNltCfgKeXfluGKskkGcuX8EdnfvYJ_paVwv0p7e8T1V6CSZWFviA0qV83RbetvlY4Hphgbj-x4dGv9Ax1tCMavBEXsTANFW1nUetdYcw_dc/s0/routes-to-ride_opener%2528lg%2529.jpg.jpg"/></a></div>
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<span class="deck">Please visit our newest section opener "<a href="https://bikewalesroutes-home.blogspot.com/2021/04/routes-routes-to-ride.html" rel="nofollow">Routes to Ride</a>" to view the full list of cycle routes we've created.</span>
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muse kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323247214302767869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513103145869967509.post-70139488536343047402021-08-01T17:16:00.005+01:002021-09-22T14:46:22.029+01:00oops!<div class="deck">This page has been updated! Please visit <a href="https://bikewalesroutes-home.blogspot.com/2020/12/wales-heritage-series-clydach-gorge.html">Clydach Gorge</a> to view the latest version of this route. </div>
<!-- <div class="deck" style="margin-top: 20px;">This ride offers lovely scenic views along the Monmouth & Brecon Canal followed by some of the most dramatic mountain vistas you'll find in the Southeast Valleys of Wales. Quite simply, this ride is stunning.</div>
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<!--------------------------------- OVERVIEW --------------------------------------->
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<div class="subhead" style="margin-top: 40px;">Overview - Clydach Gorge</div>
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<span class="event-details">Locations:</span> Pontypool/New Inn, Govilon Wharf, Clydach Gorge, and Brynmawr
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<span class="event-details">Distance:</span> 32.3 miles (round-trip)
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<span class="event-details">Approximate Travel Time:</span> 5 - 7 hours
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<span class="event-details">Elevation:</span> + 2102 / - 2102 ft
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<span class="event-details">Ride Level:</span> Intermediate to Advanced
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<span class="display-text">This route is designed specifically to utilize the <a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/national-cycle-network" target="new">National Cycle Network</a> via three distinct cycle paths: NCN Routes 49, 46, & 492. The speed of the ride should be relaxed. It is suggested that you stop often and enjoy the views.
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The three parts include; a lengthy flat section, a mildy challenging climb, and a fabulous long downhill glide at the end. The decriptions and photographs shown below follow each route/section in a counter-clockwise direction starting and ending at the <a href="https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/ppl.aspx" target="new">Pontypool/New Inn Train Station</a>.
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The map shown below indicates how the three NCN Routes can be connected to form an overall circular ride. Additionally, the ride is unique in that it is <i>mostly all traffic-free</i>. The map can be enlarged for greater detail with key features for food, toilets, and control points highlighted. <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/3626986" target="new">View Full Version</a></span>
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<!---------- BEGIN TOC
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<span class="subhead" id="toc">Table of Contents</span>
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<a href="#partone"><span class="event">PART ONE</span> | Monmouth & Brecon Canal</a>
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<b>Pontypool/New Inn to Govilon Wharf - </b>13 miles of flat cycling following NCN Route 49 along the Monmouth & Brecon Canal.
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<a href="#parttwo"><span class="event">PART TWO</span> | Clydach Gorge</a>
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<b>Govilon Wharf to Brynmawr - </b>Enter NCN Route 46 at Govilon Wharf and climb six miles up through Clydach Gorge.
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<a href="#partthree"><span class="event">PART THREE</span> | Afon Llwyd Valley</a>
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<b>Brynmawr to Pontypool/New Inn - </b> Join NCN Route 492 for 13 mile ride down through Afon Llwyd Valley back to train station.</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="margin-top: 30px;"><i><b>Note: </b>Relevant links, individual NCN Route maps, an overall Map & Cue Sheet for download, as well as local train information and weather links are located at the bottom of this page.</i></div>
<div align="center" class="plain-text" style="margin-top: 30px;"><a href="#details">Go to Additional Details ▼</a></div>
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<span class="event" id="partone">PART ONE</span>
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<td width="30"><span class="NCNnum">49</span></td>
<td width="100" align="center"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_YlBAb9Trq6YPSY53Noxgnahzx2ZWHFCUTPkoX3sP_Wv1dYbzR2mKp5kZjuDNNQe6dW6pqU6zKFK883p__vOUgu4zw3bYpGG4UIq-tlvHkmn3zTCiWVa3btcw0wASNPKNvyEhLDWRoA/s1600/NCNsign-30x93.gif" class="blank" data-original-width="93" data-original-height="30" style="display: block;" /></td>
<td><span class="subhead"> Monmouth & Brecon Canal</span></td>
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<span class="display-text"><b>Pontypool/New Inn to Govilon Wharf - </b>Begin your adventure by leaving the train station and traveling approximately .4 mile to the Monmouth & Brecon Canal (<a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-49/" target="new">NCN Route 49</a>).</span>
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<td width="170"><b>ROUTE COLOUR KEY:</b></td>
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<td width="90"> Traffic-free</td>
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<td width="90"> Shared Use</td>
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<td width="90"> Quiet Road</td>
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<td width="90"> Steep Hill</td>
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<span class="display-text">The main road leaving the station can be a little busy, so show caution when crossing to reach the canal path entrance. You should note that you've entered the canal path just above Pontymoile Boat Basin. (This will be your same point of exit at the end of your ride.) But for now, you can sit back and just enjoy the scenery. You've got an easy, relaxing, and quite lovely 13 mile ride ahead of you to Govilon Wharf.</span>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXZ89ceOvz6x9WKXNmtyCAv9daaQudgSsqqCEcbZkoH5bsc7tapKpzolx-qV8nRgG89sUvgNpFshhSEGtSefcNqw6fJnYHqaSzszEXjlmcCAUMFyUdbc9XipeU9UKZ-GGSzjzeTOr_cQ/s1600/IMG_3470_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXZ89ceOvz6x9WKXNmtyCAv9daaQudgSsqqCEcbZkoH5bsc7tapKpzolx-qV8nRgG89sUvgNpFshhSEGtSefcNqw6fJnYHqaSzszEXjlmcCAUMFyUdbc9XipeU9UKZ-GGSzjzeTOr_cQ/s400/IMG_3470_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="898" /></a></div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg7CS2zWh3V-OiyZJvz9xFhVTzN6b8otpKenaSfmKDvjcr_v6M0-llNgmF9sQkH00NfQ9G3tJ8xGcYWc864DKVOFzJYBf8ffT83sB0g-WxobEkCDb10uZtvW7nSIUtlrtcRFQKuiMio8/s1600/20190406_180456_new.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg7CS2zWh3V-OiyZJvz9xFhVTzN6b8otpKenaSfmKDvjcr_v6M0-llNgmF9sQkH00NfQ9G3tJ8xGcYWc864DKVOFzJYBf8ffT83sB0g-WxobEkCDb10uZtvW7nSIUtlrtcRFQKuiMio8/s400/20190406_180456_new.jpg" class="plain" width="550" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
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<span class="display-text">Half-way to Govilon Wharf (approx. 6 miles) you'll reach Gotre Wharf. It's a charming spot to stop, stretch your legs and walk around a bit. There is a cafe serving teas & coffees, as well as hot lunches (and toilets). It is a historical location with old lime kilns to poke around, along with many quaint and interesting canal boats to admire.</span>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLInmlNTL907iI3zRpgeC0PIF26k4DHOmuxjcFGP2-jVmegimREZJ4iUubijeYtHcAa9dxSYb7p-h53MXPQBRmXS0jVOgxwRcQ-tHJjhe4AL1DYxKiTOxZR43q005yIVhrI-ZY0GJqxM/s1600/IMG_1545_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLInmlNTL907iI3zRpgeC0PIF26k4DHOmuxjcFGP2-jVmegimREZJ4iUubijeYtHcAa9dxSYb7p-h53MXPQBRmXS0jVOgxwRcQ-tHJjhe4AL1DYxKiTOxZR43q005yIVhrI-ZY0GJqxM/s400/IMG_1545_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="898" /></a></div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Vnn4syFzZ9rXxuKH3HWdUhAwVipYFWimgAoY5vfFSUmgngDfChKQR_mmd6gSRgmXMoe1ZNpCFtjuHL4c7zT1Yy0IkvIaNGCjVSDvm4Zrw_8ozj_Ywo8eP8YI-dnbSRHF7uRcxUPrv88/s1600/20140315_152124_sm_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Vnn4syFzZ9rXxuKH3HWdUhAwVipYFWimgAoY5vfFSUmgngDfChKQR_mmd6gSRgmXMoe1ZNpCFtjuHL4c7zT1Yy0IkvIaNGCjVSDvm4Zrw_8ozj_Ywo8eP8YI-dnbSRHF7uRcxUPrv88/s400/20140315_152124_sm_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="330" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="960" /></a></div>
<span class="display-text">The path is unpaved and varies in width from six feet to just a single-track, but it is very smooth. The main concern are the many small bridges you must pass under. In some cases you can cycle, but for many you may find that it is safer to get off your bike and walk. Regardless, it's always a friendly reminder to give a shout or ring your bell to alert anyone coming from the opposite direction.</span>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCQZL1p8iQLVay-gyadlPdVrPrmlCJaUeq01Q4Qd6hwUf0Q62_AzFs2AhnHymbm9Vx-asQC-21kzoUQcwLZ5Li_AydeyOpDYxY9srarVH7d812Q9EhmaYGOD0VJPplCGtH6hoiM56g0s/s1600/IMG_1549_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCQZL1p8iQLVay-gyadlPdVrPrmlCJaUeq01Q4Qd6hwUf0Q62_AzFs2AhnHymbm9Vx-asQC-21kzoUQcwLZ5Li_AydeyOpDYxY9srarVH7d812Q9EhmaYGOD0VJPplCGtH6hoiM56g0s/s400/IMG_1549_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="898" /></a></div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgQrB3AwUKj3N5NO0jKg0M27Ykx7AJzUorn1Z6xIgjzhs6oerzQtEqW2k5FyOpE1hvUD8RCSRVemNA4yNfSbEr3jXBQ5fYYpYN15t751aDte9vEO73-UDAxy8_poRdjFBtIsCfIZAVDc/s1600/20181025_092124_new.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgQrB3AwUKj3N5NO0jKg0M27Ykx7AJzUorn1Z6xIgjzhs6oerzQtEqW2k5FyOpE1hvUD8RCSRVemNA4yNfSbEr3jXBQ5fYYpYN15t751aDte9vEO73-UDAxy8_poRdjFBtIsCfIZAVDc/s400/20181025_092124_new.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
<span class="display-text">Before you reach Govilon Wharf, you'll pass through the charming boat landing at Llanfoist. It is well worth your time to stop and explore. This was an important junction for the coal industry for over a hundred years. There are several old relics of when coal was dropped down the mountain from Big Pit to be loaded on barges. Plus, there's a cool and spooky tunnel that goes under the canal and adjoing guest house on the opposite side!</span>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP09WAIbtquKFm105SV3qoJIQTozaszWH4M8xC9Trh6pWtve0_PyuaoFsEjQGg_Tgk-daQpwlKIXzJmabNmXt1b9iUv33MmQrGVtmjomYrOwZiHS9VHT4vlXWPvwfg972A8S_qlYY0Euo/s1600/IMG_1561_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP09WAIbtquKFm105SV3qoJIQTozaszWH4M8xC9Trh6pWtve0_PyuaoFsEjQGg_Tgk-daQpwlKIXzJmabNmXt1b9iUv33MmQrGVtmjomYrOwZiHS9VHT4vlXWPvwfg972A8S_qlYY0Euo/s400/IMG_1561_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="898" /></a></div>
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<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj691f6Zxp_IN8O-O08dXNw7jRNktK3KM3H5Srum_Jnjl3klKqv5F34__1CzH3h3RDXeCjzncbJrnAqYnNCos76KpUEgjAShumK7c8hTHPBD6nVw-9s5cBuYx6wzDtrvMuh8JMvNBQNr0A/s1600/20200313_134900_new_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj691f6Zxp_IN8O-O08dXNw7jRNktK3KM3H5Srum_Jnjl3klKqv5F34__1CzH3h3RDXeCjzncbJrnAqYnNCos76KpUEgjAShumK7c8hTHPBD6nVw-9s5cBuYx6wzDtrvMuh8JMvNBQNr0A/s400/20200313_134900_new_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
<span class="display-text">After leaving Llanfoist, you'll cross a small bridge and begin cycling on the opposide of the canal. The route becomes quite narrow, but exceptionally charming as you pass several homes perched along the banks of the canal. Soon you'll enter Govilon Wharf.</span>
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<!-------------------- BEGIN PART TWO
<span class="event" id="parttwo">PART TWO</span>
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<td width="30"><span class="NCNnum">46</span></td>
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<td> <span class="subhead">Clydach Gorge</span></td>
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<span class="display-text"><b>Govilon Wharf to Brynmawr - </b>As you cycle past the boats docked at the wharf to your right, you'll need to look closely for the exit on your left - <i>just before the large bridge</i>.</span>
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<td width="170"><b>ROUTE COLOUR KEY:</b></td>
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<td width="90"> Traffic-free</td>
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<td width="90"> Quiet Road</td>
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<td width="90"> Steep Hill</td>
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<span class="display-text">You'll then need to disembark your bikes and push them up the short hill to reach the cycle path crossing over the canal. You're now on <a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-46/" target="new">NCN Route 46</a>. Turn left to begin the next leg of your adventure up to Clydach Gorge!</span>
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<span class="plain-text"><i><b>Note: </b>If you turn right on NCN Route 46, it's just a short distance down to the village of Govilon. Here you can find shops, cafes, and public toilets. As you travel north from here, you'll not find any services available until the next control point outside Brynmawr.</i></span>
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<span class="display-text">Once you are on NCN 46, you'll cycle just under two miles up a steady grade before the traffic-free section ends and you then enter onto a very narrow but quiet lane. You'll notice that as the road veers to the left, the hillside becomes very steep. On your left, it just goes up and up, while on your right, it falls away to the valley far, far below.</span>
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<span class="display-text">This section is quite lovely, but short lived. After about a mile you will encounter the first very steep hill (8% max. grade). Don't beat yourself up for walking. It's actually good for your legs to change up a bit. The climb is approximately .2 of a mile and once at the top you'll be amply rewarded.</span>
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<span class="display-text">Take time to look around. There are elements of railroading, mining, and the industrial past almost everywhere you look. You are officially in the Heads of the Valleys and are about to enter Clydach Gorge, proper.</span>
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<span class="display-text">As you enter the gorge, the pavement gives way to a rough track which snakes along a steep ledge. You'll cross over viaducts and pass several disused tunnels. You'll not be able to resist stopping. Go ahead, get off your bike and walk around. The views are stunning. By the way, this is a perfect place for your picnic.</span>
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<span class="display-text">Once you pass the two tunnels, the path becomes very narrow again. There is a sheer rock wall on your left which does pose the danger of falling rocks. Chances are you'll see loose rubble along the way.</span>
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<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_99ghwX_vlac0RYv7y7xkt5unxG1E-7nZUjZgXgj7-TnNHj0gHZ76JksWHO_pv0xI2f5A51jrOTyKitMXnTHNa3H_A4SU5-Ez-Y_o-eirIMMzsTgLNxo4dN4Wai6yrwrfK6IehivhIJU/s1600/20200313_125249_new_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_99ghwX_vlac0RYv7y7xkt5unxG1E-7nZUjZgXgj7-TnNHj0gHZ76JksWHO_pv0xI2f5A51jrOTyKitMXnTHNa3H_A4SU5-Ez-Y_o-eirIMMzsTgLNxo4dN4Wai6yrwrfK6IehivhIJU/s400/20200313_125249_new_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CbF2fwtxNB2h56BYT3S3dL8e7-zo7OxS6gl8O6kQJ16ctkOV8kEXvHW6efSiCLd7BeJ044t9LhDAY3_U7AMXFr1QsYda2s4WMN3u9zQ9vthSQINIkZT6qLu3H593j9TK1uWtxEnB4fHI/s1600/20180823_185731_new.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CbF2fwtxNB2h56BYT3S3dL8e7-zo7OxS6gl8O6kQJ16ctkOV8kEXvHW6efSiCLd7BeJ044t9LhDAY3_U7AMXFr1QsYda2s4WMN3u9zQ9vthSQINIkZT6qLu3H593j9TK1uWtxEnB4fHI/s400/20180823_185731_new.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="225" /></a></div>
<span class="display-text">Be sure to look over the edge of the small bridge as you cross... you'll be surprised at your height. Then go a short distance further and stop. Look across the gorge to where you've been. It is quite a view.</span>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQR_9vCKNUu6E0uSozyIEvqiXH56hcu448YsyZSKI7OymtGunFjxjaxGeGFo4FP9SYdWrHajMEzOQD14xTrk-Rh85FKDK9s3fPLD-taoyFFG_gFabvcFHM2PcnOcLHIKhG_tYvXx4jEtd/s1600/IMG_6072_new.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQR_9vCKNUu6E0uSozyIEvqiXH56hcu448YsyZSKI7OymtGunFjxjaxGeGFo4FP9SYdWrHajMEzOQD14xTrk-Rh85FKDK9s3fPLD-taoyFFG_gFabvcFHM2PcnOcLHIKhG_tYvXx4jEtd/s400/IMG_6072_new.jpg" class="plain" width="630" height="" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="297" /></a></div>
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<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93W170Lt1M5yvggABnp44Z0IjeiHekaKG_1Nd4MyXnthR8nwM0_4P9VHn3baguPtc8-ZCIdW5Bu_KLEwOiBLKxuS39_-CT62g8DvIodXDeVH7BrW-gk7gwTpK5QONLXO8U_qVRy7oDW8/s1600/20200313_125116_new_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93W170Lt1M5yvggABnp44Z0IjeiHekaKG_1Nd4MyXnthR8nwM0_4P9VHn3baguPtc8-ZCIdW5Bu_KLEwOiBLKxuS39_-CT62g8DvIodXDeVH7BrW-gk7gwTpK5QONLXO8U_qVRy7oDW8/s400/20200313_125116_new_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZfOWdBO-OqtqpLpe_tKR6EilNj51QWfepIOEl4zT1e1DtqnpIvAjMBv-p4SaTwXWFTCwjOxMvx3Pw5CJQVFT4oAKTK2f9XL_JmmIZJFDV2FUJH5uG-vcBcRmOOXYGNPp_6u-ujK170eo/s1600/20180823_185939_new.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZfOWdBO-OqtqpLpe_tKR6EilNj51QWfepIOEl4zT1e1DtqnpIvAjMBv-p4SaTwXWFTCwjOxMvx3Pw5CJQVFT4oAKTK2f9XL_JmmIZJFDV2FUJH5uG-vcBcRmOOXYGNPp_6u-ujK170eo/s400/20180823_185939_new.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="225" /></a></div>
<span class="display-text">The last part of the climb is out of Clydach Gorge starts fairly easy, but after mild climb up a quiet road, the route returns to traffic-free. Now you have the second really steep hill. There's need to kill yourself here... walking is just fine. It's short but steep.</span>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzC02KQSZraU2h7ydQZ1q4Y6EZd2NIzP6X7nQ3b4_Vb2OJ91isVBnNRLjGLBgvJWGQ5xJEFMedxD-1PAZ1hwbsJlUKbqP8opEWR6F1NBeJwbSInO1-XraREnCCGTBV5OMcq2VYcgMvcIOi/s1600/20180823_191822_new.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzC02KQSZraU2h7ydQZ1q4Y6EZd2NIzP6X7nQ3b4_Vb2OJ91isVBnNRLjGLBgvJWGQ5xJEFMedxD-1PAZ1hwbsJlUKbqP8opEWR6F1NBeJwbSInO1-XraREnCCGTBV5OMcq2VYcgMvcIOi/s400/20180823_191822_new.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="225" /></a></div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxPCsd6_cTwhTQL7h4ZKZJvABYkBGrZWOBzrmacY5r9P1XXT7XR73kYShbo-GlR7lEe8QOhJhjKlhvX56BR2Br9XK6VvqrEBVvBUuf0a6v9uOOqq5bNToBUFLyXWs_YtEndy7V1uqKkE1/s1600/20180823_192123_new.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxPCsd6_cTwhTQL7h4ZKZJvABYkBGrZWOBzrmacY5r9P1XXT7XR73kYShbo-GlR7lEe8QOhJhjKlhvX56BR2Br9XK6VvqrEBVvBUuf0a6v9uOOqq5bNToBUFLyXWs_YtEndy7V1uqKkE1/s400/20180823_192123_new.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="225" /></a></div>
<span class="plain-text"><i><b>Note: </b>This climb after leaving Clydach Gorge is actually a temporary detour from the original route. The Heads of the Valleys road has been under construction for a couple of years and the main route has been closed. As they near the end of the road works, we shall see how this changes.</i></span>
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<!-------------------- BEGIN PART THREE
<span class="event" id="partthree">PART THREE</span>
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<td width="30"><span class="NCNnum">492</span></td>
<td width="100" align="center"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_YlBAb9Trq6YPSY53Noxgnahzx2ZWHFCUTPkoX3sP_Wv1dYbzR2mKp5kZjuDNNQe6dW6pqU6zKFK883p__vOUgu4zw3bYpGG4UIq-tlvHkmn3zTCiWVa3btcw0wASNPKNvyEhLDWRoA/s1600/NCNsign-30x93.gif" class="blank" data-original-width="93" data-original-height="30" style="display: block;" /></td>
<td> <span class="subhead">Afon Llwyd Valley</span></td>
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<span class="display-text"><b>Brynmawr to Pontypool - </b>At the top of the hill NCN Route 46 joins with <a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-492/" target="new">NCN Route 492</a>. Congratulations! You've made it to the top - <i>almost</i>.</span>
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<td width="170"><b>ROUTE COLOUR KEY:</b></td>
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<td width="90"> Traffic-free</td>
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<td width="90"> Shared Use</td>
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<td width="90"> Quiet Road</td>
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<td width="90"> Steep Hill</td>
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<span class="display-text">Go through the gate and turn left. There is a short, but gradual climb across the top of this ridge before reaching Garn Lakes. From Garn Lakes you will begin the long fast glide back through the lush woods on western side of Afon Llwyd Valley to Pontypool.</span>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzTPRvHk4ut4cVdlTphGGXQni0Cz8M3_XG5osDWUWw9Uv4o42D9kaSGqPdM6WxV263zzkjeQidq-KtDxMHFt_UJ4OiZEtpcQuPW1FHdWxawt8sbDHnI-a04kdJnzwsi0PNad7s9WagmDl/s1600/20200320_124759_new_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzTPRvHk4ut4cVdlTphGGXQni0Cz8M3_XG5osDWUWw9Uv4o42D9kaSGqPdM6WxV263zzkjeQidq-KtDxMHFt_UJ4OiZEtpcQuPW1FHdWxawt8sbDHnI-a04kdJnzwsi0PNad7s9WagmDl/s400/20200320_124759_new_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
<span class="plain-text"><i><b>Note: </b>If you turn right at the gate, the town of Brynmawr is just over a mile away. There you can find cafes and toilets.</i></span>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2o67XoXQE3M6OED7lt204a7Rf4JbI-BvIq0F2A9PeA5IiAIfYB0w4xLCPGtXTM20SXWm6PN_8cwekDyhrciTnhJJzk0WsmLnTU1YtiLBA7DFkQKPiAVK96n3BIkqwYXJvjcOz14FwHhM/s1600/20200320_125027_new_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2o67XoXQE3M6OED7lt204a7Rf4JbI-BvIq0F2A9PeA5IiAIfYB0w4xLCPGtXTM20SXWm6PN_8cwekDyhrciTnhJJzk0WsmLnTU1YtiLBA7DFkQKPiAVK96n3BIkqwYXJvjcOz14FwHhM/s400/20200320_125027_new_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fq_hQV-saER6P6aWNwx4mMNdc8aQ8flVJvhnLQewJKH-7t48_xjgRXRh_YkIgCGe-soePOi2AhFdOj1jnms8nXAOQiCCZD05NRolu1jBpYZniWL7GuFMNBKjkAT8f0kGHJ4gOsBafLU4/s1600/20200320_125249_new_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fq_hQV-saER6P6aWNwx4mMNdc8aQ8flVJvhnLQewJKH-7t48_xjgRXRh_YkIgCGe-soePOi2AhFdOj1jnms8nXAOQiCCZD05NRolu1jBpYZniWL7GuFMNBKjkAT8f0kGHJ4gOsBafLU4/s400/20200320_125249_new_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
<span class="display-text">It's important to appreciate that the weather can change suddenly up here. Firstly, it is generally windy and the clouds can blow in quickly. Secondly, you are completely exposed for the next two miles. The temperature can be 4 -5 degrees colder, as well.</span>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoC-NtE19174Bdv1Yd05q9N4BYjThA0dJ91Rq2lGQP6e5zf8Ro93DyC7mRGQwt0mjHpcMAjCKvQ8T2u90nzhqOrc3aVhWknsf_CjSqcjVkmJz_5zXDjPYSBSi3mDh-31OLZfhXrocxA_O/s1600/20200320_130656_new_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoC-NtE19174Bdv1Yd05q9N4BYjThA0dJ91Rq2lGQP6e5zf8Ro93DyC7mRGQwt0mjHpcMAjCKvQ8T2u90nzhqOrc3aVhWknsf_CjSqcjVkmJz_5zXDjPYSBSi3mDh-31OLZfhXrocxA_O/s400/20200320_130656_new_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzZxpGTMU7fGSkJOPIoOtPo4JMHiKJ7ES2FXBFZeDEiLeauV99Sj0LUFoyOK6pGhVUQA5C0eD5c_x5vuHIXTRprU5Qi75aUIbt6dHE-tceJR9yDWa3d4JNZ_9RQP1jAVZybLPU2hiCzk6/s1600/20200320_131134_new_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzZxpGTMU7fGSkJOPIoOtPo4JMHiKJ7ES2FXBFZeDEiLeauV99Sj0LUFoyOK6pGhVUQA5C0eD5c_x5vuHIXTRprU5Qi75aUIbt6dHE-tceJR9yDWa3d4JNZ_9RQP1jAVZybLPU2hiCzk6/s400/20200320_131134_new_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
<span class="display-text">Soon after you cross the very busy B4248, the paved path changes over to packed gravel; however, there is also an unusual rubber grid surface - which allows grass to grow through and then there are several sections which are on raised decking boards. After a short dog-leg down a very quiet lane, you re-enter the traffic-free route at Garn Lakes. </span>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmL5Sg-4_S4crPTURhIX-6th3GBsQ7r5tsHnJiyDFioPqEcAE8h8XWvWBCY9ofRSs8cENWsnTO_ZyQcUUSGHrtIcS6_JPPrMqqH-ojmLa0EGqTK6ILMMc9lIgrW1R_JDNV0Ogq8kI4h9s/s1600/20200320_131637_new_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmL5Sg-4_S4crPTURhIX-6th3GBsQ7r5tsHnJiyDFioPqEcAE8h8XWvWBCY9ofRSs8cENWsnTO_ZyQcUUSGHrtIcS6_JPPrMqqH-ojmLa0EGqTK6ILMMc9lIgrW1R_JDNV0Ogq8kI4h9s/s400/20200320_131637_new_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM031AxW1IEJdaYEr8fjV9j9OmOVn83vxTlARN6QsyyUq7BfNvC3tCW0XJR_JCUe3n5bu7YWdMWmncy0-Cwn7kRym2BBn3s-8Jd2MPA4YvBLTLZS6LOywRalpqtUokTNiJW5dZ3vhnBwcv/s1600/20200320_131957_new_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM031AxW1IEJdaYEr8fjV9j9OmOVn83vxTlARN6QsyyUq7BfNvC3tCW0XJR_JCUe3n5bu7YWdMWmncy0-Cwn7kRym2BBn3s-8Jd2MPA4YvBLTLZS6LOywRalpqtUokTNiJW5dZ3vhnBwcv/s400/20200320_131957_new_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoL8XCTesuc0LMsRWSjWXVR1fb7DT1jeAoaBBG08Ml8uw-nwimifa55BKcoKkV7NW5s_eJX5a9R4BdXSC3S0W0O_8G8z4hBJ3U2bjBo2wLNOMXMwSdIjBrgSPz618PDLKLhox8peOcOHSD/s1600/20200320_132011_new_tagged.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoL8XCTesuc0LMsRWSjWXVR1fb7DT1jeAoaBBG08Ml8uw-nwimifa55BKcoKkV7NW5s_eJX5a9R4BdXSC3S0W0O_8G8z4hBJ3U2bjBo2wLNOMXMwSdIjBrgSPz618PDLKLhox8peOcOHSD/s400/20200320_132011_new_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
<span class="display-text">There is much to see and do along this route; however, I highly suggest coming back when you've time to fully appreciate the sites. See: <a href="https://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/Homepage.aspx" target="new">Blaenavon World Heritage Site</a>, <a href="https://museum.wales/bigpit/" target="new">Big Pit National Coal Museum</a>, and <a href="http://pbrly.co.uk/#/home" target="new">Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway</a></span>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgm9ZS-U6LaWx7wSri49mWICm3vphl8NA5vXIjhj5VDiHPwyBK9EkxGAP7mRkG5vgPDr2d_ItyHf7q9bZHA2As2_9bI3Ao353XMVZ8ljBQGKmRD2RU2k7x_pyGIiPYTBGN5quSZ_qaqAI5/s1600/big_pit_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgm9ZS-U6LaWx7wSri49mWICm3vphl8NA5vXIjhj5VDiHPwyBK9EkxGAP7mRkG5vgPDr2d_ItyHf7q9bZHA2As2_9bI3Ao353XMVZ8ljBQGKmRD2RU2k7x_pyGIiPYTBGN5quSZ_qaqAI5/s400/big_pit_01.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" /></a></div>
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<tr><td><span style="background-color: black; border: 4px solid #000000; color: white; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 9px;"> Sidebar of Note: </span>
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<a href="http://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/Homepage.aspx" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-right: 20px;" target="new"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVcIvjKT9UtTOkQxJUW-Cy4CHn8kjXHZLCuPRjNfN_H2CdrT69D6Y4lRA5mfBWeg9Bhh1bZjqkOY0nGo_mjZuZZT46ah6Om6FAaXEJbqQrAa_wGMyVcoV55jxUsN6FQpHoboBmOHxBpU5/s1600/visit_blaenavon_icon.png" /></a>
<span class="subhead_sidebar">Visit Blaenavon</span>
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<span class="sidebar-text">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.
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Set in 33 square kilometres, the attractions, events, activities and landscape make a perfect destination for a day out. The main attractions such as <a href="http://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/VisitBlaenavon/ThingsToDo/Big-Pit-National-Coal-Museum.aspx" target="new"><b>Big Pit National Coal Museum</b></a>, <a href="http://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/VisitBlaenavon/ThingsToDo/BlaenavonIronworks.aspx" target="new"><b>Blaenavon Ironworks</b></a>, the <a href="http://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/VisitBlaenavon/ThingsToDo/BlaenavonWorldHeritageCentre.aspx" target="new"><b>World Heritage Centre</b></a> and <a href="http://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/VisitBlaenavon/ThingsToDo/BlaenavonsHeritageRailway.aspx" target="new"><b>Blaenavon Heritage Railway</b></a> 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!
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In 2000, UNESCO inscribed the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape as a World Heritage Site, for the part the area played as the world’s major producer of iron and coal in the 19th Century. Today you can see remains of all of the necessary elements needed for the iron and coal industry, including a coal mine, furnaces, quarries, railway systems, ironworkers’ cottages, churches, chapels, a school and a workmen’s hall. All set in a landscape that is favoured by walkers, cyclists and mountain bikers. Enjoy your visit – whenever you come!
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And, once you've fully explored Blaenavon World Heritage Site why not discover more about Wales, the first industrial nation, by following the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3VbViRqo07NbzdYaDZTLTJDTVE/view?usp=sharing" target="new"><b>South Wales Route of Industrial Heritage</b></a>, part of a Europe wide route.</span>
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<span class="tr-caption"><i>Content provided by <a href="http://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/VisitBlaenavon/ThingsToDo/BlaenavonWorldHeritageCentre.aspx" target="new"><b>Blaenavon World Heritage Centre</b></a></i></span>
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<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgIKEBkFS_3adpokrECPxJX-VU0VRUTSMeT9Oi6Wt1vEsqlr0xTR_iIHXDDg3wpqvoSIdIZIR8bQ_LhyYfPui0HXT9TsUbfnMkpUQZpnECVgUjfyfUVMFWEc6dYmOffd8GK8uMfeU9AU/s1600/train_highlevel.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgIKEBkFS_3adpokrECPxJX-VU0VRUTSMeT9Oi6Wt1vEsqlr0xTR_iIHXDDg3wpqvoSIdIZIR8bQ_LhyYfPui0HXT9TsUbfnMkpUQZpnECVgUjfyfUVMFWEc6dYmOffd8GK8uMfeU9AU/s400/train_highlevel.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" /></a></div>
<span class="display-text">Just like a postcard from the past, a restored steam train pulls out of the Blaenavon High Level Station during a weekend railway gala.</span>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQ-iYD_ujAly1YD_kWljQ2yryUNAD8X1TabCbuKO-keVOhf3xWA8hJ4Nyuf1xfrgfmndi6CNeFXT-811uMLB_QcScMWaVH6uCkW8Tvheg7rqG0oKTmLGF2lPT6W_iofgwBCsf8EZ0wxQ/s1600/along_curve.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQ-iYD_ujAly1YD_kWljQ2yryUNAD8X1TabCbuKO-keVOhf3xWA8hJ4Nyuf1xfrgfmndi6CNeFXT-811uMLB_QcScMWaVH6uCkW8Tvheg7rqG0oKTmLGF2lPT6W_iofgwBCsf8EZ0wxQ/s400/along_curve.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" /></a></div>
<span class="display-text">The route itself is a visual delight... just be sure to slow down! It is very easy to let it all race by, because you've approximately eight uninterupted miles from Garn Lakes to Pontypool. Also of note, there can be dog-walkers and families out for a stroll, show consideration and caution when passing.</span>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkfkD65vDZtpmNtNMkp5hY-onslO5FS0Gl7U-dHfW9h1XM6wYdZjC94ayUrA1LQdNyszGMsBvvRpuj7OVa5DEjnlIWNtpFuf5tIaJKtKKQoEmHV75nWALWQV2MfJeUGNaF0HfuR6buCXM/s1600/20200320_133423_new_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkfkD65vDZtpmNtNMkp5hY-onslO5FS0Gl7U-dHfW9h1XM6wYdZjC94ayUrA1LQdNyszGMsBvvRpuj7OVa5DEjnlIWNtpFuf5tIaJKtKKQoEmHV75nWALWQV2MfJeUGNaF0HfuR6buCXM/s400/20200320_133423_new_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSecZLLWZD7YvZEZFIXy4iCoriQ9QrINg4ncLQp6oAiYsQvvYyy6x2vtmmxNMunBh5_vD4js5CneAE8ujsyRbTtxSNR7JjxPk171SgosUKyqzpKGm5SWQfXjMvLIPNSo5zvKsk5VJEH1x/s1600/20200320_134317_new_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSecZLLWZD7YvZEZFIXy4iCoriQ9QrINg4ncLQp6oAiYsQvvYyy6x2vtmmxNMunBh5_vD4js5CneAE8ujsyRbTtxSNR7JjxPk171SgosUKyqzpKGm5SWQfXjMvLIPNSo5zvKsk5VJEH1x/s400/20200320_134317_new_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
<span class="display-text">Still waiting in Varteg... sculpture on an abandoned platform quietly remembers.</span>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPJVwosnTrXdfw5DKsu5901uSgYQ_n0GNP85JPYY-8DWkv_hjd5e5HT35_Q9xNKkxriefe4ZJ_4PqtxYNgpYAiegCrpLko5Cd2cGJdrKGDV5fwVfTCyk9TI4b8o8HU9Y0Q7jA2NZGny0/s1600/IMG_2499_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPJVwosnTrXdfw5DKsu5901uSgYQ_n0GNP85JPYY-8DWkv_hjd5e5HT35_Q9xNKkxriefe4ZJ_4PqtxYNgpYAiegCrpLko5Cd2cGJdrKGDV5fwVfTCyk9TI4b8o8HU9Y0Q7jA2NZGny0/s400/IMG_2499_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="901" /></a></div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Zbnk7xm4E8y-aI-yA0F4paWKB6v5xFdi4F4YOImylzRV8sj2ltK6UwWy2sSJ-xCyhuPUrVfXVX3S0sEX9QlVuxiiJ0PGExJj5_wHgcDSDUnnf-50ZOABf2YvlffFik5CFPD0ORlzBaU/s1600/under_pass_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Zbnk7xm4E8y-aI-yA0F4paWKB6v5xFdi4F4YOImylzRV8sj2ltK6UwWy2sSJ-xCyhuPUrVfXVX3S0sEX9QlVuxiiJ0PGExJj5_wHgcDSDUnnf-50ZOABf2YvlffFik5CFPD0ORlzBaU/s400/under_pass_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPzdEFCT00czfYiin08JPU-ZWfYc-Po_s1ATPhXLSH31JSiMPEm4PlAkrYQUvH7TcNJGqPDMjKJ5ItPWIq6CueWR1SZ37WfEPzhqnFfSnY7dq_NNdwJqj1Zg5EC4pmj1JMCjvrhxnzT4/s1600/down_path.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPzdEFCT00czfYiin08JPU-ZWfYc-Po_s1ATPhXLSH31JSiMPEm4PlAkrYQUvH7TcNJGqPDMjKJ5ItPWIq6CueWR1SZ37WfEPzhqnFfSnY7dq_NNdwJqj1Zg5EC4pmj1JMCjvrhxnzT4/s400/down_path.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" /></a></div>
<span class="display-text">You'll know when you're coming into Pontypool for the path changes rather dramatically as the route comes along side the very busy A4043. The town has done an exceptional job of seperating the cycle path from the roads with railings, concrete dividers and numerous bridges - all circumnavigating the many roundabouts. It's rather inpressive.</span>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SKgIfW2I217ir17kpyn-VyktfXul85zrLR8s85wa2WnvgcF9leP1r4CA1mMDLIe3baESXsPRhKVc5IUtKq78hKaNm-THCsWDEv7_nxh0jxiBk_GsNsh2lZ5prh3kV4ixIyLapLhnmT8E/s1600/20200320_141235_new_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SKgIfW2I217ir17kpyn-VyktfXul85zrLR8s85wa2WnvgcF9leP1r4CA1mMDLIe3baESXsPRhKVc5IUtKq78hKaNm-THCsWDEv7_nxh0jxiBk_GsNsh2lZ5prh3kV4ixIyLapLhnmT8E/s400/20200320_141235_new_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJAHebWObyXrGjpbp4x6WWAFZqErXEZKtfn0wFEnLSsF7-L589O70GR5MJNeM26LVufPsjh9dDtVHTqHLac4Oh-85YrJEHZ9SdetDTGhUwWXNjK8NtJsPSNxarS5Wg5ZFslAQ-jemaSRK/s1600/20200320_142035_new_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJAHebWObyXrGjpbp4x6WWAFZqErXEZKtfn0wFEnLSsF7-L589O70GR5MJNeM26LVufPsjh9dDtVHTqHLac4Oh-85YrJEHZ9SdetDTGhUwWXNjK8NtJsPSNxarS5Wg5ZFslAQ-jemaSRK/s400/20200320_142035_new_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
<span class="display-text">After passing over several bridges and road crossings, the route re-enters the woods. Then approximately 1/2 mile further the Monmouth & Brecon Canal appears to your lower left. Just after you cross over the canal you will see two NCN Route signs. Turn right off NCN Route 492 and then immediately right again onto NCN Route 49 following the canal.</span>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOrZbKI-lJTy_LAPqqDImvxioLGcHyBcrnTvzyfbNpKREgEFLiAuipj1ShEj-nGNABN4lnbzVRF85oZnvV0u28NqmRjSHj3AUKB_Kcd1u4I49NgsZtlLhjDJEz1HF1RBripPg3-44amg/s1600/20200320_142611_new_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOrZbKI-lJTy_LAPqqDImvxioLGcHyBcrnTvzyfbNpKREgEFLiAuipj1ShEj-nGNABN4lnbzVRF85oZnvV0u28NqmRjSHj3AUKB_Kcd1u4I49NgsZtlLhjDJEz1HF1RBripPg3-44amg/s400/20200320_142611_new_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5ovPNUb7nxNpHSaqCY9XDBVyPGUO9Y1UCkMfYxKs1DKNzO1R_XT57sNwXEBNRnuRVLRlNerUAc4zxRrzXQ-8sy6ezcYGghlcx4La7tnDnbYThJGpCd9uuIxMwbO0kYFX9T1Y4dZEfz0/s1600/20200320_142653_new_tagged.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5ovPNUb7nxNpHSaqCY9XDBVyPGUO9Y1UCkMfYxKs1DKNzO1R_XT57sNwXEBNRnuRVLRlNerUAc4zxRrzXQ-8sy6ezcYGghlcx4La7tnDnbYThJGpCd9uuIxMwbO0kYFX9T1Y4dZEfz0/s400/20200320_142653_new_tagged.jpg" class="plain" width="550" height="309" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
<span class="display-text">This last section of the route follows the canal back to Pontymoile Boat Basin. From there you can exit the path and return to the Pontypool/New Inn Train Station where you began your ride. <b>Congratulations! You've done it.</b></span>
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<div class="subhead" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Additional Details</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="margin-top: 20px;"><b>Parking:</b> All of the routes outlined here begin and end at either train stations or parks, so there is generally ample parking. Some locations may charge a daily or hourly fee.</div>
<div style="float: left; border: 0px solid #000; padding-right: 20px; width: 340px; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom 30px; ">
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<span class="name">Pontypool Station</span>
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<div class="sm-text" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><b>Trains:</b> 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.</div>
<a href="https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/ppl.aspx" target="new"><img alt="" border="0" class="blank" width="300px" data-original-height="171" data-original-width="511" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6YdR1OGyNRQFwPo3r1MPu6ZvdrrI9hv0RQa1GBeI3Rhy12FDLipkBja00fKfNccVhklgsJuFijwleTRpbO7hepgMsRAeVsvEYU1OgesC4IVNw1Q5TzxFeas8hTvm4TwmrLaZdGeQw2E/s1600/National+Rail+Enquiries+-+Station+facilities+for+Pontypool+++New+Inn.png"/></a></div>
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<!----- BEGIN BBC WEATHER LINK
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<div class="sm-text" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><b>Weather:</b> This is Wales! The weather often changes quickly - especially as you reach higher elevations. Check the weather before you leave!</div>
<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2640106" target="new"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqTy9OFPDc8fmaANv3aZ1tnMJWGXJQZ82lX5EiFsdcZCUCcx0BlHxhSYVIX0neXbQ3quW11VUqNs3wq1dbwRCNc4D9q1Rbftagx6CPsaOz5-NaYrPGavLcuR31d4iRdXBglu4k7hW6Lo/s1600/BBC+Weather_blank.png" class="blank" width="300" height="" data-original-width="468" data-original-height="158" /></a></div>
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<!----- BEGIN RELEVANT LINKS TABLE
<table style="margin-top: 30px;" width="340" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor="#f2f2e3">
<tr height="32" bgcolor="#000">
<td width="34" align="middle" valign="middle"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRPZqPNu1Zg45mJRv5jJ692t3rH_UKQdtnI1mDL93vAN69gYm565fIpLtsHyZdZJ2h8rQ6tRiEieInmF2WiINlW_FgBGl7LCNIU679DN5YKxhJgUHZ4HBCbMIIBqueShkQ5u9CT3ZjG-a/s1600/icon_links.jpg" class="blank" width="26" height="25" data-original-width="26" data-original-height="27" /></td>
<td width="170" align="left"><span class="bannerhead"> Relevant Links:</span></td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff"> </td>
</tr>
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<td colspan="3" valign="middle">
<ul class="plain-text" style="line-height: 30px; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<li><a href="http://www.breconbeacons.org/monmouthshire-brecon-canal" target="new">Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goytrewharf.com/" target="new">Goytre Wharf</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.uksouthwest.net/monmouthshire/clydach-gorge/" target="new">Clydach Gorge</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/Homepage.aspx" target="new">Blaenavon World Heritage Site</a></li>
<li><a href="https://museum.wales/bigpit/" target="new">Big Pit National Coal Museum</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pbrly.co.uk/#/home" target="new">Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway</a></li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
</table>
<!----- END RELEVANT LINKS TABLE
</div>
<!------------ FIND A ROUTE SUSTRANS ROUTES BOX
<div style="float: right; border: 0px solid #000; margin-left: 20px; margin-top: 30px; width: 300px;">
<div class="box-right" style="padding: 10px; width: 280px;">
<a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/?location=Wales&routetype=null&distance=null&p=1" target="new">
<div class="card" style="padding: 10px;">
<span class="name">Find a Route</span>
<div><img style="float: left;" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuX7gOJSnaYcy7RD4qfQD0pRw-BAIRU-AYfRGPuQIfmyiUntaZ7DM8CJRzNkUoC-hRZiuPnYqxN2YqrDmDy-40GuCsxoN9gyTeJJ5xYmkz2k6q1JRJNXOJr6iEdXbQrD0DwGKFp5XDKk/s1600/NCNsign-sustrans-logo-323x81.png" class="blank" width="240px" data-original-width="323" data-original-height="81" /></div>
<div class="sm-text" style="margin-top: 70px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Visit the Sustrans website for more <br />details on the routes of the National Cycle Network.</i> </div></a>
</div>
<hr class="main" style="width: 240px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"/>
<a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-46/" target="new">
<div class="card" style="overflow: auto; display: block; padding: 10px;">
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;"><img border="0" class="blank" width="80" heigh="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3EAdbnT5dyzyQTU60XXhbOEa91eugXSNSD3LpfVBE98peOWfSYxIjVNzTr0OLO-tIqDWKeWjsLm2bbyhyj9EmYTGJarmCNis8zsagMQfBiWQieD5TM7tkROxYRYnLt_fq2h6hdbve0-u/s1600/route-46-os-map.png"/></div>
<div class="name">NCN Route 46</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="letter-spacing: -0px; line-height: 18px;">Govilon - Brynmawr</div></a>
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<a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-49/" target="new">
<div class="card" style="overflow: auto; display: block; padding: 10px;">
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;"><img border="0" class="blank" width="80" heigh="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdD7R2FAdiHrQvLfV9P6i5HDP9kBJiiXzp-FklbrSjoVqnaR8Z5gZ1fyzhAv7EWZ-eX9rA5cR3JUTUxik9kXRIdrUSAwFWCMOm0SV3piFy7OTnYU5szOQ8FK2ZQfaXyc2LHgjQ0lp6_Grb/s1600/route-49-os-maps.png" /></div>
<div class="name">NCN Route 49</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="letter-spacing: -0px; line-height: 18px;">Pontypool - Govilon</div></a>
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<a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-492/" target="new">
<div class="card" style="overflow: auto; display: block; padding: 10px;">
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;"><img border="0" class="blank" width="80" heigh="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbGl3FXZnNdfSnndjZKSoIvJrHvtRYID3ForN7UHevp0rNxKD5AqLC6rQYyui8h-2L2Qu6I2klEZ54tMbUger1-eQ-o8IMVKtlqgkL5Ky5EaNZdgfgkwBuarorl4BO6Q85mqA7zoU4xI/s1600/route-492-os-maps.png" /></div>
<div class="name">NCN Route 492</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="letter-spacing: -0px; line-height: 18px;">Brynmawr - Pontypool</div></a>
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<div class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Map & Cue Sheet</div>
<div class="sm-text" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><i>provided by:</i></div></div>
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/199UW1DwdAv1hbJV5r_nDDp1hANpeoKBX/view?usp=sharing" target="new">
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<img border="0" class="blank" width="230" data-original-height="109" data-original-width="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPj9EGL7C82QZKxkzaNRHSPE6lIYBALB6xQOpnYMCb_XujXoXvAtlLKurZSlai5Eww-s64M2mF_4QxXd9ND981hPcS3RuINhsmQ-v9PNIjhivldVmaJzWME9G7zZ_jzSYhVOlgG7wKvhbN/s0/rwgps-logo-horiz.png"/><div style="margin-top:6px;"><img border="0" class="blank" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibN_6AQTgV_cE2pocL8bEouPNNcBfMcGytj-mPlfBtii28rbQvMt75mtRy9VomI9jnEIq5RnU4aDhGn0lWHDpg7K3JEFxD7q6iO7VXl_YSKGp85GlsGf0n4GLObY7IfNnhrb0y6be_MJU/s400/clydach-gorge-download-image_01.png" /></div></div></a>
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<div class="sm-text"><b>Disclaimer of Liability.</b> Bike Wales™ and everyone associated with this website/blog accept no responsibility for the condition of the routes discussed. These are simply "suggested" routes of the National Cycle Network which, under some instances may be combined into longer rides. All photographs are taken from the actual route(s) by Bike Wales™ and represent the condition of the route(s) at that time. Any actions taken from reading the content herein, is solely the responsibility of the user(s).</div>
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<div align="center" class="details" style="clear: left; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="#top">▲ Back to top</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513103145869967509.post-30073571595650903872021-07-01T14:52:00.004+01:002022-05-16T21:51:34.991+01:00WALES HERITAGE SERIESCordell Country<div class="deck" style="margin-top: 20px;">If there is one route that captures the heart and soul of the Welsh Valleys, this is it. Immortalised in "Rape of the Fair Country", the lush beauty Alexander Cordell wrote of can still be seen today.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8JJfvFiJY0r0LjB0fOZsOA6-fBAPV4qCCqsSIQo9egE2KqkTeMfMR2E_W3wnxiyivGXWR990CRW0xsLiLkPav8pnyBQy-BP8O6HNFtKN3CX4APS3q6jnM7R4YZ3iJpo2oGUdn37HZy8/s1688/IMG_2341%2528opener%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" class="plain" width="100%" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1688" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8JJfvFiJY0r0LjB0fOZsOA6-fBAPV4qCCqsSIQo9egE2KqkTeMfMR2E_W3wnxiyivGXWR990CRW0xsLiLkPav8pnyBQy-BP8O6HNFtKN3CX4APS3q6jnM7R4YZ3iJpo2oGUdn37HZy8/s600/IMG_2341%2528opener%2529.jpg"/></a></div>
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<!--------------------------------- OVERVIEW --------------------------------------->
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<hr class="minor" style="margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px;" id="overview" />
<div class="subhead" style="margin-top: 40px;">Overview - Cordell Country</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="margin-left:20px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 30px;">
<span class="event-details">Locations include:</span> Pontypool/New Inn, Llanhilleth, Brynmawr, and Blaenavon
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<span class="event-details">Distance:</span> 30.8 miles (round-trip)
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<span class="event-details">Approximate Travel Time:</span> 5 - 7 hours
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<span class="event-details">Elevation:</span> + 2554 / - 2554 ft
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<span class="event-details">Ride Level:</span> Intermediate to Advanced
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<span class="display-text">The ride utilises five sections of the National Cycle Network (NCN Routes; 466, 465, 46, 492, and 49) into a circular route that encompases the villages and valleys Alexander Cordell wrote of in his Welsh classic <i>Rape of the Fair Country</i>.
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The the ride itself has been outlined into three parts which include; a short rolling section that snakes through Pontypool to Llanhilleth, then an easy, but gradual climb to Brynmawr, followed by a challenging climb from Brynmawr through Blaenavon to finally drop down to the Monmouth & Brecon Canal for a wonderful glide along at the end. The decriptions and photographs shown below follow each route/section in a <i>clockwise</i> direction starting and ending at the <a href="https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/ppl.aspx" target="new">Pontypool/New Inn Train Station</a>.
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The map shown below indicates how the five NCN Routes can be connected to form an overall circular ride. Additionally, the ride is <i>mostly all traffic-free</i> However, at Blaenavon the route conitues along quiet streets and neighbourhoods through town and then there is a short section through a forest which is unpaved. The map can be enlarged for greater detail with key features for food, toilets, and control points highlighted. <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/3626986" target="new">View Full Version</a></span>
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<div style="clear: both; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 60px;"><iframe src="https://ridewithgps.com/embeds?type=event&eventId=148010&sampleGraph=true&defaultShowAll=true" style="width: 1px; min-width: 100%; height: 700px; border: none;" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
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<!---------- BEGIN TOC ---------->
<div style="margin-top; 60px; margin-bottom: 30px;"><img style="display: block; float:left; margin-right: 10px;" border="0" class="blank" width="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHzzzv9o0pmfPappZ5DSFnM_Eg7JwSodUcWdk38Qc3L9LPgTWaqYEQciELr226aY1A1wrGShmr4ZQEm6PUOy2XOhLSfn8yNeSHme9P4kj6T3O-NmB5GBboeApIFTWfpz4d3GD1gst7zE/s1600/icon_toc.png" data-original-width="40" data-original-height="40" />
<span class="subhead" id="toc">Table of Contents</span>
</div>
<div class="display-text">
<a href="#partone"><span class="event">PART ONE</span> | NCN Route 466 - Old Crumlin Road</a>
<br />
<b>Pontypool/New Inn to Llanhilleth - </b>8 rolling miles through Pontypool City Park and west out of town following NCN Route 466.
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<a href="#parttwo"><span class="event">PART TWO</span> | NCN Route(s) 465 & 46 - Ebbw Valley</a>
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<b>Llanhilleth to Brynmawr - </b>Join NCN Route 466 at Llanhilleth heading north for approximately 9 miles to NCN Route 46 just outside of Brynmawr.
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<a href="#partthree"><span class="event">PART THREE</span> | NCN Route(s) 46, 492, & 49 - Blaenavon and the M&B Canal</a>
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<b>Brynmawr to Pontypool/New Inn - </b>Continue on NCN Route 46 to NCN Route 492, & cycle through Blaenavon, then down onto NCN Route 49 for return along canal to train station.</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="margin-top: 30px;"><i><b>Note: </b>Relevant links, individual NCN Route maps, an overall Map & Cue Sheet for download, as well as local train information and weather links are located at the bottom of this page.</i></div>
<div align="center" class="plain-text" style="margin-top: 30px;"><a href="#details">Go to Additional Details ▼</a></div>
<hr class="minor" />
<!---------- END TOC ---------->
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LOeA-P1EKL7NbosxfWCbB62a8NwG1xjy0NQm47q8WBCObCygvKxRXMQmv3MCscIW1Bdm03EWGMC4_oek6tKrAoLcXdWx7bj6pMvHdBymzZ4-JYWfyQ0mVLYtUboFlxlp4skZLp0gLuk/s1600/IMG_3533_new%2528alt%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" class="plain" width="100%" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LOeA-P1EKL7NbosxfWCbB62a8NwG1xjy0NQm47q8WBCObCygvKxRXMQmv3MCscIW1Bdm03EWGMC4_oek6tKrAoLcXdWx7bj6pMvHdBymzZ4-JYWfyQ0mVLYtUboFlxlp4skZLp0gLuk/s600/IMG_3533_new%2528alt%2529.jpg"/></a></div>
<!-------------------- BEGIN PART ONE ------------------------------------------------------------->
<span class="event" id="partone">PART ONE</span>
<div style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 10px;"><table height="20" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0">
<tr>
<td width="30"><span class="NCNnum">466</span></td>
<td width="100" align="center"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_YlBAb9Trq6YPSY53Noxgnahzx2ZWHFCUTPkoX3sP_Wv1dYbzR2mKp5kZjuDNNQe6dW6pqU6zKFK883p__vOUgu4zw3bYpGG4UIq-tlvHkmn3zTCiWVa3btcw0wASNPKNvyEhLDWRoA/s1600/NCNsign-30x93.gif" class="blank" data-original-width="93" data-original-height="30" style="display: block;" /></td>
<td><span class="subhead"> Old Crumlin Road</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
<span class="display-text"><b>Pontypool/New Inn to Llanhilleth - </b>Begin your adventure by leaving the train station and traveling approximately .4 mile to the Monmouth & Brecon Canal (<a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-49/" target="new">NCN Route 49</a>).</span>
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<div style="clear: both; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px;"><iframe src="https://ridewithgps.com/embeds?type=route&id=35630797&sampleGraph=true" style="width: 1px; min-width: 100%; height: 700px; border: none;" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
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<div class="sm-text" align="center" style="margin-top: 20px;">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="600">
<tbody>
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<td width="170"><b>ROUTE COLOUR KEY:</b></td>
<td bgcolor="ltgreen" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="90"> Traffic-free</td>
<td bgcolor="blue" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="90"> Shared Use</td>
<td bgcolor="red" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="90"> Quiet Road</td>
<td bgcolor="black" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="90"> Steep Hill</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
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<hr class="main" style="clear: both; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 60px; width: 600px;">
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<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vIeaNFvW5RWiClqrwGkVGC5NTHaH0GBVoJO9QJvZq3zuftZmuME06eykD7tMGmvaDd9p5jm1jh7BlZzy6vds5mnANtRceBWFjwo8zKHwlZ_yZIbYJ-fM3HH_RlrT2jCPDUGYDyw_1Cg/s1600/IMG_3539_new%2528alt%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" class="plain" width="100%" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vIeaNFvW5RWiClqrwGkVGC5NTHaH0GBVoJO9QJvZq3zuftZmuME06eykD7tMGmvaDd9p5jm1jh7BlZzy6vds5mnANtRceBWFjwo8zKHwlZ_yZIbYJ-fM3HH_RlrT2jCPDUGYDyw_1Cg/s600/IMG_3539_new%2528alt%2529.jpg"/></a></div>
<!-- BACK TO TOC -->
<div style="overflow: auto; display: block; border: 0px solid #000; width: 118px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px;">
<a href="#toc"><div style="border: 0px solid #000; float:left; padding-top: 10px; width: 70px;"><span class="plain-text"> ▲ Back to</span></div>
<a href="#toc"><img style="display: block; float:right; margin-left: 0px;" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHzzzv9o0pmfPappZ5DSFnM_Eg7JwSodUcWdk38Qc3L9LPgTWaqYEQciELr226aY1A1wrGShmr4ZQEm6PUOy2XOhLSfn8yNeSHme9P4kj6T3O-NmB5GBboeApIFTWfpz4d3GD1gst7zE/s1600/icon_toc.png" class="blank" data-original-width="40" data-original-height="40" /></a>
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<hr class="minor" />
<!-- END TOC LINK -->
<!-------------------- BEGIN PART TWO ------------------------------------------------------------->
<span class="event" id="parttwo">PART TWO</span>
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<div style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 10px;"><table height="20" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0">
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<td width="40"><span class="NCNnum">465</span></td>
<td width="5" bgcolor="#fff"></td>
<td width="30"><span class="NCNnum">46</span></td>
<td width="100" align="center"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_YlBAb9Trq6YPSY53Noxgnahzx2ZWHFCUTPkoX3sP_Wv1dYbzR2mKp5kZjuDNNQe6dW6pqU6zKFK883p__vOUgu4zw3bYpGG4UIq-tlvHkmn3zTCiWVa3btcw0wASNPKNvyEhLDWRoA/s1600/NCNsign-30x93.gif" class="blank" data-original-width="93" data-original-height="30" style="display: block;" /></td>
<td> <span class="subhead">Ebbw Valley</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
<span class="display-text"><b>Llanhilleth to Brynmawr - </b>After dropping down from Swffryd, the ride continues on <b>NCN Route 465</b> heading north at the village of Llanhilleth.</span>
<!------------------ BEGIN PART TWO MAP ----------------->
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px;"><iframe src="https://ridewithgps.com/embeds?type=route&id=35630901&sampleGraph=true" style="width: 1px; min-width: 100%; height: 900px; border: none;" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
<!-- BEGIN MAP KEY --->
<div class="sm-text" align="center" style="margin-top: 20px;">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="600">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="170"><b>ROUTE COLOUR KEY:</b></td>
<td bgcolor="ltgreen" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="90"> Traffic-free</td>
<td bgcolor="blue" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="90"> Shared Use</td>
<td bgcolor="red" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="90"> Quiet Road</td>
<td bgcolor="black" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="90"> Steep Hill</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<!-- END MAP KEY --->
<hr class="main" style="clear: both; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 60px; width: 600px;">
<!------------------ END PART TWO MAP ----------------->
<span class="display-text"> At the bottom of a steep hill you will turn left over the train tracks,then passing first through a quiet neighbourhood and along a quiet road throguh an industrial estate for approximately two miles to next village of Aberbeeg. The path then becomes traffic-free after passing directly under the main road and takes you into the woods along an abandoned train platform. This section follows the Ebbw Fach River approximately one mile up to Six Bells.</span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqIkLfU0bomobnznYwj8MvNAZPJjW5vSeVMfHIVQYeNcslqFG4U7LPKOZHx7gfSH4dwmvGWMu77qUrvZDiNPgqKGDo_Q3QTh7oe70ONmEQ6szmE83Fs9KHfAjoHfbUbLPJW7v1973O1s/s1600/IMG_2312.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" class="plain" width="100%" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqIkLfU0bomobnznYwj8MvNAZPJjW5vSeVMfHIVQYeNcslqFG4U7LPKOZHx7gfSH4dwmvGWMu77qUrvZDiNPgqKGDo_Q3QTh7oe70ONmEQ6szmE83Fs9KHfAjoHfbUbLPJW7v1973O1s/s1600/IMG_2312.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyuX-3ghg3W2SMgjrQA08pVHK5C2GBGScXDok18I4h-uvXygNatu3R6J6YLI3CdItP8om7xoIc1n6EOqU0ayG_Og8F0FupZGh6YAfBt7xoBH0bk-ymL1Sl6td81fT-zQLoD0MebJfGeI/s1600/IMG_2315.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" class="plain" width="100%" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyuX-3ghg3W2SMgjrQA08pVHK5C2GBGScXDok18I4h-uvXygNatu3R6J6YLI3CdItP8om7xoIc1n6EOqU0ayG_Og8F0FupZGh6YAfBt7xoBH0bk-ymL1Sl6td81fT-zQLoD0MebJfGeI/s1600/IMG_2315.jpg" /></a></div>
<p class="spacer">
<span class="subhead_sm2">Six Bells & The Guardian</span>
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<span class="display-text">This grand monument is hidden through the trees as you cycle up the first mile or so. But as you get closer, the trees clear, the valley opens, and the sculpture quietly dominates the skyline. It is a powerful tribute to the lives sacrificed for the coal industry. I highly recommend walking up behind the sculpture to fully appreciate the view. Read the explanation panel with the eery poem by Welsh Poet Laureate; Gillian Clark to get the full impact.</span>
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<p class="spacer">
<span class="display-text">There is a wonderful visitors centre with a small cafe and heritage room located across from the car park. The presentation of how this terrible tragedy affected the small community is bone-chilling. Read more at: <b><a href="http://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/en/visitors/attractions/guardian/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Guardian of the Valleys.</a></b> <i>Sculpture created by Sebastien Boyesen</i>.</span>
<p class="spacer">
<span class="subhead_sm2">Abertillery & Blaina</span>
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<span class="display-text">Following the path a short distance out of Six Bells you re-enter the road at Abertillery. (Show particular caution as the route passes through the car park of Tescos'.) You'll then follow a narrow road several blocks through a small neighbourhood and enter the traffic-free path again at <a href="http://www.fieldsintrust.org/Abertillery-Park" target="new"><b>Abertillery Park</b></a>.</span>
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<span class="display-text">Here you'll be right down along the river in places... deep in the heart of the valley. The irony of closing the coal mines and steel works; leaving tens of thousands without any notion on how to provide for their families and devastating the Welsh economy... is that nature has quietly reclaimed the valleys with a breath-taking vengeance.</span>
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<span class="subhead_sm2">Nantyglo, Round Towers, & Brynmawr</span>
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<span class="display-text">Coming out of the woods you enter a dual-use cycle path through Blaina and Nantyglo. Honestly, this is the least scenic part of the ride as it follows along side the A467. But soon enough you'll be away and up to see the <a href="http://www.brynmawrhistoricalsociety.org.uk/nantyglo-round-towers/4588667861" target="new"><b>Round Towers at Nantyglo</b></a>.</span>
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<span class="display-text">Leaving Nantyglo you'll travel several blocks through a housing estate on a quiet street to Parc Nant y Waun where you'll rejoin the traffic-free cycle path. This last section winds around several lovely lakes to merge with <b>NCN Route 46</b>. Here you'll head east through Brymawr and up around the big mountain directly in front of you. </span>
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<span class="display-text">You will pass through the centre of Brynmawr where there are plenty of places to take a break and have some lunch. You've come half way. There are two attractions of note; Wales oldest operating movie theatre is <a href="http://www.markethallcinema.co.uk/" target="new"><b>Market Hall Cinema</b></a> just above the bus station, and if you enjoy a bit of urban art mixed with modern architecture, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunlop_Semtex_rubber_factory,_Brynmawr" target="new"><b>Dunlop Symtex Factory</b></a> is worth a gander.</span>
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<span class="event" id="partthree">PART THREE</span>
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<td width="30"><span class="NCNnum">46</span></td>
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<td width="40"><span class="NCNnum">492</span></td>
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<td width="30"><span class="NCNnum">49</span></td>
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<td> <span class="subhead">Blaenavon and the M&B Canal</span></td>
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<span class="display-text"><b>Brynmawr to Pontypool - </b>As you leave town, you'll first snake through several small housing estates. Cross a small footbridge over the A467 and enter the traffic-free cycle path at the end of the lane. Follow NCN Route 46 a short distance to a gate where NCN Route 46 vears to the left (and down a very steep hill). However, you will continue straight onto what is now <b>NCN Route 492</b>.</span>
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<td width="90"> Traffic-free</td>
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<td width="90"> Shared Use</td>
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<td width="90"> Quiet Road</td>
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<td width="90"> Steep Hill</td>
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<span class="display-text">Climbing around the mountain from Brynmawr one feels as if you have completely left civilization. It's not so long since you were deep in the Ebbw Valley... now you're on top, crossing over and heading toward Blaenavon and the Avon Lwyd Valley.</span>
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<span class="display-text">Far off in the distance you can see The Skirrid. If you look closely, you can even see the towns of Crickhowell and Abergavenny!</span>
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<span class="display-text">Once covered in spoil from colliery workings, <a href="http://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/VisitBlaenavon/ThingsToDo/GarnLakes.aspx" target="new"><b>Garn Lakes Nature Reserve</b></a> covers 40 hectares with lakes and grasslands which have been transformed through an extensive land reclamation scheme. Opened in 1997, it is now a part of the Blaenavon World Heritage Site and sits just above Big Pit and Blaenavon.</span>
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<span class="display-text">You can't miss the heritage railway as you cycle down from Garn Lakes for the path follows right beside the rail line. However, don't get too distracted. You'll need to turn left at the road crossing between the Rhymney Brewery and the entrance to Big Pit.</span>
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<span class="display-text">The <a href="http://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/Homepage.aspx" target="new"><b>Blaenavon World Heritage Site</b></a> is vast and consists of many interesting places to visit - each can take a few hours to fully explore. If you're planning on making this ride in a single day, I'd recommend checking out their website so that you can choose one to visit. (Of course, this means you'll need to plan another trip to come back!)</span>
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<a href="http://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/Homepage.aspx" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-right: 20px;" target="new"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVcIvjKT9UtTOkQxJUW-Cy4CHn8kjXHZLCuPRjNfN_H2CdrT69D6Y4lRA5mfBWeg9Bhh1bZjqkOY0nGo_mjZuZZT46ah6Om6FAaXEJbqQrAa_wGMyVcoV55jxUsN6FQpHoboBmOHxBpU5/s1600/visit_blaenavon_icon.png" /></a>
<span class="subhead_sidebar">Blaenavon World Heritage Centre</span>
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<span class="sidebar-text">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.
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Set in 33 square kilometres, the attractions, events, activities and landscape make a perfect destination for a day out. The main attractions such as <a href="http://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/VisitBlaenavon/ThingsToDo/Big-Pit-National-Coal-Museum.aspx" target="new"><b>Big Pit National Coal Museum</b></a>, <a href="http://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/VisitBlaenavon/ThingsToDo/BlaenavonIronworks.aspx" target="new"><b>Blaenavon Ironworks</b></a>, the <a href="http://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/VisitBlaenavon/ThingsToDo/BlaenavonWorldHeritageCentre.aspx" target="new"><b>World Heritage Centre</b></a> and <a href="http://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/VisitBlaenavon/ThingsToDo/BlaenavonsHeritageRailway.aspx" target="new"><b>Blaenavon Heritage Railway</b></a> 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!
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In 2000, UNESCO inscribed the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape as a World Heritage Site, for the part the area played as the world’s major producer of iron and coal in the 19th Century. Today you can see remains of all of the necessary elements needed for the iron and coal industry, including a coal mine, furnaces, quarries, railway systems, ironworkers’ cottages, churches, chapels, a school and a workmen’s hall. All set in a landscape that is favoured by walkers, cyclists and mountain bikers. Enjoy your visit – whenever you come!
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And, once you've fully explored Blaenavon World Heritage Site why not discover more about Wales, the first industrial nation, by following the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3VbViRqo07NbzdYaDZTLTJDTVE/view?usp=sharing" target="new"><b>South Wales Route of Industrial Heritage</b></a>, part of a Europe wide route.</span>
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<span class="tr-caption"><i>Content provided by <a href="http://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/VisitBlaenavon/ThingsToDo/BlaenavonWorldHeritageCentre.aspx" target="new"><b>Blaenavon World Heritage Centre</b></a></i></span>
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<tr><td><span style="background-color: black; border: 4px solid #000000; color: white; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 9px;"> Sidebar of Note: </span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: #EFF9DB; color: black; padding: 20px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.visitmonmouthshire.com/Blaenavon-Blaenafon-Heritage-Cordell-Museum/details/?dms=3&venue=0864512#" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-right: 20px;" target="new"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24PF-a91NwO4sERoDn3N10cHmxfLfMr-0D9lXDDqqqKRDszTy4zrYScSqcF3y9cV0IBfrjF27x1Y-oTqQAGam5c2E_QK7YED2ee6rZLWFOjFR3wDToYu7gdd5ueIk1ZaKq-Sn2h9aFTq2/s1600/blaenavon_heritage_museum_icon.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="subhead_sidebar" style="letter-spacing: -.5px;">Blaenafon Heritage & Cordell Museum</span>
<br />
<span class="sidebar-text">The museum holds a collection of local objects which tell the fascinating history of the town of Blaenavon and its residence from the early days of the industrial revolution through to the modern day inscription as a World Heritage Site. The museum holds and displays numerous items relating to the community from local industrial archaeological, historic photographs, furniture, coins and military uniforms.
<br />
<br />
The museum also has on display some personal effects of the famous writer <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Cordell" target="new"><b>Alexander Cordell</b></a> which were acquired following his death in 1997. Cordell was one of Wale’s most prolific writers who took his inspiration for much of his writing around the people and places in South Wales, in particular Blaenavon. The town and the surrounding area was the setting for his most famous novel <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape_of_the_Fair_Country" target="new"><i><b>Rape of the Fair Country</b></i></a> through which he immortalised the people who lived and worked in the area during the Industrial Revolution.</span>
<br />
<br />
<span class="tr-caption"><i>Content provided by <a href="https://www.visitmonmouthshire.com/Blaenavon-Blaenafon-Heritage-Cordell-Museum/details/?dms=3&venue=0864512#" target="new"><b>Blaenafon Heritage & Cordell Museum</b></a></i></span>
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<!------------------------ BEGIN Pontypool ADDITIONAL DETAILS ------------------------------>
<hr id="details" class="main" />
<div class="subhead" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Additional Details</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="margin-top: 20px;"><b>Parking:</b> All of the routes outlined here begin and end at either train stations or parks, so there is generally ample parking. Some locations may charge a daily or hourly fee.</div>
<div style="float: left; border: 0px solid #000; padding-right: 20px; width: 340px; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom 30px; ">
<div class="box-left" style="border: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 340px;">
<span class="name">Pontypool Station</span>
<!----- BEGIN TRAIN STATION LINK -------->
<div class="card" style="padding:10px; width: 320px; text-align: left;">
<div class="sm-text" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><b>Trains:</b> 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.</div>
<a href="https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/ppl.aspx" target="new"><img alt="" border="0" class="blank" width="300px" data-original-height="171" data-original-width="511" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6YdR1OGyNRQFwPo3r1MPu6ZvdrrI9hv0RQa1GBeI3Rhy12FDLipkBja00fKfNccVhklgsJuFijwleTRpbO7hepgMsRAeVsvEYU1OgesC4IVNw1Q5TzxFeas8hTvm4TwmrLaZdGeQw2E/s1600/National+Rail+Enquiries+-+Station+facilities+for+Pontypool+++New+Inn.png"/></a></div>
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<!----- BEGIN BBC WEATHER LINK -------->
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<div class="sm-text" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><b>Weather:</b> This is Wales! The weather often changes quickly - especially as you reach higher elevations. Check the weather before you leave!</div>
<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2640106" target="new"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqTy9OFPDc8fmaANv3aZ1tnMJWGXJQZ82lX5EiFsdcZCUCcx0BlHxhSYVIX0neXbQ3quW11VUqNs3wq1dbwRCNc4D9q1Rbftagx6CPsaOz5-NaYrPGavLcuR31d4iRdXBglu4k7hW6Lo/s1600/BBC+Weather_blank.png" class="blank" width="300" height="" data-original-width="468" data-original-height="158" /></a></div>
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<!----- BEGIN RELEVANT LINKS TABLE --------->
<table style="margin-top: 30px;" width="340" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor="#f2f2e3">
<tr height="32" bgcolor="#000">
<td width="34" align="middle" valign="middle"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRPZqPNu1Zg45mJRv5jJ692t3rH_UKQdtnI1mDL93vAN69gYm565fIpLtsHyZdZJ2h8rQ6tRiEieInmF2WiINlW_FgBGl7LCNIU679DN5YKxhJgUHZ4HBCbMIIBqueShkQ5u9CT3ZjG-a/s1600/icon_links.jpg" class="blank" width="26" height="25" data-original-width="26" data-original-height="27" /></td>
<td width="170" align="left"><span class="bannerhead"> Relevant Links:</span></td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" valign="middle">
<ul class="plain-text" style="line-height: 30px; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Cordell" target="new">Alexander Cordell</a></li>
<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape_of_the_Fair_Country" target="new">Rape of the Fair Country</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/visitors/attractions/guardian/" target="new">Guardian of the Valleys</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/VisitBlaenavon/ThingsToDo/GarnLakes.aspx" target="new">Garn Lakes</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/bigpit/" target="new">Big Pit National Coal Museum</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/Homepage.aspx" target="new">Blaenavon World Heritage Site</a></li>
<li><a href="http://cadw.gov.wales/daysout/blaenavonironworks/?lang=en" target="new">Blaenavon Ironworks</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pontypool-and-blaenavon.co.uk/" target="new">Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.brynmawrhistoricalsociety.org.uk/nantyglo-round-towers/4588667861" target="new">Round Towers at Nantyglo</a></li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
</table>
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</div>
<!------------ FIND A ROUTE SUSTRANS ROUTES BOX ---------------->
<div style="float: right; border: 0px solid #000; margin-left: 20px; margin-top: 30px; width: 300px;">
<div class="box-right" style="padding: 10px; width: 280px;">
<a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/?location=Wales&routetype=null&distance=null&p=1" target="new">
<div class="card" style="padding: 10px;">
<span class="name">Find a Route</span>
<div><img style="float: left;" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuX7gOJSnaYcy7RD4qfQD0pRw-BAIRU-AYfRGPuQIfmyiUntaZ7DM8CJRzNkUoC-hRZiuPnYqxN2YqrDmDy-40GuCsxoN9gyTeJJ5xYmkz2k6q1JRJNXOJr6iEdXbQrD0DwGKFp5XDKk/s1600/NCNsign-sustrans-logo-323x81.png" class="blank" width="240px" data-original-width="323" data-original-height="81" /></div>
<div class="sm-text" style="margin-top: 70px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Visit the Sustrans website for more <br />details on the routes of the National Cycle Network.</i> </div></a>
</div>
<hr class="main" style="width: 240px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"/>
<a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-466/" target="new">
<div class="card" style="overflow: auto; display: block; padding: 10px;">
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;"><img border="0" class="blank" width="80" heigh="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTJ8Vhx0up79Y5-oGT-o79wAXH8krXgb6bxtiH1bLbCOBqJfIk9NsvzKjkzWnhjis4gKL175_31Y2jibqJmd_uRRP9fC9_RgMhssHr-EhFaU1yWQheb1uSCoTsWXQIVOQqfNCF4GBo123/s1600/route-466-os-maps.jpg"/></div>
<div class="name">NCN Route 466</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="letter-spacing: -0px; line-height: 18px;">Pontypool - Llanhilleth</div></a>
</div>
<a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-465/" target="new">
<div class="card" style="overflow: auto; display: block; padding: 10px;">
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;"><img border="0" class="blank" width="80" heigh="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSY76B_Tm52O5ZLXg_IC93gIgA9BPmYZzBvEEo03SMQmYPkztmvxHbWkNWOws2igAQB4yIug12vf60Q1BRBNv0IYFl000z7q0fEjcnGAmZ-qaQUxvlYO4rtDM_3sA4TgQGIO7dxujW-hb6/s1600/route-465-os-maps.jpg"/></div>
<div class="name">NCN Route 465</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="letter-spacing: -0px; line-height: 18px;">Llanhilleth - Brynmawr</div></a>
</div>
<a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-46/" target="new">
<div class="card" style="overflow: auto; display: block; padding: 10px;">
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;"><img border="0" class="blank" width="80" heigh="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3EAdbnT5dyzyQTU60XXhbOEa91eugXSNSD3LpfVBE98peOWfSYxIjVNzTr0OLO-tIqDWKeWjsLm2bbyhyj9EmYTGJarmCNis8zsagMQfBiWQieD5TM7tkROxYRYnLt_fq2h6hdbve0-u/s1600/route-46-os-map.png"/></div>
<div class="name">NCN Route 46</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="letter-spacing: -0px; line-height: 18px;">Brynmawr</div></a>
</div>
<a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-49/" target="new">
<div class="card" style="overflow: auto; display: block; padding: 10px;">
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;"><img border="0" class="blank" width="80" heigh="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdD7R2FAdiHrQvLfV9P6i5HDP9kBJiiXzp-FklbrSjoVqnaR8Z5gZ1fyzhAv7EWZ-eX9rA5cR3JUTUxik9kXRIdrUSAwFWCMOm0SV3piFy7OTnYU5szOQ8FK2ZQfaXyc2LHgjQ0lp6_Grb/s1600/route-49-os-maps.png" /></div>
<div class="name">NCN Route 49</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="letter-spacing: -0px; line-height: 18px;">Goytre Wharf - Pontypool/New Inn</div></a>
</div>
<a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-492/" target="new">
<div class="card" style="overflow: auto; display: block; padding: 10px;">
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;"><img border="0" class="blank" width="80" heigh="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbGl3FXZnNdfSnndjZKSoIvJrHvtRYID3ForN7UHevp0rNxKD5AqLC6rQYyui8h-2L2Qu6I2klEZ54tMbUger1-eQ-o8IMVKtlqgkL5Ky5EaNZdgfgkwBuarorl4BO6Q85mqA7zoU4xI/s1600/route-492-os-maps.png" /></div>
<div class="name">NCN Route 492</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="letter-spacing: -0px; line-height: 18px;">Brynmawr - Pontypool</div></a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
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<!----- BEGIN DOWNLOAD MAP & CUESHEET -------->
<div style="float: right; border: 0px solid #000; margin-left: 20px; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; width: 300px;">
<div class="box-right" style="padding: 10px; width: 280px;">
<div align="left" style="margin: 10px;">
<div class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Map & Cue Sheet</div>
<div class="sm-text" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><i>provided by:</i></div></div>
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/199UW1DwdAv1hbJV5r_nDDp1hANpeoKBX/view?usp=sharing" target="new">
<div class="card" style="padding: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<img border="0" class="blank" width="230" data-original-height="109" data-original-width="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPj9EGL7C82QZKxkzaNRHSPE6lIYBALB6xQOpnYMCb_XujXoXvAtlLKurZSlai5Eww-s64M2mF_4QxXd9ND981hPcS3RuINhsmQ-v9PNIjhivldVmaJzWME9G7zZ_jzSYhVOlgG7wKvhbN/s0/rwgps-logo-horiz.png"/><div style="margin-top:6px;"><img border="0" class="blank" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibN_6AQTgV_cE2pocL8bEouPNNcBfMcGytj-mPlfBtii28rbQvMt75mtRy9VomI9jnEIq5RnU4aDhGn0lWHDpg7K3JEFxD7q6iO7VXl_YSKGp85GlsGf0n4GLObY7IfNnhrb0y6be_MJU/s400/clydach-gorge-download-image_01.png" /></div></div></a>
</div>
</div>
<!----- END DOWNLOAD MAP & CUESHEET -------->
<hr class="main" style="margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px;" />
<div class="sm-text"><b>Disclaimer of Liability.</b> Bike Wales™ and everyone associated with this website/blog accept no responsibility for the condition of the routes discussed. These are simply "suggested" routes of the National Cycle Network which, under some instances may be combined into longer rides. All photographs are taken from the actual route(s) by Bike Wales™ and represent the condition of the route(s) at that time. Any actions taken from reading the content herein, is solely the responsibility of the user(s).</div>
<!----------- END END END END END END END END END END END END END END END END END END ------------->
<hr class="main" style="margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px;" />
<div align="center" class="details" style="clear: left; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="#top">▲ Back to top</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513103145869967509.post-23707093462573507802021-06-01T15:54:00.000+01:002021-08-02T09:34:56.660+01:00WALES HERITAGE SERIES The Winding House<div class="deck">The Winding House in New Tredegar is an interactive museum built in the original Victorian colliery winding machine.</div>
<div class="photo-spacer" style="margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlVM52E4-H2PvYJ9IZjsG4aquBREbDGYxRnKiypyZJgfKKh8oN74hSfg5HXXqbYxC32k_w1BM12x0wqk4H4Awq6__NSdckNTb5D6akD4M1f696k37idYAjAAQ7YsbWWc56ys_0IWaXN4/s1600/Ribbet"><img border="0" class="plain" width="100%" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlVM52E4-H2PvYJ9IZjsG4aquBREbDGYxRnKiypyZJgfKKh8oN74hSfg5HXXqbYxC32k_w1BM12x0wqk4H4Awq6__NSdckNTb5D6akD4M1f696k37idYAjAAQ7YsbWWc56ys_0IWaXN4/s1600/Ribbet" /></a></div>
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<!--------------------------------- OVERVIEW --------------------------------------->
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<hr class="minor" id="overview" />
<div class="subhead" style="margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">Overview</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="margin-left:20px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 30px;">
<span class="event-details">Location: </span>Hengoed to New Tredegar
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<span class="event-details">Distance: </span>13 miles (round-trip)
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<span class="event-details">Travel Time: </span>3 - 4 hours
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<span class="event-details">Ride Level: </span>Beginner to Intermediate
</div>
<span class="display-text">The ride begins and ends at the <a href="https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/HNG.aspx" target="new"><b>Hengoed Train Station</b></a>. Approximately 3/4's of the ride is on traffic-free walking & cycling paths.
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<br />
However, there is a short section near the start which travels along a narrow road with frequent traffic especially during rush hours. This section may not be suitable for children or those uncomfortable riding near cars. This can be easily avoided by starting and ending the ride at the <a href="https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/PGM.aspx" target="new"><b>Pengam Train Station</b></a>. (Note: this also cuts the distance by a third and changes the difficulty level to "Beginner".)</span>
<div class="plain-text" style="margin-top: 30px;"><i><b>Note: </b>Relevant links, individual NCN Route maps, an overall Map & Cue Sheet for download, as well as local train information and weather links are located at the bottom of this page.</i></div>
<div align="center" class="plain-text" style="margin-top: 30px;"><a href="#details">Go to Additional Details ▼</a></div>
<!---------- BEGIN MAIN MAP ---------->
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px;"><iframe frameborder="0" width="600px" height="700px" src="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/3912005/embed" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<!-- BEGIN MAP KEY --->
<div class="sm-text" align="center" style="margin-top: 20px;">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="600">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="170"> <b>ROUTE COLOUR KEY:</b></td>
<td bgcolor="ltgreen" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="90"> Traffic-free</td>
<td bgcolor="blue" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="90"> Shared Use</td>
<td bgcolor="red" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="90"> Quiet Road</td>
<td bgcolor="black" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="90"> Steep Hill</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
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<hr class="main" style="clear: both; text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 60px; width: 600px;">
<div style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 10px;"><table height="20" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0">
<tr>
<td width="36"><span class="NCNnum">468</span></td>
<td width="100" align="center"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_YlBAb9Trq6YPSY53Noxgnahzx2ZWHFCUTPkoX3sP_Wv1dYbzR2mKp5kZjuDNNQe6dW6pqU6zKFK883p__vOUgu4zw3bYpGG4UIq-tlvHkmn3zTCiWVa3btcw0wASNPKNvyEhLDWRoA/s1600/NCNsign-30x93.gif" class="blank" data-original-width="93" data-original-height="30" style="display: block;" /></td>
<td><span class="subhead"> Hengoed to New Tredegar</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
<span class="display-text">Starting in Hengoed, the route heads east over the viaduct along NCN Route 47 toward Maesycwmmer. Once across, turn right at the "Wheel of Drams" and head down the zig-zag and continue under the viaduct. The route then travels up Thomas Street/Victoria Road (B4252) for approximately 1 mile to Fleur de Lis.</span>
<div class="photo-spacer" style="margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbtV3REy56HvdC2-jssmXLZhbOVnRtXOFi1cvPcM6Md8ekBsFFCIHDUVEXvl4xIZZYYLos_lwf46XIDX34lqmFMLAC7rK-rKpBywoyLQXEYRa0cQjSHM130ITXzMorQIiYZ2uwSJChsuJ/s1600/windinghouse_01.jpg"><img border="0" class="plain" width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbtV3REy56HvdC2-jssmXLZhbOVnRtXOFi1cvPcM6Md8ekBsFFCIHDUVEXvl4xIZZYYLos_lwf46XIDX34lqmFMLAC7rK-rKpBywoyLQXEYRa0cQjSHM130ITXzMorQIiYZ2uwSJChsuJ/s320/windinghouse_01.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="display-text">Travel a short distance down the High Street through Fleur de Lis to Ford Road where you will turn left and then IMMEDIATELY turn right onto a small lane. At the end of the lane there is an entrance onto a walking/cycling path. Follow this route through the woods and down another short lane to A469. Turn left and then right into the car park at the entrance to the nature reserve. At the back of the car park is the entrance to <a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-468" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">NCN Route 468</a>.</span>
<div class="photo-spacer" style="margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHAAGK5Oty4kj8SSlokTnY4y7PGaxFkZLJ7oY73ElZCIHYVzpQJCXCI6XflXz_vytRLDQu1fql0ngBbzQy3skm_KlcaDHECqtLLkm3CaMLw7Yw2tMKkoPbYSshhGt0EyllqZY6he45DU/s1600/Ribbet"><img border="0" class="plain" width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHAAGK5Oty4kj8SSlokTnY4y7PGaxFkZLJ7oY73ElZCIHYVzpQJCXCI6XflXz_vytRLDQu1fql0ngBbzQy3skm_KlcaDHECqtLLkm3CaMLw7Yw2tMKkoPbYSshhGt0EyllqZY6he45DU/s320/Ribbet" /></a></div>
<span class="display-text">This section of the ride will follow NCN Route 468 through the nature reserve to Bargoed where you will exit the park just below a petrol station and busy roundabout. Follow the path around the petrol station heading left up a slight hill toward the town centre. At the next roundabout and across from the bus station is a car park. Go through the left side of the car park to find the route turns and descends through a series of zig-zags and re-crosses the Rhymney River. Turn left on the other side of the bridge and follow the path up to Bedwelty Road (B4511). Turn right and continue a very short distance up a hill to a small lane on your left. At the back of this lane NCN 468 continues into the woods along a lovely traffic-free path.
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Exiting the woods you will find yourself along side Queens's Road just above New Tredegar. From here you can see the Winding House ahead on the hill. Ride down the very wide and safe traffic-free cycle path down the hill toward New Tredegar and the Winding House Museum. It's that easy. The return trip is exactly as you came.
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The approximate travel time is 3 to 4 hours (including a brief stop and tour of the <a href="https://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/windinghouse/content/welcome" target="new"><b>Winding House Museum</b></a>.)</span>
<hr class="minor" />
<div class="subhead">The Winding House</div>
<span class="display-text">This fascinating museum in Caerphilly County Borough is built directly on the the former site of Elliot Colliery. The centre piece of the museum is the original winding engine dating back to the Victorian Era which was used to haul men and coal between the surface and the mine below.</span>
<div class="photo-spacer" style="margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6HSFtifY60yVRnwkc1podll3mzbIG3afvWziUJh5qgOWLDwzT5HhqS_C38omZm7kh6c9Ef1ngFzLKYSsoOXhyAMTaNrBHCqMYJV4lr8hqBG0pxMmkwj-dsDc2d5MdFvPakFUBIAr3s4A/s1600/windinghouse_03.jpg"><img border="0"class="plain" width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6HSFtifY60yVRnwkc1podll3mzbIG3afvWziUJh5qgOWLDwzT5HhqS_C38omZm7kh6c9Ef1ngFzLKYSsoOXhyAMTaNrBHCqMYJV4lr8hqBG0pxMmkwj-dsDc2d5MdFvPakFUBIAr3s4A/s1600/windinghouse_03.jpg"/></a></div>
<span class="display-text">Exhibitions in the museum run year-round and include historical objects focusing on the lives and culture of the Valleys of Wales. Some of the unique artifacts include personal photographic displays of people and architecture from the area.
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Additionally, the museum hosts a gift shop, a coffee shop, and a heritage research centre.
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The Winding House Museum was voted one of the top 10 museums in Wales and judged to be one of the top 20 family-friendly museums in all of Britain.</span>
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<div class="subhead" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Additional Details</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="margin-top: 20px;"><b>Parking:</b> All of the routes outlined here begin and end at either train stations or parks, so there is generally ample parking. Some locations may charge a daily or hourly fee.</div>
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<span class="name">Hengoed Station</span>
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<div class="sm-text" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><b>Trains:</b> 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.</div>
<a href="https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/HNG.aspx" target="new"><img alt="" border="0" class="blank" width="300px" data-original-height="171" data-original-width="511" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SEby4QxyIKjp809fygYuY3HWJcmmyzzhG2OakwD9PZch-hzrrUy2RWDZzXQtGkXtUlDphiuy58vviZ3osdTnZjTQ9hOjBi5Yj_j75rBEWM1_VVlgvkJMs2BTL2uRkFp4Ij2wuS1HmwE/s0/National-Rail-Enquiries-Station-facilities-for-Hengoed.png"/></a></div>
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<div class="sm-text" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><b>Weather:</b> This is Wales! The weather often changes quickly - especially as you reach higher elevations. Check the weather before you leave!</div>
<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2647108" target="new"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqTy9OFPDc8fmaANv3aZ1tnMJWGXJQZ82lX5EiFsdcZCUCcx0BlHxhSYVIX0neXbQ3quW11VUqNs3wq1dbwRCNc4D9q1Rbftagx6CPsaOz5-NaYrPGavLcuR31d4iRdXBglu4k7hW6Lo/s1600/BBC+Weather_blank.png" class="blank" width="300" height="" data-original-width="468" data-original-height="158" /></a></div>
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<td width="34" align="middle" valign="middle"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRPZqPNu1Zg45mJRv5jJ692t3rH_UKQdtnI1mDL93vAN69gYm565fIpLtsHyZdZJ2h8rQ6tRiEieInmF2WiINlW_FgBGl7LCNIU679DN5YKxhJgUHZ4HBCbMIIBqueShkQ5u9CT3ZjG-a/s1600/icon_links.jpg" class="blank" width="26" height="25" data-original-width="26" data-original-height="27" /></td>
<td width="170" align="left"><span class="bannerhead"> Relevant Links:</span></td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" valign="middle">
<ul class="plain-text" style="line-height: 30px; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<li><a href="https://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/windinghouse/content/welcome" target="new">The Winding House</a></li>
<li><a href="https://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/windinghouse/explore-history/history-elliot-colliery#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20first%20of,Elliot%20Colliery%20had%202%20shafts." target="_blank">Elliot Colliery</a></li>
<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Tredegar" target="_blank">New Tredegar</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/HNG.aspx" target="_blank">Hengoed Train Station</a></li>
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<a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/?location=Wales&routetype=null&distance=null&p=1" target="new">
<div class="card" style="padding: 10px;">
<span class="name">Find a Route</span>
<div><img style="float: left;" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuX7gOJSnaYcy7RD4qfQD0pRw-BAIRU-AYfRGPuQIfmyiUntaZ7DM8CJRzNkUoC-hRZiuPnYqxN2YqrDmDy-40GuCsxoN9gyTeJJ5xYmkz2k6q1JRJNXOJr6iEdXbQrD0DwGKFp5XDKk/s1600/NCNsign-sustrans-logo-323x81.png" class="blank" width="240px" data-original-width="323" data-original-height="81" /></div>
<div class="sm-text" style="margin-top: 70px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Visit the Sustrans website for more <br />details on the routes of the National Cycle Network.</i></div></a>
</div>
<hr class="main" style="width: 240px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"/>
<a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-468/" target="new">
<div class="card" style="overflow: auto; display: block; padding: 10px;">
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;"><img border="0" class="blank" width="80" heigh="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8VlOVuTVMh7ZE0jFOzbnvAe_zSpIbJIDfJsY887YrCgLmtOO7hOY6pCrmA18AL_UCbeXMD4OJgkBcjiu56I1B-8Xf-qj3Qvz5J7eFQfmnpgqoEXuxJP_CllJKU6vR8XrN4HzX6fXup4/s0/route-468-os-maps.png" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="450" /></div>
<div class="name">NCN Route 468</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="letter-spacing: -.5px; line-height: 18px;">Hengoed - New Tredegar</div></a>
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<div align="left" style="margin: 10px;">
<div class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Map & Cue Sheet</div>
<div class="sm-text" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><i>provided by:</i></div></div>
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/121MLis3efeBifK0VlJv7_yC4JTZPpPZO/view?usp=sharing" target="new">
<div class="card" style="padding: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<img border="0" class="blank" width="230" data-original-height="109" data-original-width="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPj9EGL7C82QZKxkzaNRHSPE6lIYBALB6xQOpnYMCb_XujXoXvAtlLKurZSlai5Eww-s64M2mF_4QxXd9ND981hPcS3RuINhsmQ-v9PNIjhivldVmaJzWME9G7zZ_jzSYhVOlgG7wKvhbN/s0/rwgps-logo-horiz.png"/><div style="margin-top:6px;"><img border="0" class="blank" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIWMmLgBGmBIZPs1YPVIFOW32WFCNTmulN7IDswA1_bo-duRQzmoZZflyYXf1xJzOmqLqz-UCNeBX7yyAc2_CHWecRjk6FMej06ZQTt1JfqN4BamM8L8yjUXS46vXVCudlhtsfBqoF5c/s0/The+Winding+House+Heritage+Route+-+download-image-map.png" /></div></div></a>
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<div class="sm-text"><b>Disclaimer of Liability.</b> Bike Wales™ and everyone associated with this website/blog accept no responsibility for the condition of the routes discussed. These are simply "suggested" routes of the National Cycle Network which, under some instances may be combined into longer rides. All photographs are taken from the actual route(s) by Bike Wales™ and represent the condition of the route(s) at that time. Any actions taken from reading the content herein, is solely the responsibility of the user(s).</div>
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<div align="center" class="details" style="clear: left; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="#top">▲ Back to top</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513103145869967509.post-63879475508655044152021-05-01T16:19:00.042+01:002021-08-31T09:05:30.083+01:00oops!<div class="deck">This page has been updated! Please visit <a href="https://bikewalesroutes-home.blogspot.com/2021/01/heritage-series-guardian.html">The Guardian</a> to view the latest version of this route. </div>
<!-- <div class="photo-spacer" style="margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh914mv6JIOixSRMionGgH8FjxRUUgscxdhy25ne3I3jRfQ7cKxpWgLeb2nCTufkXkVw-_fZLoE0lCFGZRbyhBRugnywdGd_QjQ_KC0A62CI6XVZKcGeYm9r9ie_yZJxuOW8UcV8YI4sr4/s1189/IMG_2334_new2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" class="plain" width="100%" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh914mv6JIOixSRMionGgH8FjxRUUgscxdhy25ne3I3jRfQ7cKxpWgLeb2nCTufkXkVw-_fZLoE0lCFGZRbyhBRugnywdGd_QjQ_KC0A62CI6XVZKcGeYm9r9ie_yZJxuOW8UcV8YI4sr4/s600/IMG_2334_new2.jpg"/></a></div>
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<!--------------------------------- OVERVIEW --------------------------------------->
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<div class="subhead" style="margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">Overview - The Guardian</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="margin-left:20px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 30px;">
<span class="event-details">Location:</span> Llanhilleth - Six Bells
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<span class="event-details">Distance:</span> 5.1 miles (round-trip)
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<span class="event-details">Elevation:</span> +263 ft / -266 ft
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<span class="event-details">Travel Time:</span> 2 - 3 hours
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<span class="event-details">Ride Level:</span> Beginner
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<span class="display-text">This route is easily accessible as it begins and ends at the <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Llanhilleth,+Abertillery,+Blaenau+Gwent+NP13/@51.7003016,-3.1351955,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x486e2096d0881a91:0x35764856ca481035?hl=en"><b>Llanhilleth Train Station</b></a>. Bikes can be placed on trains during weekends and off-peak hours Mon-Fri without reservations. The ride north from Cardiff Central Station takes approximately 45 mins.</span>
<div class="plain-text" style="margin-top: 30px;"><i><b>Note: </b>Relevant links, individual NCN Route maps, an overall Map & Cue Sheet for download, as well as local train information and weather links are located at the bottom of this page.</i></div>
<div align="center" class="plain-text" style="margin-top: 30px;"><a href="#details">Go to Additional Details ▼</a></div>
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<td width="170"><b>ROUTE COLOUR KEY:</b></td>
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<td width="90"> Traffic-free</td>
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<td width="90"> Quiet Road</td>
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<td width="90"> Shared Use</td>
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<td width="90"> Steep Hill</td>
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<td width="50"><span class="NCNname">NCN</span></td>
<td width="40"><span class="NCNnum">465</span></td>
<td align="left"><img alt="" border="0" class="blank" data-original-height="32" data-original-width="56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywQk2w6vhowULsK8HCUOjH3qnWJTMJNdW-VLxePFrHauTQiUEfCPli-msFg8A8OQlW5U6JZRN235tG25RK1PEsmk-cY4GZw8iEu2r3hCeq1WGWFTLz5LGM3DdmnUrZzY41aRqVri65kI/s0/ncn-sign-B.png"/></td>
<td><span class="subhead"> Llanhilleth - Six Bells</span></td>
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<span class="display-text">This route is designed specifically to utilize <a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-465" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">NCN Route 465</a> of the <a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/national-cycle-network" target="new">National Cycle Network</a>. The route is very quiet with very little traffic.
<div class="photo-spacer" style="margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtyV3UWbLcX0-zyMYenV36nfKb5p0aGZd8No_pGFDsIbs-EDTHfaCu42sxaxAgJEPLcwCtvqOkmWD6855WgvtXq_21RaFlGtxhp_OkYv3NxpcTWRkFy0sDRQC2F1-05_h23hsv9OGjms/s1600/IMG_2315.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" class="plain" width="600" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtyV3UWbLcX0-zyMYenV36nfKb5p0aGZd8No_pGFDsIbs-EDTHfaCu42sxaxAgJEPLcwCtvqOkmWD6855WgvtXq_21RaFlGtxhp_OkYv3NxpcTWRkFy0sDRQC2F1-05_h23hsv9OGjms/s600/IMG_2315.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="display-text">The first mile begins on quiet lanes that snake through the neighborhoods of Llanhilleth and Aberbeeg. The second mile moves into a lovely wooded section that runs along a repurposed railroad line that takes you straight up to Six Bells and the monument.
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As you approach, you can begin to see the top of the monument through the trees on your left. Soon you will find a lovely park for picnics with a charming heritage centre across the road with restrooms and cafe. (note: all of which are managed by a staff of volunteers!)</span>
<div class="photo-spacer" style="margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithyphenhyphen93lq50pYdxU6ZTIO9KKNURaDNHkxSAH6BE7ggSxDnAkH86d_AMvDT2hv-tgUgwNar9fmm_aKcyv6jcv4__XpfW4celd-4Y-6nZH20l_5l5g8ZCfraegMzGdr7qT041Ew8HhezIVUOx/s0/IMG_2312.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" class="plain" width="600" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithyphenhyphen93lq50pYdxU6ZTIO9KKNURaDNHkxSAH6BE7ggSxDnAkH86d_AMvDT2hv-tgUgwNar9fmm_aKcyv6jcv4__XpfW4celd-4Y-6nZH20l_5l5g8ZCfraegMzGdr7qT041Ew8HhezIVUOx/s0/IMG_2312.jpg"/></a></div>
<span class="display-text">The entire route is virtually flat and suitable for cyclists of all ages and skills. The approximate travel time is 2 to 3 hours (which could be longer depending on how much time you spend lingering in the Heritage Centre or just meandering around.)</span>
<div class="photo-spacer" style="margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HT3iG9pVQISgy0FLERYeF2ktiYr17XlEs9Brbxqefk3PjH0EDN_poyDMtr3ENd_nDZdq__LFxmCYHuQVR_6jM_fLsUNMhkbHvngtZEc4BsveeGNw45wR-O7_Fna3Fp3Z5JPALyuLOk4/s1600/20200313_105618_new.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" class="plain" width="100%" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HT3iG9pVQISgy0FLERYeF2ktiYr17XlEs9Brbxqefk3PjH0EDN_poyDMtr3ENd_nDZdq__LFxmCYHuQVR_6jM_fLsUNMhkbHvngtZEc4BsveeGNw45wR-O7_Fna3Fp3Z5JPALyuLOk4/s600/20200313_105618_new.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="photo-spacer" style="margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lpMz-MpmsNxAOQnH3Fp4WTPanzowlluvBJ0z3AXQIho1a_FOpXDpovGZRnZnSjqIDNgaFlfaKGoVk2KxUWpVuv3yq78JoV0DqIp2CAymauEaiqp7V99KEnHqje5bqXil6yBmg_lTtr0l/s2985/IMG_7871-7872_new.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" class="plain" width="100%" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="2985" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lpMz-MpmsNxAOQnH3Fp4WTPanzowlluvBJ0z3AXQIho1a_FOpXDpovGZRnZnSjqIDNgaFlfaKGoVk2KxUWpVuv3yq78JoV0DqIp2CAymauEaiqp7V99KEnHqje5bqXil6yBmg_lTtr0l/s600/IMG_7871-7872_new.jpg"/></a></div>
<span class="display-text">It is surprising to experience the power this sculpture evokes when standing along side and looking across the valley. Everyone in Wales should make the effort to see this magnificent tribute to the 45 coalminers who lost their lives at Six Bells in 1960.</span>
<div class="photo-spacer" style="margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnm07x0RQ1XA6_pfFOM2nJSo8U1qh08pWjSp_-6mnoKCsGFF2RVVhLC7JRHiAXj6ZvdGS0jBvU1bUOtMC_Cje5jWlsiCFqGJZbAR97g6RnJSEB-fOj0C65CiHag8UatB0Ao3obCl-yQQ/s1200/IMG_2341-2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" class="plain" width="90%" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnm07x0RQ1XA6_pfFOM2nJSo8U1qh08pWjSp_-6mnoKCsGFF2RVVhLC7JRHiAXj6ZvdGS0jBvU1bUOtMC_Cje5jWlsiCFqGJZbAR97g6RnJSEB-fOj0C65CiHag8UatB0Ao3obCl-yQQ/s600/IMG_2341-2.jpg"/></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<table cellpadding="0px" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;">
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<td width="50"><span class="NCNname">NCN</span></td>
<td width="40"><span class="NCNnum">465</span></td>
<td align="left"><img alt="" border="0" class="blank" data-original-height="32" data-original-width="56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywQk2w6vhowULsK8HCUOjH3qnWJTMJNdW-VLxePFrHauTQiUEfCPli-msFg8A8OQlW5U6JZRN235tG25RK1PEsmk-cY4GZw8iEu2r3hCeq1WGWFTLz5LGM3DdmnUrZzY41aRqVri65kI/s0/ncn-sign-B.png"/></td>
<td><span class="subhead"> Six Bells - Llanhilleth</span></td>
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</table></div>
<span class="display-text">The return route is exactly as you came. Simples.
<!------------------------ BEGIN ADDITIONAL DETAILS
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<div class="subhead" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Additional Details</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="margin-top: 20px;"><b>Parking:</b> All of the routes outlined here begin and end at either train stations or parks, so there is generally ample parking. Some locations may charge a daily or hourly fee.</div>
<div style="float: left; border: 0px solid #000; padding-right: 20px; width: 340px; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom 30px; ">
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<span class="name">Llanhilleth Station</span>
<!----- BEGIN TRAIN STATION LINK
<div class="card" style="padding:10px; width: 320px; text-align: left; margin-left: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<div class="sm-text" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><b>Trains:</b> 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.</div>
<a href="https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/LTH.aspx" target="new"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GAU-koVnad5ruLtW9BnjYdsY2tzlUt-_RIWj59cFy8XUcraH_g8nZJ2zq3HCLGybH8Kes4XE56JySU6X-0EFYDJaR4ntuGMULFh-Bu5JBbU-_i3orFAoSKfFE9tGyBVcnLaxTlLYJG0/s0/National-Rail-Enquiries-Station-facilities-for-Llanhilleth.png" class="blank" width="300" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="517" /></a></div>
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<!----- BEGIN BBC WEATHER LINK
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<div class="sm-text" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><b>Weather:</b> This is Wales! The weather often changes quickly - especially as you reach higher elevations. Check the weather before you leave!</div>
<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2640106" target="new"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqTy9OFPDc8fmaANv3aZ1tnMJWGXJQZ82lX5EiFsdcZCUCcx0BlHxhSYVIX0neXbQ3quW11VUqNs3wq1dbwRCNc4D9q1Rbftagx6CPsaOz5-NaYrPGavLcuR31d4iRdXBglu4k7hW6Lo/s1600/BBC+Weather_blank.png" class="blank" width="300" height="" data-original-width="468" data-original-height="158" /></a></div>
<!----- END BBC WEATHER LINK
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<!----- BEGIN RELEVANT LINKS TABLE -
<table style="margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px;" width="340" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor="#f2f2e3">
<tr height="32" bgcolor="#000">
<td width="34" align="middle" valign="middle"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRPZqPNu1Zg45mJRv5jJ692t3rH_UKQdtnI1mDL93vAN69gYm565fIpLtsHyZdZJ2h8rQ6tRiEieInmF2WiINlW_FgBGl7LCNIU679DN5YKxhJgUHZ4HBCbMIIBqueShkQ5u9CT3ZjG-a/s1600/icon_links.jpg" class="blank" width="26" height="25" data-original-width="26" data-original-height="27" /></td>
<td width="170" align="left"><span class="bannerhead"> Relevant Links:</span></td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" valign="middle">
<ul class="plain-text" style="line-height: 30px; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTyEbbwFach" target="_blank">Ty Ebbw Fach</a></li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Bells_Colliery" target="_blank">Six Bells Colliery</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/" target="_blank">Blaenau-Gwent County Borough</a></li>
</ul></td>
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</table>
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</div>
<!----- BEGIN DOWNLOAD MAP & CUESHEET
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<div class="box-right" style="padding: 10px; width: 310px;">
<div align="left" style="margin: 10px;">
<div class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Map & Cue Sheet</div>
<div class="sm-text" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><i>provided by:</i></div></div>
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gpveAdxOydBjapFbg7TnEIbkO42qWCZH/view?usp=sharing" target="new">
<div align="center" class="card" style="padding: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<img border="0" class="blank" width="250" data-original-height="109" data-original-width="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPj9EGL7C82QZKxkzaNRHSPE6lIYBALB6xQOpnYMCb_XujXoXvAtlLKurZSlai5Eww-s64M2mF_4QxXd9ND981hPcS3RuINhsmQ-v9PNIjhivldVmaJzWME9G7zZ_jzSYhVOlgG7wKvhbN/s0/rwgps-logo-horiz.png"/><div style="margin-top:6px;"><img border="0" width="265" class="blank" data-original-height="121" data-original-width="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SHUBrp5KOn56OPlmRslSLtg110GEthEfsX2dJ81dKOTcJU_R6KaXD1RwbCGT_HDuY5YOH44HtYMaNouz6A6DzaFLtf81biSf7PJF2UOaDQDBAMOyxGkKsyHmEyXs2hF24JiOCYgDpHKl/s0/The+Guardian+map+-+for+download.png" /></div></div></a>
</div>
</div>
<!----- END DOWNLOAD MAP & CUESHEET
<br style="clear: right;" />
<!------------ SUSTRANS ROUTES BOX
<div style="float: right; border: 0px solid #000; margin-left: 10px; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; width: 300px;">
<div class="box-right" style="padding: 10px; width: 280px;">
<a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/?location=Wales&routetype=null&distance=null&p=1" target="new">
<div class="card" style="padding: 10px;">
<span class="name">Find a Route</span>
<div><img style="float: left;" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuX7gOJSnaYcy7RD4qfQD0pRw-BAIRU-AYfRGPuQIfmyiUntaZ7DM8CJRzNkUoC-hRZiuPnYqxN2YqrDmDy-40GuCsxoN9gyTeJJ5xYmkz2k6q1JRJNXOJr6iEdXbQrD0DwGKFp5XDKk/s1600/NCNsign-sustrans-logo-323x81.png" class="blank" width="240px" data-original-width="323" data-original-height="81" /></div>
<div class="sm-text" style="margin-top: 70px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Visit the Sustrans website for more <br />details on the routes of the National Cycle Network.</i></div></a>
</div>
<hr class="main" style="width: 240px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"/>
<a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-465/" target="new">
<div class="card" style="overflow: auto; display: block; padding: 10px;">
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;"><img border="0" class="blank" width="80" heigh="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSY76B_Tm52O5ZLXg_IC93gIgA9BPmYZzBvEEo03SMQmYPkztmvxHbWkNWOws2igAQB4yIug12vf60Q1BRBNv0IYFl000z7q0fEjcnGAmZ-qaQUxvlYO4rtDM_3sA4TgQGIO7dxujW-hb6/s1600/route-465-os-maps.jpg" data-original-width="348" data-original-width="348" data-original-height="350" /></div>
<div class="name">NCN Route 465</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="letter-spacing: -0px; line-height: 18px;">Llanhilleth - Six Bells</div></a>
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<!----------- END SUSTRANS ROUTES BOX
<hr class="main" style="margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px;" />
<div class="sm-text"><b>Disclaimer of Liability.</b> Bike Wales™ and everyone associated with this website/blog accept no responsibility for the condition of the routes discussed. These are simply "suggested" routes of the National Cycle Network which, under some instances may be combined into longer rides. All photographs are taken from the actual route(s) by Bike Wales™ and represent the condition of the route(s) at that time. Any actions taken from reading the content herein, is solely the responsibility of the user(s).</div>
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<hr class="main" style="margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px;" />
<div align="center" class="details" style="clear: left; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="#top">▲ Back to top</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513103145869967509.post-2696911102668412532021-05-01T08:33:00.028+01:002021-11-10T20:31:57.760+00:00FAMILY SERIESRiverside Park<div class="deck" style="margin-top: 20px;">This lovely little gem starts in the heart of Caerphilly and follows the Celtic Trail (NCN Route 4) for three miles. The route provides an excellent afternoon adventure for families and beginners alike.</div>
<div class="separator" align="center" style="margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 30px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5_qkQoFth2aXhAm9UvKBKNrlLWHyeB4Tj9_KPzlPbcp6EW8u12wpjAhg9x6j6rH7Twz6UGAdy9KM6DvTBx6oRZi5o_b0oR5qDh41CTPI8ape6P59BGJvoNJstM4Ycs7HXMYJ_TJBuj4/s1600/photo.jpg"><img class="plain" border="0" width="100%" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5_qkQoFth2aXhAm9UvKBKNrlLWHyeB4Tj9_KPzlPbcp6EW8u12wpjAhg9x6j6rH7Twz6UGAdy9KM6DvTBx6oRZi5o_b0oR5qDh41CTPI8ape6P59BGJvoNJstM4Ycs7HXMYJ_TJBuj4/s1600/photo.jpg"></a></div>
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<!--------------------------------- OVERVIEW --------------------------------------->
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<hr class="minor" style="margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px;" id="overview" />
<div class="subhead" style="margin-top: 40px;">Overview - Riverside Park</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="margin-left:20px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 30px;">
<span class="event-details">Location:</span> Caerphilly to Bedwas
<br />
<span class="event-details">Distance:</span> 6.2 miles (round-trip)
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<span class="event-details">Approximate Travel Time:</span> 1.5 - 2 hours
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<span class="event-details">Elevation:</span> + 164 / - 164 ft
<br />
<span class="event-details">Ride Level:</span> Beginner
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<!--- END OVERVIEW --->
<div class="display-text">This ride is virtually flat and traffic-free following well-marked lanes and pavements. Yet it does include one very small <i>incline</i> for those "afraid of hills". There is also a brief section along a quiet lane with limited traffic which can be useful to introduce "riding on the road" for inexperienced riders.</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center; margin-top: 40px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="700px" src="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/2514470/embed" width="100%"></iframe></div>
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<td width="170"><b>ROUTE COLOUR KEY:</b></td>
<td bgcolor="ltgreen" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="90"> Traffic-free</td>
<td bgcolor="blue" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="90"> Shared Use</td>
<td bgcolor="red" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="90"> Quiet Road</td>
<td bgcolor="black" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="90"> Steep Hill</td>
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<div class="display-text">The beauty of this ride is that you primarily cycle along paths which wind quietly through neighbourhoods and parks with very little worry of cars. There are a few road crossings to navigate, as well as a short section along a quiet lane. But this is a perfect beginner ride; not too long, yet excellent for teaching both children and those new to cycling. By the way... did we say how lovely it is?</div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0NSmx_aDuJ5Qzv7yokrR2NrW1WhF_yPI8AGN-bR98oYsfXwHoC1vZqaWnxolMFkOYGK0e-BqjFPYCmBT6qEdsQAgSYDFB_EUuFgSnZjQJJ7zRk5GMZHIKzisnEuFiUaL3ONzNoQidq0/s1600/photo.jpg"><img class="plain" border="0" width="100%" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0NSmx_aDuJ5Qzv7yokrR2NrW1WhF_yPI8AGN-bR98oYsfXwHoC1vZqaWnxolMFkOYGK0e-BqjFPYCmBT6qEdsQAgSYDFB_EUuFgSnZjQJJ7zRk5GMZHIKzisnEuFiUaL3ONzNoQidq0/s1600/photo.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="display-text">The route outlined begins and ends at the <a href="http://www.visitcaerphilly.com/destination-directory/visitor-attractions-country-parks/visit-caerphilly-centre/" target="new">Caerphilly Visitor Centre</a>. The majority of the ride is on walking & cycling paths which follows a short section of NCN Route 4 (the Celtic Trail) through Bedwas to Riverside Park and back. The overall travel time is 1 to 1 1/2 hours (excluding time parked along the river having lunch, gazing across the countryside, or daydreaming as to why you haven't done this before...).</div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-N2aZIvaB0Lds0CroITuotkRMRelLK3nNgmKsBKeqVjwmZHWh97f_3o_PvggIgqOUV1GfNI_1i-ydgjifJ0jBCjpAJYBr7iwVKbArr2qON22jjYdBKyq_Y4kM-Wv6PSbuWSPrybENU4/s1600/photo.jpg"><img class="plain" border="0" width="100%" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-N2aZIvaB0Lds0CroITuotkRMRelLK3nNgmKsBKeqVjwmZHWh97f_3o_PvggIgqOUV1GfNI_1i-ydgjifJ0jBCjpAJYBr7iwVKbArr2qON22jjYdBKyq_Y4kM-Wv6PSbuWSPrybENU4/s1600/photo.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="display-text">If you enjoy exploring, <a href="http://www.fieldsintrust.org/Riverside-Park---Bedwas" target="new">Riverside Park</a> is the place for you! There are small ponds full of creepy-crawlies to hunt, interesting sculpture to discover, as well as birds, plants, and an assortment of wild critters waiting to be found. Along the way you'll snake through wide, open green fields, glide over cool bridges, and cruise under thick canopies of lush trees.</div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjUGuAHzsL2t6IaByAWxo7sbqd_KVw9H5MdzCB4eVjP6XX8sWt3UYoR1g1_0MTuyr7AqAXrehi3cpMG9lKJJAWgnvE__quLfJH7nFnW9Ii0G2FU4osDPSrmT7hiQ6bGNC1tEz4CCFPI4/s1600/20130624_091656.jpg"><img class="plain" border="0" width="100%" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjUGuAHzsL2t6IaByAWxo7sbqd_KVw9H5MdzCB4eVjP6XX8sWt3UYoR1g1_0MTuyr7AqAXrehi3cpMG9lKJJAWgnvE__quLfJH7nFnW9Ii0G2FU4osDPSrmT7hiQ6bGNC1tEz4CCFPI4/s1600/20130624_091656.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hnDSkjrtys5ZTWPKHCzpkf9cow_YjPCYZ2nApY3_MdGOIQUcA38ijGfWS9-GayfvH8tBeO9eKLwGDCBlobDw4V4b6qjq1sy8M470vm7TAiG4gxGRr1Bm1aqnpyMmf8U072AurU_I-6g/s1600/20130624_092619.jpg"><img class="plain" border="0" width="100%" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hnDSkjrtys5ZTWPKHCzpkf9cow_YjPCYZ2nApY3_MdGOIQUcA38ijGfWS9-GayfvH8tBeO9eKLwGDCBlobDw4V4b6qjq1sy8M470vm7TAiG4gxGRr1Bm1aqnpyMmf8U072AurU_I-6g/s1600/20130624_092619.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="display-text">Sure you can take your bikes on the train! (Just avoid rush hour...) <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Nh8yuUz7ZND2" target="new">Caerphilly Train Station</a> is just a few blocks south of the Visitor Centre. It's a fairly easy ride down the High Street... of course, you could also choose to leisurely stroll your bikes along the pavement and peek in all the shops along the way. :)</div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFk1ngtZkq-WvHyEQ3dr7xNDUzyqdIy8Czjj6JsM905oNBzZgg1jsVbo-wd07v5t40b78J2TBF_wfgouAet860AfWzh1J9HdAbPvNQbQvSUz1AaIFLKoVxRtzMkj44Lodz8Do0tD-EuXM/s1600/photo.jpg"><img class="plain" border="0" width="100%" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFk1ngtZkq-WvHyEQ3dr7xNDUzyqdIy8Czjj6JsM905oNBzZgg1jsVbo-wd07v5t40b78J2TBF_wfgouAet860AfWzh1J9HdAbPvNQbQvSUz1AaIFLKoVxRtzMkj44Lodz8Do0tD-EuXM/s1600/photo.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="display-text">Go on! Load the bikes on the car. There is ample parking by the Visitor Centre, as well as along the many small neighbourhood roads which surround the town centre.</div>
<div class="display-text">So grab the bikes, pack a picnic lunch, tell the kids you're going on adventure! What better way to spend the afternoon than riding your bicycle through the open air?</div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjYs30OFC_a7iyysSHNBqXwPe65tLxIkskSrrIdbhtCjWZslkRgi7NKYkF92_-2iKHtJ6SJJ8R8GE63Cmp52l9aT6N3SllzIQ2qhCWJQnB-lL8ubGSXa01f7zdgyN8DtiJ_Mf-q2csfc/s1600/photo.jpg"><img class="plain" border="0" width="100%" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjYs30OFC_a7iyysSHNBqXwPe65tLxIkskSrrIdbhtCjWZslkRgi7NKYkF92_-2iKHtJ6SJJ8R8GE63Cmp52l9aT6N3SllzIQ2qhCWJQnB-lL8ubGSXa01f7zdgyN8DtiJ_Mf-q2csfc/s1600/photo.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="photo-spacer"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJREKXfiQFBogXoPmeSEi83NO7ONIy0MMALOdwoCwQtnjQJQzFMLT-S3orkMlIYoFRK_8ijK7aBO2xsXG-q0zUnFFen37h0HUMDZ77D40HGTFo1-eVrabcGfgguiEX6hR9oWZG6aM2Ak/s1600/20130624_091933.jpg"><img class="plain" border="0" width="100%" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJREKXfiQFBogXoPmeSEi83NO7ONIy0MMALOdwoCwQtnjQJQzFMLT-S3orkMlIYoFRK_8ijK7aBO2xsXG-q0zUnFFen37h0HUMDZ77D40HGTFo1-eVrabcGfgguiEX6hR9oWZG6aM2Ak/s1600/20130624_091933.jpg"></a></div>
<!------------------------ BEGIN Caerphilly ADDITIONAL DETAILS ------------------------------>
<hr id="details" class="main" />
<div class="subhead" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Additional Details</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="margin-top: 20px;"><b>Parking:</b> All of the routes outlined here begin and end at either train stations or parks, so there is generally ample parking. Some locations may charge a daily or hourly fee.</div>
<div style="float: left; border: 0px solid #000; padding-right: 20px; width: 340px; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom 30px; ">
<div class="box-left" style="border: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 340px;">
<span class="name">Caerphilly Station</span>
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<div class="card" style="padding:10px; width: 320px; text-align: left;">
<div class="sm-text" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><b>Trains:</b> 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.</div>
<a href="https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/CPH.aspx" target="new"><img alt="" border="0" class="blank" width="300px" data-original-height="171" data-original-width="511" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOB1rMbQd6zOgOout0tBWTqvkFuqfkVTBEGxghL9Q0QmrYMOtxb6or0ZeAMxxYEN_PW5AuovV5JaRuXapzyHFvgFf0E3lm0PEiV22V3a8DAA34x3y_IzTPRbMv8Zld2yz1DWTMzlc837Y/s0/National-Rail-Enquiries-Station-facilities-for-Caerphilly.png"/></a></div>
<!----- END TRAIN STATION LINK -------->
<!----- BEGIN BBC WEATHER LINK -------->
<div class="card" style="padding:10px; width: 320px; text-align: left;">
<div class="sm-text" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><b>Weather:</b> This is Wales! The weather often changes quickly - especially as you reach higher elevations. Check the weather before you leave!</div>
<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2654089" target="new"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqTy9OFPDc8fmaANv3aZ1tnMJWGXJQZ82lX5EiFsdcZCUCcx0BlHxhSYVIX0neXbQ3quW11VUqNs3wq1dbwRCNc4D9q1Rbftagx6CPsaOz5-NaYrPGavLcuR31d4iRdXBglu4k7hW6Lo/s1600/BBC+Weather_blank.png" class="blank" width="300" height="" data-original-width="468" data-original-height="158" /></a></div>
<!----- END BBC WEATHER LINK -------->
</div>
<!----- BEGIN RELEVANT LINKS TABLE --------->
<div style="margin-bottom: 30px;">
<table style="margin-top: 30px;" width="340" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor="#f2f2e3">
<tr height="32" bgcolor="#000">
<td width="34" align="middle" valign="middle"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRPZqPNu1Zg45mJRv5jJ692t3rH_UKQdtnI1mDL93vAN69gYm565fIpLtsHyZdZJ2h8rQ6tRiEieInmF2WiINlW_FgBGl7LCNIU679DN5YKxhJgUHZ4HBCbMIIBqueShkQ5u9CT3ZjG-a/s1600/icon_links.jpg" class="blank" width="26" height="25" data-original-width="26" data-original-height="27" /></td>
<td width="170" align="left"><span class="bannerhead"> Relevant Links:</span></td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" valign="middle">
<ul class="plain-text" style="line-height: 30px; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<li><a href="https://www.visitcaerphilly.com/" target="new">Caerphilly Visitor Centre</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.visitcaerphilly.com/caerphilly-castle/" target="new">Caerphilly Castle</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.fieldsintrust.org/FieldSite/Riverside-Park-Bedwas" target="new">Riverside Park</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g186459-Caerphilly_Caerphilly_County_South_Wales_Wales-Vacations.html" target="new">Trip Advisor: About Caerphilly</a></li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
<!----- END RELEVANT LINKS TABLE -------->
</div>
<!------------ FIND A ROUTE SUSTRANS ROUTES BOX ---------------->
<div style="float: right; border: 0px solid #000; margin-left: 20px; margin-top: 30px; width: 300px;">
<div class="box-right" style="padding: 10px; width: 280px;">
<a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/?location=Wales&routetype=null&distance=null&p=1" target="new">
<div class="card" style="padding: 10px;">
<span class="name">Find a Route</span>
<div><img style="float: left;" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuX7gOJSnaYcy7RD4qfQD0pRw-BAIRU-AYfRGPuQIfmyiUntaZ7DM8CJRzNkUoC-hRZiuPnYqxN2YqrDmDy-40GuCsxoN9gyTeJJ5xYmkz2k6q1JRJNXOJr6iEdXbQrD0DwGKFp5XDKk/s1600/NCNsign-sustrans-logo-323x81.png" class="blank" width="240px" data-original-width="323" data-original-height="81" /></div>
<div class="sm-text" style="margin-top: 70px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Visit the Sustrans website for more <br />details on the routes of the National Cycle Network.</i></div>
</div>
<hr class="main" style="width: 240px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"/>
<a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-4/" target="new">
<div class="card" style="overflow: auto; display: block; padding: 10px;">
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;"><img border="0" class="blank" width="80" heigh="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3EAdbnT5dyzyQTU60XXhbOEa91eugXSNSD3LpfVBE98peOWfSYxIjVNzTr0OLO-tIqDWKeWjsLm2bbyhyj9EmYTGJarmCNis8zsagMQfBiWQieD5TM7tkROxYRYnLt_fq2h6hdbve0-u/s1600/route-4-os-map.png"/></div>
<div class="name">NCN Route 4</div>
<div class="plain-text" style="letter-spacing: -0px; line-height: 18px;">Caerphilly - Riverside Park/Trethomas</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
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<br style="clear: right;" />
<!----- BEGIN DOWNLOAD MAP & CUESHEET -------->
<div style="float: right; border: 0px solid #000; margin-left: 20px; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px; width: 300px;">
<div class="box-right" style="padding: 10px; width: 280px;">
<div align="left" style="margin: 10px;">
<div class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Map & Cue Sheet</div>
<div class="sm-text" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><i>provided by:</i></div></div>
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EBA3srsIr5aDQaF4vyLqPcW9scvORx4X/view?usp=sharing" target="new">
<div class="card" style="padding: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<img border="0" class="blank" width="230" data-original-height="109" data-original-width="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPj9EGL7C82QZKxkzaNRHSPE6lIYBALB6xQOpnYMCb_XujXoXvAtlLKurZSlai5Eww-s64M2mF_4QxXd9ND981hPcS3RuINhsmQ-v9PNIjhivldVmaJzWME9G7zZ_jzSYhVOlgG7wKvhbN/s0/rwgps-logo-horiz.png"/>
<div style="margin-top:6px;"><img border="0" class="blank" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8-8fs0FPm9vdi9Y1kq7x5AFXvsgT94j_6nXCoXIcWT4xo4nAP_X6SGNGEs4duTDKO6VtKy5wjVykVhTouVus5uDegIlmg4mle0jqkWQpG3i4ssxD0jvNHtWJ-zgP6ako6yaOziwEGjA/s0/Riverside-Park-route-download-image-map.png" /></div></div></a>
</div>
</div>
<!----- END DOWNLOAD MAP & CUESHEET -------->
<hr class="main" style="margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px;" />
<div class="sm-text"><b>Disclaimer of Liability.</b> Bike Wales™ and everyone associated with this website/blog accept no responsibility for the condition of the routes discussed. These are simply "suggested" routes of the National Cycle Network which, under some instances may be combined into longer rides. All photographs are taken from the actual route(s) by Bike Wales™ and represent the condition of the route(s) at that time. Any actions taken from reading the content herein, is solely the responsibility of the user(s).</div>
<!----------- END END END END END END END END END END END END END END END END END END ------------->
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<div align="center" class="details" style="clear: left; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="#top">▲ Back to top</a></div>
muse kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323247214302767869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513103145869967509.post-24034284076767598412017-02-01T11:18:00.001+00:002021-08-11T20:29:56.969+01:00TOURING Black Mountains & Wye Valley<br />
<span class="event-details">Including:</span> <span class="event-details-B"><a href="http://www.royalforestofdean.info/wye-valley/symonds-yat.shtml" target="new"><b>Symonds Yat</b></a>, <a href="http://www.royalforestofdean.info/" target="new"><b>The Royal Forest of Dean</b></a>, and the <a href="https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network/monmouthshire-and-brecon-canal?gclid=CJTBuI-r9NECFVS4GwodIhQH2Q" target=new"><b>Monmouth & Brecon Canal</b></a></span>
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<span class="event-details">Total Distance:</span> <span class="event-details-B">116.4 miles</span>
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<span class="event-details">Travel Time:</span> <span class="event-details-B">4 Days / 3 Nights</span>
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<span class="event-details">Ride Level:</span> <span class="event-details-B">Advanced+</span>
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<span class="event-details-B" style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Details coming soon...</span>
<!-- <span class="subhead" style="color: #A1811D; font-size: 16px;">☞ UPCOMING EVENT</span>
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<span class="event-details">Cost of Event:</span> Each rider will cover costs of their food and accommodations
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<span class="event-details">Starting Date & Ending Date:</span> <span class="event-details-B" style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday - Saturday, 14 - 17 June 2017</span>
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<span class="event-details">Starting & End Locations:</span> <span class="event-details-B" style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Pontypool/Pontymoile Boat Basin</span>
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<span class="event-details">Contact:</span> <span class="event-details-B"><a href="mailto:bikewales99@gmail.com" target="new"><b>Bike Wales | Muse Kidd</b></a></span>
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<span class="subhead">Route Itinerary</span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="plain" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-top: 8px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-right: 18px;"border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ka6zMSLapKlFu55ggFRLE6HjRHSeOOs714qd-Ikv8iuZ5u_pRfQlxu_9LUJh4Mbm7dU_wR5I_lX3c22Y6Kwps95hQUUtkHFNkkMdkwCzHjar6C_nr5ngnuQlUPuSRlZlbDbcQXb0br26/s1600/bikewales_logo.jpg" width="95" height="95" /></div><span class="deck">This plan covers four days and three nights - divided into fairly equal distances for each day. As well as trying to make the trip as scenic as possible, I also try to focus the routes around traffic-free paths or quiet roads designated by the <a href="http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/national-cycle-network?gclid=Cj0KEQiAlsrFBRCAxcCB54XElLEBEiQA_ei0DCoIpatO1mM8VtEcASMMchIU657oVyoLKlHZtTNEdo0aAhiH8P8HAQ"><b>National Cycle Network</b></a>. </span>
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The first two days we'll be following quiet roads and NCN 423 north through Monmouth to Symonds Yat and then west on quiet roads across to Preston-on-Wye. The last two days we'll return using quiet roads to Crickhowell and then onto the lovely NCN 49 - ambling back along the Monmouth & Brecon Canal for the remainder of the ride to our start in Pontypool.
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<b>Please read my <a href="http://bikewalesroutes.blogspot.co.uk/p/multi-day-tours-overview.html" target="new">Multi-Day Tours Overview</b></a>.
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<span class="subhead" style="color: #A1811D; font-size: 16px;">Day 1: Pontypool to Symonds Yat</span>
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<span class="event-details">Departure Time:</span> 10:30 am
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<span class="event-details">Arrival Time:</span> 4:30 pm
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<span class="event-details">Distance:</span> 29 miles
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<span class="event-details">Campsite:</span> <a href="http://syecampsite.co.uk/" target="new"><b>Symonds Yat East Campsite</b></a>
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<td width="150" align="center"><b>ROUTE COLOUR KEY:</b> </td>
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<td width="70"> Traffic-free</td>
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<td width="70"> Shared Use</td>
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<td width="70"> Quiet Road</td>
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<td width="70"> Steep Hill</td>
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<span class="subhead" style="color: #A1811D; font-size: 16px;">Day 2: Symonds Yat to Preston-on-Wye</span>
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<span class="event-details">Departure Time:</span> 10:30 am
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<span class="event-details">Arrival Time:</span> 4:30 pm
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<span class="event-details">Distance:</span> 34.2 miles
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<span class="event-details">Campsite:</span> <span class="event-details-B"><a href="http://www.byecrosscampsite.co.uk/" target="new"><b>Byecross Farm Campsite</b></a></span>
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<td width="150" align="center"><b>ROUTE COLOUR KEY:</b> </td>
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<td width="70"> Traffic-free</td>
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<td width="70"> Shared Use</td>
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<td width="70"> Quiet Road</td>
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<span class="subhead" style="color: #A1811D; font-size: 16px;">Day 3: Preston-on-Wye to Crickhowell</span>
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<span class="event-details">Departure Time:</span> 10:30 am
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<span class="event-details">Arrival Time:</span> 4:30 pm
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<span class="event-details">Distance:</span> 34.5 miles
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<span class="event-details">Campsite:</span> <span class="event-details-B"><a href="http://www.parkfarm-campsite.co.uk/" target="new"><b>Park Farm Campsite</b></a></span>
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<td width="150" align="center"><b>ROUTE COLOUR KEY:</b> </td>
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<td width="70"> Traffic-free</td>
<td bgcolor="blue" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="70"> Shared Use</td>
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<td width="70"> Quiet Road</td>
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<td width="70"> Steep Hill</td>
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<span class="subhead" style="color: #A1811D; font-size: 16px;">Day 4: Crickhowell to Pontypool</span>
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<span class="event-details">Departure Time:</span> 10:30 am
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<span class="event-details">Arrival Time:</span> approx. 2:00 pm
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<span class="event-details">Distance:</span> 18.7 miles
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<span class="event-details">Campsite:</span> <span class="event-details-B">n/a</span>
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
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<td width="150" align="center"><b>ROUTE COLOUR KEY:</b> </td>
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<td width="70"> Traffic-free</td>
<td bgcolor="blue" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="70"> Shared Use</td>
<td bgcolor="red" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="70"> Quiet Road</td>
<td bgcolor="black" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="70"> Steep Hill</td>
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Write <b>NOTE:</b>
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And there ya have it... that's the ride. Come on and join us... it's gonna be a blast!
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<span class="subhead_sm">Additional Information and Resources:</span>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513103145869967509.post-18139352540835537222016-01-02T11:00:00.001+00:002021-08-11T20:28:43.541+01:00TOURING Cycle Across the Beacons<br />
<span class="event-details">Including:</span> <span class="event-details-B"><a href="https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network/monmouthshire-and-brecon-canal?gclid=CJTBuI-r9NECFVS4GwodIhQH2Q" target=new"><b>Monmouth & Brecon Canal</b></a>, <a href="https://carregcennencastle.com/" target="new"><b>Carreg Cennen Castle</b></a> and <a href="http://cadw.gov.wales/daysout/dinefwrcastle/?lang=en" target="new"><b>Dinefwr Castle</b></a></span>
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<span class="event-details">Total Distance*:</span> <span class="event-details-B">150 miles</span>
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<span class="event-details">Travel Time:</span> <span class="event-details-B">4 Days / 3 Nights</span>
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<span class="event-details">Ride Level:</span> <span class="event-details-B">Advanced+</span>
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<span class="subhead" style="color: #A1811D; font-size: 16px;">☞ UPCOMING EVENT</span>
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<span class="event-details">Cost of Event:</span> Each rider will cover costs of their food and accommodations
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<span class="event-details">Starting Date & Ending Date:</span> <span class="event-details-B" style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday - Saturday, 14 - 17 June 2017</span>
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<span class="event-details">Starting & End Locations:</span> <span class="event-details-B" style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Pontypool/Pontymoile Boat Basin</span>
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<span class="event-details">Contact:</span> <span class="event-details-B"><a href="mailto:bikewales99@gmail.com" target="new"><b>Bike Wales | Muse Kidd</b></a></span>
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<span class="subhead">Route Itinerary</span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="plain" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-top: 8px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-right: 18px;"border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ka6zMSLapKlFu55ggFRLE6HjRHSeOOs714qd-Ikv8iuZ5u_pRfQlxu_9LUJh4Mbm7dU_wR5I_lX3c22Y6Kwps95hQUUtkHFNkkMdkwCzHjar6C_nr5ngnuQlUPuSRlZlbDbcQXb0br26/s1600/bikewales_logo.jpg" width="95" height="95" /></div><span class="deck">This plan covers four days and three nights - divided into fairly equal distances for each day. As well as trying to make the trip as scenic as possible, I also try to focus the routes around traffic-free paths or quiet roads designated by the <a href="http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/national-cycle-network?gclid=Cj0KEQiAlsrFBRCAxcCB54XElLEBEiQA_ei0DCoIpatO1mM8VtEcASMMchIU657oVyoLKlHZtTNEdo0aAhiH8P8HAQ"><b>National Cycle Network</b></a>. </span>
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The first two days we'll be following NCN 49 north through Brecon and then west on quiet roads across to Llandeilo. The last two days we'll return using quiet roads and NCN 437 to Banwen Pryddin, then joining NCN 46 at Merthyr Tydfil, and finally NCN 492 at Brynmawr for the final fast ride back into Pontypool.
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<b>Please read my <a href="http://bikewalesroutes.blogspot.co.uk/p/multi-day-tours-overview.html" target="new">Multi-Day Tours Overview</b></a>.
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<span class="subhead" style="color: #A1811D; font-size: 16px;">Day 1: Pontypool to Penpont</span>
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<span class="event-details">Departure Time:</span> 10:30 am
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<span class="event-details">Arrival Time:</span> 4:30 pm
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<span class="event-details">Distance:</span> 39.9 miles
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<span class="event-details">Campsite:</span> <a href="http://www.penpont.com/page/camping/" target="new"><b>Penpont Campsite</b></a>
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Our journey starts off leisurely; we'll cycle 32 lovely miles along the Monmouth & Brecon Canal all the way to Brecon. If we push ourselves at a whopping seven miles per hour, we'll be there in plenty of time. (A perfect warm-up distance for getting ourselves accustomed to the bikes and weight.) This is an unpaved towpath which runs directly beside the canal and though mostly smooth, there are sections which can be either rutted or muddy or both.
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The path can also be busy with pedestrians, dog-walkers, as well as other cyclists. There are ample places along the route for food and comfort breaks (Goytre Wharf @ 6 mi., Govilon @ 13 mi., Talybont-on-Usk @ 26 mi.), and we'll stop whenever we like.
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At Brecon, we'll enter town and shop for supplies, food, etc., because we'll soon be leaving civilisation along a quiet road for the remaining seven/eight miles to our first campsite (and my personal favourite!) in <a href="http://www.penpont.com/page/camping/" target="new"><b>Penpont</b></a>. Of particular consideration will be a fairly respectable climb for the first two miles leaving out of Brecon (see: the elevation detail in the map above).
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<td width="150" align="center"><b>ROUTE COLOUR KEY:</b> </td>
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<td width="70"> Traffic-free</td>
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<td width="70"> Shared Use</td>
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<td width="70"> Quiet Road</td>
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<td width="70"> Steep Hill</td>
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<b>NOTE:</b> Train stations are available along the route at: <a href="http://abcrailwayguide.uk/ppl-pontypool-new-inn-railway-station#.WLL_HiOLQnU" target="new"><b>Pontypool</b></a>, <a href="http://abcrailwayguide.uk/agv-abergavenny-railway-station#.WLL_wSOLQnU" target="new"><b>Abergavenny</b></a>, <a href="http://abcrailwayguide.uk/lll-llandeilo-railway-station#.WLMAASOLQnU" target="new"><b>Llandeilo</b></a>, <a href="http://abcrailwayguide.uk/mer-merthyr-tydfil-railway-station#.WLMAOCOLQnU" target="new"><b>Merthyr Tydfil</b></a>, and <a href="http://abcrailwayguide.uk/ebb-ebbw-vale-town-railway-station#.WLMAcCOLQnU" target="new"><b>Ebbw Vale</b></a> so that you can modify the length of your trip to best suit your plans. And of course, there are towns and villages where you can pick up most anything along the way... in fact, we'll be passing bike shops and camping supply shops throughout the journey.
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<span class="subhead" style="color: #A1811D; font-size: 16px;">Day 2: Penpont to Carreg Castle & Llandeilo</span>
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<span class="event-details">Departure Time @ Penpont:</span> 9:30 am | <span class="event-details">Arrival Time @ Carreg Castle:</span> 12:30 pm
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<span class="event-details">Distance:</span> 27.5 miles
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<span class="event-details">Departure Time @ Carreg Caslte:</span> 3:30 pm | <span class="event-details">Arrival Time @ Llandeilo:</span> 5:30 pm
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<span class="event-details">Distance:</span> 6.1 miles
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<span class="event-details">*Total Distance (for the day):</span> 33.6 miles
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<span class="event-details">Campsite:</span> <span class="event-details-B"><a href="http://www.cwmcamping.com/home/4589939093" target="new"><b>Cwm Camping</b></a></span>
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Day two should be an exciting day... the primary goal is leave early and cycle 26 miles to <a href="https://carregcennencastle.com/" target="new"><b>Carreg Cennen Castle</b></a>. The route is rolling and scenic along quiet roads so with a relaxed pace it should be quite easy to arrive at the venue by 12:30 pm. This will allow 3 hours for lunch and a leisurely exploration of the castle ruins and cave.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPtZ79-c6FYn9Wh_u9UHkZVML7s66NQwf78mdWHhyphenhyphenemK-pvqTG27qUO3wH4Pk2YYWLMIbFUKQvJlbcv1lfPIE5tNVecMn-Bj6nkyjOWm6ADK623TKidaBTs-A7lMUoyl7z2xw6A2rYNTw/s1600/carreg-cennen-castle_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPtZ79-c6FYn9Wh_u9UHkZVML7s66NQwf78mdWHhyphenhyphenemK-pvqTG27qUO3wH4Pk2YYWLMIbFUKQvJlbcv1lfPIE5tNVecMn-Bj6nkyjOWm6ADK623TKidaBTs-A7lMUoyl7z2xw6A2rYNTw/s400/carreg-cennen-castle_01.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<span class="text_sm">Photo Credit: <a href="https://paulchallinor.wordpress.com/tag/castell-carreg-cennen/">Paul Callinor</a></span>
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<td><span style="background-color: black; border: 4px solid #000000; color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0px;"> Sidebar of Note: </span>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;">Carreg Cennan Castle</span>
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Reading about this unique castle one word becomes apparent across all reviews; "<i>spectacular</i>". Perched high above the Cennan Valley on a limestone crag, this massive medieval castle dominates the surrounding lower countryside unlike any other in Wales. Originally built as a Welsh fortress against the invading Normans, it subsequently became a highly contested centre-piece of control - passing between various Welsh Kings and English Lords for centuries. Now the castle displays the after effects of being attacked, partially destroyed, rebuilt, torn down, and finally ignored; left to stand empty for six-hundred years to become the proud ruins you see today.
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Much of the architecture left from those many years still endure within the inner walls and chambers. Visitors can see the details of how they lived and fought and worshipped and held court amongst the turmoil of the times. Additionally, there is a fascinating hidden inner cave - for what specific purpose still holds a mystery and adds to the ruins allure.
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A small gift shop offering guidebooks and refreshments can be found within the entrance to the castle grounds.
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<span class="text_sm"><i>Resources: <a href="https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Castles_in_Wales.html?id=lN8LIwAACAAJ&redir_esc=y&hl=en" target="new"><b>Castles in Wales: A Handbook</b></a> by Gerald Morgan, <a href="http://www.castlewales.com/carreg.html" target="new"><b>Castles in Wales</b></a>, a website by Jeffrey L. Thomas</i></span>
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At approximately 3:30 pm. we'll depart the castle and cycle four miles into Llandeilo where we'll stop again for food and supplies. It's then just a short three miles up to the campsite above New Inn where we'll check-in and setup for a well-earned nights rest at <a href="http://www.cwmcamping.com/home/4589939093" target="new"><b>Cwm Camping</b></a>.
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<td width="70"> Traffic-free</td>
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<td width="70"> Shared Use</td>
<td bgcolor="red" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="70"> Quiet Road</td>
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<td width="70"> Steep Hill</td>
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<b>NOTE:</b> There is a train station in <a href="http://abcrailwayguide.uk/lll-llandeilo-railway-station#.WLMAASOLQnU" target="new"><b>Llandeilo</b></a> for anyone wishing to end their cycling trip here.
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<span class="subhead" style="color: #A1811D; font-size: 16px;">Day 3: Llandeilo to Banwen Pryddin</span>
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<span class="event-details">Departure Time:</span> 9:30 am
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<span class="event-details">Arrival Time:</span> 5:30 pm
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<span class="event-details">Distance:</span> 29.7 miles
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<span class="event-details">Campsite:</span> <span class="event-details-B"><a href="http://www.campbyastream.co.uk/" target="new"><b>Cwmnanthir Camping</b></a></span>
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We'll break camp on day three and set out first thing to visit <a href="http://cadw.gov.wales/daysout/dinefwrcastle/?lang=en" target="new"><b>Dinefwr Castle</b></a>. The CADW managed site is yet another lovely castle four miles down the road from our campsite and just west of Llandeilo, perched above the Tywi valley. The plan is to arrive at the estate by 10:00 am, allowing for a couple of hours to casually explore the grounds and have lunch.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogStb2ZLIyJtJAWD9rj7wt_CJJ8ELGFpSk3uTlzLQPMCAdObFe6jjGcG6wxgLHnh8WxuIFKP1V6rxEhxYdCg-Oi5hT0dIVupl1pO-nHvhQazqSUdncRocvVqALyW93GJwFryVXkusKWTk/s1600/dinefwr-castle_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogStb2ZLIyJtJAWD9rj7wt_CJJ8ELGFpSk3uTlzLQPMCAdObFe6jjGcG6wxgLHnh8WxuIFKP1V6rxEhxYdCg-Oi5hT0dIVupl1pO-nHvhQazqSUdncRocvVqALyW93GJwFryVXkusKWTk/s400/dinefwr-castle_01.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<span class="text_sm">Photo Credit: <a href="http://codlinsandcream2.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/a-post-christmas-walk-dinefwr-castle.html">Bovey Belle</a></span>
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Setting off around noon will give us plenty of time to cycle roughly 30 miles to Banwen Pryddin. A highlight of the ride will be 10 miles down the road at Ammanford where we'll join traffic-free NCN Route 437 and follow the River Amman for the next 6 miles. We'll stop for lunch whenever and wherever the group feels so inclined. The remainder of the route then follows several A & B roads along the southern edges of the Brecon Beacons; bringing an end our day one mile north of Banwen Pyrddinat <a href="http://www.campbyastream.co.uk/" target="new"><b>Cwmnanthir Camping</b></a>.
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<td width="70"> Traffic-free</td>
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<td width="70"> Shared Use</td>
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<td width="70"> Quiet Road</td>
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<td width="70"> Steep Hill</td>
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<b>NOTE:</b> For those who've had enough of castles and would rather have a lazy lie-in, you can skip the trip to <a href="http://cadw.gov.wales/daysout/dinefwrcastle/?lang=en" target="new"><b>Dinefwr Castle</b></a> in the morning and just meet us down the road in Llandeilo as we pass back through the village around 12:30 pm.
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<span class="subhead" style="color: #A1811D; font-size: 16px;">Day 4: Banwen Pryddin to Pontypool</span>
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<span class="event-details">Departure Time:</span> 10:00 am
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<span class="event-details">Arrival Time:</span> approx. 4:00 pm
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<span class="event-details">Distance:</span> 44.0 miles
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<span class="event-details">Campsite:</span> <span class="event-details-B">n/a</span>
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The last day... always the saddest part of an adventure! We'll take our time breaking camp and setting off for we've a full day of riding with some fairly decent climbs. We'll find our first challenge just five miles down the road in Glyneath; it's a jaw-dropping, spirit breaking, two-mile slog up to Cefn Rhigos. (Not gonna sugar-coat it for you...) Following that monster; the next couple of hills will be easy.
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We'll also encounter an unusual section along the Heads of the Valleys where we'll need to cross a fence and traverse a short distance over a field to rejoin the route. Otherwise, it's a short run down the dual-carriageway (approx. 3/4 mile). It's an odd break in the NCN Route, yet we can evaluate the situation when we get there and the group can decide.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzF1HwU6I9-ZYHtUiRMUK0nmwkudb2NcaFm5c_t0J2IZkLoGh_jJ2Vjnum6KnKAXBGML-eLYOSusgFSz_5q6ltZZk-LiFEJuYjMCYY5k0XvYsQxhjEGUoGFahgofKdNUA866nqUqRRAypR/s1600/IMG_5058_sm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzF1HwU6I9-ZYHtUiRMUK0nmwkudb2NcaFm5c_t0J2IZkLoGh_jJ2Vjnum6KnKAXBGML-eLYOSusgFSz_5q6ltZZk-LiFEJuYjMCYY5k0XvYsQxhjEGUoGFahgofKdNUA866nqUqRRAypR/s400/IMG_5058_sm2.jpg" width="500" height="" /></a></div>
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We'll pass through some lovely spots, particularly heading up the traffic-free cycle path (NCN Route 46) from Merthyr to Dowlais. I'm also considering once we're at the top we could stop for a late lunch and final reflections at <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Pant+Cad+Ivor+Inn/@51.7743381,-3.361521,16z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x3fd3220842d8c2d8!8m2!3d51.7743794!4d-3.3613524" target="new"><b>Pant Cad Ivor Inn</b></a>. The place is a popular stop for cyclists!
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<td width="70"> Traffic-free</td>
<td bgcolor="blue" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="70"> Shared Use</td>
<td bgcolor="red" height="20" width="20"></td>
<td width="70"> Quiet Road</td>
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<td width="70"> Steep Hill</td>
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<b>NOTE:</b> Arrival time back at our starting point will be entirely up to the group. I personally don't care to race, but some folks may wish to get back early. Others may wish to break off in another direction... it's completely flexible. The last eight miles from Brynmawr however, is a fast ride down NCN Route 492 into Pontypool (see the map above). And it's a blast!
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<tr><td><span style="background-color: #93AB87; border: 4px solid #93AB87; color: white; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 9px;"> INFORMATION & RESOURCES: </span>
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<li><a href="http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/national-cycle-network?gclid=Cj0KEQiAlsrFBRCAxcCB54XElLEBEiQA_ei0DCoIpatO1mM8VtEcASMMchIU657oVyoLKlHZtTNEdo0aAhiH8P8HAQ"><b>National Cycle Network</b></a></li>
<li><a href="https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network/monmouthshire-and-brecon-canal?gclid=CJTBuI-r9NECFVS4GwodIhQH2Q" target=new"><b>Monmouth & Brecon Canal</b></a></li>
<li><a href="https://carregcennencastle.com/" target="new"><b>Carreg Cennen Castle</b></a></li>
<li><a href="http://cadw.gov.wales/daysout/dinefwrcastle/?lang=en" target="new"><b>Dinefwr Castle</b></a></li>
<li><a href="http://bikewalesroutes.blogspot.co.uk/p/multi-day-tours-overview.html" target="new"><b>Multi-Day Tours Overview</b></a></li>
</ul>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513103145869967509.post-3671456700406808762014-10-03T16:32:00.002+01:002021-08-11T20:31:38.709+01:00WALES HERITAGE SERIES Senghenydd<br />
<span class="subhead_sm" style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">UNDERCONSTRUCTION</span>
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<td rowspan="5" width="140"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisN1mJLD5qRQ071o9TsEVAO394W8ejf-BHSto5vEXOdqNVQI3GrQ8rva8fg47re7IjyMgFWo9H8u19hikG0ty9rLvQRZQPbFlcYv_F8MzwgYoNXQSCEBPPV7h8BBkj44ZSTiEaWlJxeelE/s1600/minimap_senghenydd.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisN1mJLD5qRQ071o9TsEVAO394W8ejf-BHSto5vEXOdqNVQI3GrQ8rva8fg47re7IjyMgFWo9H8u19hikG0ty9rLvQRZQPbFlcYv_F8MzwgYoNXQSCEBPPV7h8BBkj44ZSTiEaWlJxeelE/s200/minimap_senghenydd.png" width="120" height="120" data-original-width="570" data-original-height="570" /></a></div></td>
<td><span class="event-details">Including:</span> <span class="event-details-B">Caerphilly to Senghenydd</span></td>
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<td><span class="event-details">Distance:</span> <span class="event-details-B">9.1 miles (round-trip)</span></td>
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<td><span class="event-details">Travel Time:</span> <span class="event-details-B">2 - 2.5 hours</span></td>
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<td><span class="event-details">Ride Level:</span> <span class="event-details-B">Intermediate</span></td>
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<span class="deck">This secluded route follows National Cycle Network Route 475 for roughly four and a half miles along a re-purposed railway line to the quaint village of Senghenydd and back. The trip provides an engaging afternoon of history and remembrance for all ages.</span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgognjtfcUe3bfEHSKxehHR-Y69UW8UFMMNKYtmtn3ZWJAqGph9g4e6nFtSBZhM5uNSmapAwpu5XexSKIuh5SdSq8A9Bidy8khbB3j5lWy8cX3eOQcLkvb_yXLn1ANtarFw_S7-rChmDzw/s1600/IMG_5241_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgognjtfcUe3bfEHSKxehHR-Y69UW8UFMMNKYtmtn3ZWJAqGph9g4e6nFtSBZhM5uNSmapAwpu5XexSKIuh5SdSq8A9Bidy8khbB3j5lWy8cX3eOQcLkvb_yXLn1ANtarFw_S7-rChmDzw/s320/IMG_5241_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="event-details">Overview:</span> This route begins and ends at the Caerphilly Visitor Centre.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1yJlebRqf0FccU8Bsk_0zsGQ4HoCVDzm90R-ynvcJnu2T9hNlWQmKFUhVH2IIskW_RPDfpwIqWZblI5e-MGAzwNX9OtHWuChBlYxUhyphenhyphenZk6vVfgARtLxjOQjgHqzuhDElJrNFMmG535I/s1600/IMG_1936_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1yJlebRqf0FccU8Bsk_0zsGQ4HoCVDzm90R-ynvcJnu2T9hNlWQmKFUhVH2IIskW_RPDfpwIqWZblI5e-MGAzwNX9OtHWuChBlYxUhyphenhyphenZk6vVfgARtLxjOQjgHqzuhDElJrNFMmG535I/s200/IMG_1936_sm.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="subhead_sm">Route Description:</span>
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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTekCx2zmqnSzCkvGWuqJCOj3ZiX5_GCwD8j6WfjrnNSEQeq2Yx1mtLZlAoaaSwNs3b7m4k4BB4Ao4rrmeow4qQYFQLpGN6NGQskxYBR9pSHxFisVYrlhgEg4vWh-m6-Okn3ZgqVQkeS8/s1600/IMG_1942_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 18px;"><img border="0" height="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTekCx2zmqnSzCkvGWuqJCOj3ZiX5_GCwD8j6WfjrnNSEQeq2Yx1mtLZlAoaaSwNs3b7m4k4BB4Ao4rrmeow4qQYFQLpGN6NGQskxYBR9pSHxFisVYrlhgEg4vWh-m6-Okn3ZgqVQkeS8/s320/IMG_1942_sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzD_gQGctx_p_i7j05qc7KhDsOdcG6EIAHSynZkR8bFZ5EPvNp5kyZ_XTx4GRLAn7I5FJnGiBxDIHAprXcuxnYK7OF_LeNtIE0_jSgRKfJETSV9nXUn8QSbw0PVx0XMTl7dwfCMu5T_efL/s1600/IMG_1953_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-right: 18px;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzD_gQGctx_p_i7j05qc7KhDsOdcG6EIAHSynZkR8bFZ5EPvNp5kyZ_XTx4GRLAn7I5FJnGiBxDIHAprXcuxnYK7OF_LeNtIE0_jSgRKfJETSV9nXUn8QSbw0PVx0XMTl7dwfCMu5T_efL/s320/IMG_1953_sm.jpg" width="300" height="" /></a></div>
It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including Lorem Ipsum.
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Select <a href="http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2514772" target="new"><b>View Full Route</b></a> to see an enlarged version of this route.
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="700px" src="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/2514772/embed" width="100%"></iframe>
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<td width="150" align="center"><b>ROUTE COLOUR KEY:</b> </td>
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<td width="70"> Traffic-free</td>
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<td width="70"> Shared Use</td>
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<td width="70"> Quiet Road</td>
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<td width="70"> Steep Hill</td>
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<td colspan="3" height="30"><span style="color: white; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;">Senghenydd Heritage Ride</span></td>
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<td width="100">Location:</td>
<td><b>Caerphilly to Senghenydd</b></td>
<td align="center" rowspan="7" valign="middle" width="250"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: middle;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjio3UJGRwOmbhlbAN9MuO-F01WT32j4RGt2JjN_-vRzSpeV4MIoaFL6qNW_8WcOA9Sd3Zyco0demNdtA_wbZA8GNOg4EPeDwXd5YbVPTbN4pn2jRq1Qke6FsLeAv9RLQVZauEltb-30xBZ/s1600/senghenydd-ride-map-full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjio3UJGRwOmbhlbAN9MuO-F01WT32j4RGt2JjN_-vRzSpeV4MIoaFL6qNW_8WcOA9Sd3Zyco0demNdtA_wbZA8GNOg4EPeDwXd5YbVPTbN4pn2jRq1Qke6FsLeAv9RLQVZauEltb-30xBZ/s200/senghenydd-ride-map-full.jpg" width="150" height="100" /></a></div>
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<span class="mini-text">Click to view a printable map.</span></td>
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<td>Distance:</td>
<td><b>9.1 mi. (round-trip)</b></td>
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<td>Skill Level:</td>
<td><b>Intermediate</b></td>
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<td>Approx. Time:</td>
<td><b>2 - 2.5 hrs.</b></td>
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<td>Elevation:</td>
<td><b>+494 ft. / -494 ft.</b></td>
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<td>Max. Grade:</td>
<td><b>9.3%</b></td>
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<td>Avg. Grade:</td>
<td><b>0.1%</b></td>
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<tr><td><span style="background-color: #93AB87; border: 4px solid #93AB87; color: white; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 9px;"> INFORMATION & RESOURCES: </span>
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<div style="background-color: #E5F0DF; color: black; line-spacing: 18px; padding: 20px;">
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<li><a href="http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/national-cycle-network?gclid=Cj0KEQiAlsrFBRCAxcCB54XElLEBEiQA_ei0DCoIpatO1mM8VtEcASMMchIU657oVyoLKlHZtTNEdo0aAhiH8P8HAQ"><b>National Cycle Network</b></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thecentresenghenydd.co.uk/heritage-museum/" target="new"><b>Senghenydd Heritage Center</b></a></li>
<li><a href="http://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/abervalleyheritage/" target="new"><b>Aber Valley Heritage</b></a></li>
<li><a href="http://abcrailwayguide.uk/cph-caerphilly-railway-station#.WLVuqyOLQnU" target="new"><b>Caerphilly Train Station</b></a></li>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com