Including the Crumlin Arm of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal
I'm very fortunate to cycle NCN Route 47 quite often and I had been wanting to document this short traffic-free section for years. Finally, on a bright autumn day I set out with my camera for a slow ride through the lovely Sirhowy Country Park.
Overview: Sirhowy Country Park
Date: 12 November, 2022
Distance: 33.1 miles / 53.27 kilometres
Elevation: + 2,164 ft / -2,164 ft
Duration: 3 hours, 10 mins.
Distance: 33.1 miles / 53.27 kilometres
Elevation: + 2,164 ft / -2,164 ft
Duration: 3 hours, 10 mins.
Majestic is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Sirhowy Country Park. Running northwest from Wattsville to Wyllie, this selcuded park curves high above the western bank of the Sirhowy River.
The popular walking and cycling path which traverses the park is but a small section of the much longer NCN Route 47, which runs all the way from Newport to Neath. However, for this report I'm focusing on just a short section which runs through the park.
The path itself is wide, well-paved, and runs uninterrupted for nearly four miles. It is a perfect route for beginning cyclists or families with small children. The main entrance is at the southern end where you'll find ample parking, toilets, and information boards which highlight some of the features that can be discovered along the way.
Sirhowy Country Park is a regular part of my cycling routine and often forms the final segment of many of my longer rides throughout the valleys and beyond.
Additionally, I've included some photos from the second part of my ride from Crosskeys heading down to 14 Locks. This section continues along NCN Route 47 as it joins the Crumlin Arm of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal.
The popular walking and cycling path which traverses the park is but a small section of the much longer NCN Route 47, which runs all the way from Newport to Neath. However, for this report I'm focusing on just a short section which runs through the park.
The path itself is wide, well-paved, and runs uninterrupted for nearly four miles. It is a perfect route for beginning cyclists or families with small children. The main entrance is at the southern end where you'll find ample parking, toilets, and information boards which highlight some of the features that can be discovered along the way.
Sirhowy Country Park is a regular part of my cycling routine and often forms the final segment of many of my longer rides throughout the valleys and beyond.
Additionally, I've included some photos from the second part of my ride from Crosskeys heading down to 14 Locks. This section continues along NCN Route 47 as it joins the Crumlin Arm of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal.
| ROUTE COLOUR KEY: | Traffic-free | Quiet Road | Shared Use | Steep Hill |
Note: In the map above I've included a short connection (approximately 1 mile) from the Crosskeys Train Station to the main entrance and car park in Wattsville.
Gelligroes to Wattsville
For this report, I'm starting at the northern trail head in Gelligroes near the Halfway House pub. It's a natural starting point for me because we live north of the park and I often cruise down the path when heading to Newport or points further south.
The route is quiet and secluded as it curves along a centuries old tram line that once hauled coal down the valley — first by horse and then later by train during the height of the Industrial Age.
The route is quiet and secluded as it curves along a centuries old tram line that once hauled coal down the valley — first by horse and then later by train during the height of the Industrial Age.
Back in 2008, when I first came through here, this path was just a rough single-track and the entrance was through the stone "zig-zag" now nestled in the hedge (visable on the lower right in image below). It was quite difficult to get a bicycle with panniers through, but I'm glad they left it when the new paved path was laid, because it's a lovely reminder of the past.
The path soon enters the woods which characterizes the ride for the remainder of the ride down through the park. And I should emphasize down because it is mostly ±2% downhill all the way to Wattsville!
The light can be an especially attractive feature of cycling this route. On a bright autumn morning, such as this, the dappled sunlight coming from the east and through the trees illuminated the path — making the ride an absolute joy.
The thick canopy of trees often blocks the view across the valley for most of the ride, but on the few occasions where the trees open up, the Sirhowy Valley is stunning.
After 1.5 mi. you encounter the first gate. The park was very different at one time and access to the path was by a small service road. Since the path was remodeled, the road was closed and now you will find these gates to circumnavigate where there was once a small car park.
You can reach the village of Ynysddu by foot along a steep set of stairs on the left or by cycle along the old road which passes under the route on the right (image above).
You can reach the village of Ynysddu by foot along a steep set of stairs on the left or by cycle along the old road which passes under the route on the right (image above).
A second gate is about .5 mi. further down by a quaint farmhouse nestled along side the path.
Soon enough, you're back to gliding down the path and with little pedaling required, you can sit back and simply enjoy the views.
Did you know that Sustrans is the largest charity/holder of public art in the UK? Be sure to look along the sides of the path as you ride along. There is plenty to see.
Because it rains so often in Wales, the Autumn leaves can come down rather quickly. However, this year was unusually dry and the trees were quite beautiful.
By now I've shown you 20 photos of just the first three miles. You should get the idea... this park and cycle path is fabulous.
By the next gate there is a lane crossing (It's very quiet. In over 12 years of cyling this route, I've yet to see a car come up the lane.) This too marks the last mile before reaching the car park.
You will find that this lower section is often busier with walkers and cyclists as it's closer to the entrance.
It's worthwhile to stop and look around once in a while. This view overlooking the Sirhowy River is one of my favourites.
Then before you know it, you're at the car park. There's just another .5 mi. along a small service road to the entrance at Wattsville.
Just before the entrance, the path veers off the service road to drop down alongside the Sirhowy River for another .5 mi.
The path then merges onto the roadway for .3 mi. before entering Parc Waunfawr in Crosskeys.
I haven't any excuses for not photographing more of the park. There are picnic tables, public toilets, and it's quite lovely too.
Crosskeys to 14 Locks
Once through Parc Waunfawr, the route re-enters the roadway very briefly. There's a short section along the busy High Street, but it soon turns into a housing estate.
| ROUTE COLOUR KEY: | Traffic-free | Quiet Road | Shared Use | Steep Hill |
There is a railroad crossing at the top of the housing estate. Show caution... you will need to walk your bikes across the railroad tracks and through two gates. There is then a short, but sharp climb up to the canal. Once on the towpath, turn right to continue to 14 Locks. The route is (mostly) traffic-free for the next four miles.
Note: Once on the towpath, you will notice that the route also continues to your left (north). This section is NCN Route 465, which runs for 1.2 mi. up to the village of Cwmcarn where you can find Cwmcarn Forest, along with a host of activities — most notably; mountain biking.
My photographs begin again on the canal towpath heading south toward 14 Locks. Enjoy!
Coming up to 14 Locks you'll easily spot the visitor centre. Here you'll find an interesting overview on the history of this unique section of the canal, a gift shop, a cafe serving teas, coffee, as well as hot & takeaway food. There is indoor indoor seating, outdoor picnic tables, and public toilets.
The visitor centre is open seven days a week, year-round. For more details see: Fourteen Locks Canal Centre. It's an excellent place to begin and/or end your adventure.
Summary - Sirhowy Country Park
As I mentioned above, Fourteen Locks Canal Centre is an excellent place to begin cycling. There is ample parking (with fee) at the centre. There is also a train station in nearby at Pie Corner, however; it is quite a climb up to the canal towpath. If you plan to access this route via train, I would recommend any of the others along the route at Rogerstone, Risca, or Crosskeys.
With that being said, I initially made this ride and took the photographs for my Routes to Ride section. You can look for an enhanced version of this ride in the coming months. Meanwhile, if you scroll back up to the beginning of this report you can get a better appreciation of the ride/route heading north.
With that being said, I initially made this ride and took the photographs for my Routes to Ride section. You can look for an enhanced version of this ride in the coming months. Meanwhile, if you scroll back up to the beginning of this report you can get a better appreciation of the ride/route heading north.
Additionally, you can see my complete ride for the day in the map above which includes a section from Newbridge down to Crosskeys. (The description is excluded here, but will be highlighted in a future write-up.)
I hope you've enjoyed my little report. I was quite lucky to have such wonderful colours on the trees, but regardless of the time of year, I highly recommend the route. It's a great one. Be sure to look for more coming soon!
Thanks for spending your time with me & Bike Wales.
Seeya down the road... Cheers! - cm
I hope you've enjoyed my little report. I was quite lucky to have such wonderful colours on the trees, but regardless of the time of year, I highly recommend the route. It's a great one. Be sure to look for more coming soon!
Thanks for spending your time with me & Bike Wales.
Seeya down the road... Cheers! - cm
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