CROSS VALLEY NCN ROUTE 466 & Afon Lwyd Valley on NCN Route 492
As I was reviewing this ride, I soon realised that I should divide the feature into two unique parts. Not only will this make viewing the report a bit easier, but I hope it emphasizes the beauty found within each of these unique valleys.
Overview: Eastern Valleys Loop - Part 1
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Distance: 52.5 mi. / 84.49 k
Elevation: +3,192 ft / -3,203 ft
Duration: 10 hours, 29 mins.
Distance: 52.5 mi. / 84.49 k
Elevation: +3,192 ft / -3,203 ft
Duration: 10 hours, 29 mins.
What makes cycling in the South East Valleys of Wales so interesting and unique is that you can cycle up one valley, crossover the top and then come down the next. And the beauty of this too, is that it is often all traffic-free!
This is the first part of a larger circular route that seemed too big for a single report. I took an enourmous amount of photos — 77 just for this section! I will follow-up this report with Part Two where I explore the Rhymney Valley from Bute Town down to Maescymmer and back across to Crumlin which will complete the loop.
Utimately, my plan is to create a large circular "tour" for my Routes to Ride section. It's a rather lengthy route, so I'll be working on this over the next few months.
To get started, the first map shown below displays my overall ride for the day. The second map shows Part One (this report) which starts in Crumlin, heads east to Pontypool before beginning a slow climb north up NCN Route 492 through Afon Lwyd Valley. This second map also highlights the quiet roads and traffic-free sections of the route.
This is the first part of a larger circular route that seemed too big for a single report. I took an enourmous amount of photos — 77 just for this section! I will follow-up this report with Part Two where I explore the Rhymney Valley from Bute Town down to Maescymmer and back across to Crumlin which will complete the loop.
Utimately, my plan is to create a large circular "tour" for my Routes to Ride section. It's a rather lengthy route, so I'll be working on this over the next few months.
To get started, the first map shown below displays my overall ride for the day. The second map shows Part One (this report) which starts in Crumlin, heads east to Pontypool before beginning a slow climb north up NCN Route 492 through Afon Lwyd Valley. This second map also highlights the quiet roads and traffic-free sections of the route.
Map 1 - Overall Ride
Map 2 - This Report
| ROUTE COLOUR KEY: | Traffic-free | Shared Use | On Road | Steep Hill |
| NCN | 466 |  |
+ | ON ROAD |
Crumlin to Pontypool |
Distance: 6.2 mi. / 9.97 km
Elevation: +364 ft / -377 ft
Elevation: +364 ft / -377 ft
After climbing over the hill from our home in Oakdale and passing through Treowen, then Newbridge, my ride "officially" begins along NCN Route 466 in the sleepy village of Crumlin. (As shown in Map 2 above.)
The entrance is not obvious to find as it's tucked-off the busy A467 at the end of a deserted road. Despite the foreboding road closed sign, this is a quiet and secluded route for the first .5 mi. into Llanhilleth.
The entrance is not obvious to find as it's tucked-off the busy A467 at the end of a deserted road. Despite the foreboding road closed sign, this is a quiet and secluded route for the first .5 mi. into Llanhilleth.
It's hard to imagine these days, but this was once the main road which snaked north up the valley. Below the fence on the left is the rail line heading up to Ebbw Vale and beyond that, the new motorway races along, by-passing the small villages we can now easily visit on our bicycles.
The road disappears and the path narrows alongside a high retaining wall as you approach Llanhilleth. It then turns abruptly 180° to the right and begins a slow climb for .75 mi. up to the village of Swffryd.
After zig-zagging a short distance through Swffrd, the route crosses over the very busy A472 in the "drive-thru" village of Hafodyrynys.
The path becomes traffic-free again for .75 mi. before pulling up alongside the A472.
Here we have a very dangerous road crossing (image above). The A472 is an extremely busy road, particularly during rush hours. I generally get off my bike so that I can mad-dash across when I find an opening in the traffic.
Note: This crossing is indicated on Map 2 with a caution sign.
The good news is that once on the other side, Crumlin Road is fantastic! Traffic is generally very light to non-existant. It's a lovely 3 mi. ride from here into Pontypool.
The first thing you'll discover is an unusual building appearing like a spaceship from outer space, but it's not. It's the coal washery for the Hafodyrynys Colliery which once stood here.
Coming into Pontypool the route returns again to traffic-free very briefly as it passes alongside West Mon Comprehensive School Playing Fields.
As the path ends, the route takes on another hazard in the form of a set of high stairs that must be climbed inorder to cross over two very busy roundabouts and the rushing traffic through town.
Note: These stairs are indicated on Map 2 with a caution sign.
| NCN | 492 | |
Pontypool to Bute Town |
Distance: 19.3 mi. / 31.06 km
Elevation: +1,511 ft / -891 ft
Elevation: +1,511 ft / -891 ft
At the top of the stairs the path crosses the roadway along a high overpass to join NCN Route 492. Turning north (left) the route passes an enourmous Tesco's and it's equally enourmous car park. After passing under a subway, the path dumps you out on the road at yet another very busy roundabout.
Note: The junction of NCN Route 466 and 492 is located on an overpass, which is an unusal and it's one that is easily missed. I should go back and take some additional photos of this section. It's not terribly interesting, but it's awkward to navigate and should be documented for my planned Route to Ride.
The entrance to the next section is not easily spotted as it starts on the left side of the roundabout. The path is very narrow at first as you cycle between a retaining wall and a guardrail, but it soon widens as you continue.
Caerphilly County Burough Council has done an excellent job improving some of the crossings within town. These new lights make crossing this busy junction a breeze.
There are a couple of simple road crossings in quick sucession as you head out of town.
And then things change dramatically as you enter the countryside.
It was impossible to tell at first as you were snaking though town, but it's clear to see now that you're cycling along a disused rail line.
Tunnels, bridges, viaducts, and farms will decorate your ride as you head north through the verdant Afon Valley.
With one last small road crossing, the route becomes uninterrupted and secluded for the next 8 miles. It's a steady climb, but you can sit back and relax. Take your time and enjoy.
Cut through solid rock, this section lined by an unusual brick retaining wall is worth stopping to examine closely. Windows along the wall frame ordinary rocks adding a quirky character and showcasing the engineer's sense of whimsy.
Trees and roots, combined with a variety of vines and plants bring these otherwise plain walls to life. It's a combination that is both structural and animated. It's a fabulous treat.
Then, as if passing through gates, you are welcomed into the quiet hush of a thick forest.
Rusting bridges for disused roadways stoutly cross your narrow path for no other purpose than scenic beauty and contemplation.
Ferns and wild flowers cluster for light by an abandoned ticket office, while the forgotten passenger platform sleeps beneath Bishops Weed and wild garlic. A small preserve amoungst miles of nature.
Reminders of the industrial past stretch out from the woods, high walls tower in the middle of seemingly nowhere... monuments to lives lived in a busier time, in an earlier time.
... and the cathedral of trees continues.
Then suddenly, you arrive onto a wide plateau and the appearance of a restored rail station. This is the southern-most end of Blaenavon Heritage Railway.
The path follows the rail line closely for just over a mile.
At the next road crossing you can turn left and climb up to Big Pit National Coal Museum or turn right and head to Blaeavon Ironworks and Blaenavon World Hertiage Centre. (I think they should have some sort of sign here, because these are fantastic places to visit and well worth extending your tour.)
Sidebar of Note:
Visit Blaenavon
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. Set in 33 square kilometres, the attractions, events, activities and landscape make a perfect destination for a day out. The main attractions such as Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon Ironworks, the World Heritage Centre and Blaenavon Heritage Railway 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!
Text provided by Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, photographs © muse kidd |
For this ride though, I'm continuing straight across the road where I can rejoin the path up to the spectacular Garn Lakes Local Nature Reserve.
This reserve was once a waste area covered in spoil tips and old colliery workings which has now been transformed into 40 hectares of lakes and grasslands. Following an extensive land reclamation scheme, Garn Lakes Local Nature Reserve now provides a diverse habitat for a wide-range of plants and wildlife — and a beautiful escape for humans as well.
If you're planning a picnic, this is an excellent spot. There are tables and benches scattered throughout the two large-adjoining lakes.
Leaving Garn Lakes, the landscape changes yet again into the area I have graciously named: "Little Montana".
If you've been to Montana, you might agree with me. There is no other place quite like this high plateau — at least not anywhere I've found in my travels through Wales.
You simply must stop to look around. The wind and the air is just magnificent.
At just over 1400 ft. in elevation you reach the highest point of the ride, after which you cross the busy B4248 and begin a slow descent into Brynmawr.
As the path slowly glides down the hill, you get a quick peek into the adjoining Usk Valley and the county of Monmouthshire.
In the far distance you can see Sugarloaf Mountain and The Blorenge.
This is another great place to stop for lunch if you're wanting quiet, scenic vistas. There are several benches along the path which provide stunning views across the valley.
Otherwise, it's an effortless glide down the high ridge into Brynmawr.
Just before entering Brynmawr, NCN Route 492 comes to an end at the junction with NCN Route 46 (image above). And here too, I'll end Part One of my report.
I'll start the next part of my report at the Simnai Dirdro (Twisted Chimney) sculpture along the Heads of the Valley Road just above historic Bute Town. From here, I'll turn south into the Rhymney Valley and follow NCN Route 468 all the way down to Maesycwmmer.
Be sure to check back soon for Part 2!
Be sure to check back soon for Part 2!
Summary: Eastern Valleys Loop - Part 1
I find that sometimes the places nearest home are easily overlooked. I often ride these local routes on trips to other places and don't give them the attention they rightly deserve.
Adventures don't have to be big and grandiose in scale. Sometimes just looking closely at the places that are around you, you can find beauty and tranquility. Wales is like that. There is so much to see — right on our doorstep.
Adventures don't have to be big and grandiose in scale. Sometimes just looking closely at the places that are around you, you can find beauty and tranquility. Wales is like that. There is so much to see — right on our doorstep.
| ROUTE COLOUR KEY: | Traffic-free | Shared Use | On Road | Steep Hill |
The report card on the right reflects my ride for the entire day. As you could see from the photos, it was a fabulous summer day with sunshine, blue skies, and temperatures holding around 20°. It was wonderful and I am thankful to have been out to see it all on my bicycle.
I will follow-up this report with Part Two where I explore the Rhymney Valley from Bute Town down to Maescymmer and back across to Crumlin to complete the loop.
I hope you've enjoyed my report so far and will return for Part Two — coming soon! As always, thanks for reading.
Seeya down the road... Cheers! - cm
I will follow-up this report with Part Two where I explore the Rhymney Valley from Bute Town down to Maescymmer and back across to Crumlin to complete the loop.
I hope you've enjoyed my report so far and will return for Part Two — coming soon! As always, thanks for reading.
Seeya down the road... Cheers! - cm
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