Magor Marsh
and Summerleaze
Exploring the Gwent Levels: Part 2
In this installment of my Gwent Levels Cycling Project, I will be visiting one of the last fragments of fenland in Wales. Consisting of reens, hay meadows, ponds, wet-woodland, and grasses, it supports a wide variety of unique flora and fauna.
OVERVIEW
Magor Marsh and Summerleaze
Date: May 28, 2025
Distance: 62.4 mi. / 100.42 km
Elevation: +2,073 ft / -2,029 ft
Duration: 11 hrs, 51 mins.
Having stumbled upon the Living Levels website last year, I discovered a wide array of interesting places to explore along the Gwent Levels. This is Part 2 of my "Gwent Levels Project" where I will be visiting Magor Marsh.

The Living Levels website is quite expansive, however, one particular section caught my eye: the Living Levels Sculpture Trail. This turned out to not be so much of an actual trail, but simply four unique sculptures whose only connection is that they can be found along the Gwent Levels.

My project set outs to create an actual cycle route (or a series of cycle routes) that can be traveled over the course of several days whereby the intrepid explorer can visit all four of these interesting and unique sculptures.
The Gwent Levels Cycling Project
Exploring the Western Coastline of the Severn Estuary
This is the second installment of my Gwent levels project and contiues as a "work-in-progress". (You can view the first installment here: St. Brides & the West Usk Lighthouse). The remaining three/four installments are:
  1. St. Brides & the West Usk Lighthouse ✓
  2. Magor Marsh & Summerleaze ✓
  3. Goldcliff Lagoons
  4. Port Skewett & Sudbrook
  5. Parc Tredelerch
  6. Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve (possible?)
The results of these five explorations will be compliled into an overview, in which I will create a number(?) of individual routes to guide cyclists along the Gwent Levels by bicycle.

Additionally, I will be utilizing as much of the National Cycling Network as possible with all of the final routes — starting from and returning to Newport (and/or Cladicot). I will then assess what additional photographs (if any?) need to be taken to supplement the route(s).

I've included two small maps below as an examples of my idea and to compare distances between train stations and Magor Marsh. With Option #1, it's nearly 13 miles from the Newport Train Station to Magor Marsh — whilst with Option #2 it's just over 4 miles from Severn Tunnel Junction.
Option #1
Option #2
As you can see there is roughly a seven mile difference between the starting points. Both routes utilize NCN Route 4 of the National Cycle Network, but travel in different directions.

The route from Newport offers the option of cycling along the Newport Riverfront, and visiting the Newport Transporter Bridge (and crossing, if open). There is also the possiblity of a side trip to visit the Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve. However, I think visiting both the Nature Reserve and Magor Marsh in the same day would be difficult.

This also points out that there could be a sixth part to this project which would include The Newport Wetlands. As I said; this is a "work-inprogress".
Resources:
Having now explained all of my grand ideas, it's finally time to get this report started!
Oakdale to Magor Marsh
My day started by cycling south from Oakdale to Pontywaun, where I then joined NCN Route 47 along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal. I then cycled to 14 Locks and on down to Newport. From there, I joined NCN Route 4 heading east toward Chepstow.
Just as did in the first installment, I decided to not take any photographs of my ride down the valley and across the Wetlands. (I've done this numerous times and it seems unecessarily repetitive. If you're interested see: 14 Locks, Newport, & Sirhowy Parc)

Instead, I'll primarily be showcasing photos which highlight Magor Marsh itself along with a short side trip I made to Summerleaze.
NCN Route 4 from Newport forms the "spine" of my route planning for the Gwent Levels Project. The route itself is mostly flat as it snakes along the Gwent Levels all the way to Chepstow. And if you avoid rush hour(s), it can be incredibly quiet with little to no traffic. (See: Gwent Levels & Wentwood)
Magor Marsh
After roughly 12 miles from Newport along NCN Route 4, Whitewall Lane branches off toward Magor. The entrance to the marsh is another .75 mi. on your left and is very unassuming. I've cycled past this sign many times without much notice — thinking at most; "I wonder what's in there?"

But after visiting the Living Levels - Magor Marsh SSSI website I was surprised to see how much I had been missing. On this day I would find out for myself.
Just inside the entrance is a small car park beside a visitor & education centre. Surprisingly, there was a rather large group of volunteers being instructed on the work planned for the day. They were laughing and joking with each other and seemed rather excited to be working in the marsh.

I parked my bike out of the way and listened (nosily), as I was curious about their plans. I try to avoid taking photos of people... folks can sometimes be weird about having their picture taken.
I set off on foot with my camera bag to explore and see what this place had to offer. Note in image above... I left my coffee behind!
Within 50 feet of the path entrance, I spotted the silhouette of the scuplture I had come here to find. Even from a distance, she looked wonderful!
Weathered benches and narrow footbridges add character and rustic charm from the outset.
And there she is...
The Brinker
Living Levels Sculpture Trail
A "brinker" is a person responsible for the maintenance of land along the sides of a reen, a wall or pill (see: Unique Levels Lingo). Their role was crucial inorder to keep the vegetation clear on their property so that the narrow waterways remained open and flowing which would prevent the surrounding low-level fields from flooding.

Both men and women worked as brinkers. It was hard and difficult work using a long scythe to cut the tall grass. Inspired by Anne Williams who lived alongside Monks Ditch in Whitson, the sculpture on display represents a traditional woman using a scythe as she might have appeared in the mid-18th century.
The Brinker at Magor Marsh
Resting on her scythe, the sculpture itself is built upon a steel skeleton, over which steamed willows are woven to reflect the interconnectedness of humans and nature. Additionally, built into either side of the sculpture’s pockets are two nesting sites for birds.
Map provided by Gwent Wildlife Trust and modified Bike Wales
The Brinker stands approximately 2.5m high alongside one of the reens (near the pond dipping") at Magor Marsh Nature Reserve. Designed & built by Sarah Hatton and Melanie Bastier, the sculpture was installed in September 2020.
References:
I find this stuff fascinating. There is so much history to be discovered out here! The folks who built the Living Levels website have done an excellent job presenting the details. (I am only touching on them briefly.) I highly recommend visiting their site.
It's kind of a shame that her hat is missing... I wonder what happened to it? But I digress. It's time to move on and explore more!
Reed Sweet Grass stands taller than my head. A variety of insects are buzzing everywhere and as I push my way along the path, unseen critters can be heard scurrying about the waters edge.
I pause by a large tree as a moorhen squawks at my intrusion. The air is cool and damp and a part of me wants to crawl down the bank just to see what's gurgling and bubbling down there.
Along with the tall grasses, the banks of the reens are lined with Water Parsnip, Cock's Foot, and Pond Sedge (amoungst others...)
Greater Water Parsnip
Cock's Foot
Greater Pond Sedge
Wildlife images Courtesy Gwent Wildlife Trust
The path then veers away from the reens and into a wooded section. (Urgh! Why didn't I photograph that little information board?!?)
The Cow Parsley and Buttercups are easy enough to recognise, but I'd like to know what else to look for!
Cow Parsley
Meadow Buttercup
Wildlife images Courtesy Gwent Wildlife Trust
It's wonderfully secluded. I haven't seen or heard a sole in over an hour.
Tucked in amoungst the grasses, a Yellow Iris shows her lovely face.
It's great to just stand and look around. The marsh is fabulously thick and lush. More Yellow Iris pop out along the banks of the reen (image below).
Magor Marsh
A relict marshland, unchanged for thousands of years
Magor Marsh is one of the last fragments of fenland still remaining on the Gwent Levels. It is an unusual low-lying, waterlogged region of wetland consisting of reens, hay meadows, ponds, wet-woodland, sedge fens, and grasses growing in shallow, nutrient-rich peat.

Historically, this area (as with most all of the Gwent Levels) has been carefully and purposely carved-out, built-up, and drained for agriculture for thousands of years.

Purchased in 1963, this 90-acre nature reserve (36-hectare) was the first nature reserve created along the Gwent Levels by the newly formed Gwent Wildlife Trust. Water levels are fed naturally by underground springs which are kept high by careful management of the reens by Natural Resources Wales.
Map provided by Gwent Wildlife Trust and modified Bike Wales
The unique features of Magor Marsh make it a Site of Special Scientic Interest (SSSI). These types of habitats are very rare and support an exceptional variety of breeding birds, including nationally important populations of avocet, redshank, lapwing, water rail, Cetti’s warbler and bearded tit.

There is a particularly diverse community of insects and other invertebrates (esp. water beetles) inhabiting the reens and ditches. Over 200 species of insects and other invertebrates have been recorded.
Despite being close to town and the busy railway, this unique marsh remains wet and boggy year-round and provides a home to diverse wildlife, including rare aquatic flora and fauna, as well as European Protected Species(EPS) otters and bats.
Water Vole
Cetti's Warbler
Little Egret
Kingfisher
Wildlife images Courtesy Gwent Wildlife Trust
Some of the more common species which can easily be seen along the reens, ponds and meadows are: Little Egrets, Kingfishers, Cetti’s Warbler, as well as an extensive variety of dragonflies and butterflies.

During 2012/13, 200 water voles were re-introduced to the reserve . The water vole is the UK’s fastest declining mammal, however, it is hoped that those released will breed and spread across the network of interconnected ditches all across the Gwent Levels.
The top layer of soil in the marsh is mostly peat at a depth of roughly 15 ft (4.6 metres). Beneath the peat lies a thick layer of alluvium laid down by the Severn Estuary thousands of years ago. Special attention must be made to maintain the level of water throughout the marsh, as it must be kept near the surface to preserve the peat, as well as the habitat for the wildlife that live in this unusual marsh.

The fields of Magor Marsh were created with distinctive patterns formed by human interaction. The digging of reens and ditches over the course of thousands of years has created a unique environment deserving special attention and appreciation. Unlike the surrounding villages and farmland, little has changed here not for hundreds, but for thousands of years.
References:
A Red Kite circles overhead, hunting voles I suspect? And it's time to move on...
The path becomes a raised wooden walkway as it snakes through an area of wet-woodland heading toward the Hay Meadow. Small birds are chirping and hopping between the branches. It's quiet and intimate under the low canopy.
My eyes have to adjust to the bright sunlight as I leave the woodland and enter the meadow. Over the glare, above the grass, insects buzz seemingly in delight of the beautiful day. I stroll slowly, taking in the fresh air, feeling the warmth and glory of being outside.
I am reminded of when I was a boy, exploring the fields and woods at my Uncle Paul's farm. Wandering where my eyes would lead me, looking at that world and wondering about nothing in particular, but feeling so alive.
At the top of the meadow, I pass through another small gate where I'm greeted by a group of volunteers. They are working hard building fences, but stop to say hello and ask me a few questions. Lovely fellows giving their time to maintain this special place.

Thank guys! Nice to meet ya... you're doing a great job.
I wander on thinking that it must be rewarding to be a volunteer here. They were all so cheerful despite the labour of their efforts.
The path meanders through a narrow field passing alongside another reen before heading back into the wet-woodland.
I haven't a map to guide me... (it's not a terribly big place and ya can't get lost.) I'm just exploring randomly, wandering. But then I reach a fork in the path with an intriguing sign pointing toward "The Pond" and "Bird Hide". That's a must see!
There are quite a few people milling about. Children are shrieking, parents are reprimanding... the whole scene is shockingly chaotic, loud and seems somewhat rude (it's not an amusement park, for Christ's Sake.) But I say nothing and wait patiently for the collection to leave.
When I finally have the place to myself, I suddenly realise that I haven't the proper lense for this incredibly cool location. The bird hide is also difficult to shoot without a tripod.
Far across the pond, a tree is full of egrets, but my 40mm lense is of little use. I take a few snaps simply to record that I was there and say to myself that this is just another reason to return.
It was mid-day and I felt like it was time to move on. I still wanted to visit Summerleaze, so I needed to make my way back to my bike, despite not knowing exactly which way to go?
I walked along the raised wooden path through more lovely meadows, following signs and my vague sense of direction.
Then coming around a bend, the fields opened wide again. I could see the houses of Magor and the visitor centre in the near distance.
I finished up wandering back along the path as I had first entered the marsh. The lovely Brinker, standing waist-high in the grass seemed content, knowing she had most of the days work behind her.

Thanks Magor Marsh and all your volunteers. My visit has been wonderful.
Summerleaze
I packed up my bike and made my way back down Whitewall Lane to join NCN Route 4. Directly across from the junction with Pill Street (NCN Route 4) there is a small non-descript road which at first-glance appears to be a private drive into a farm.
I've passed it more times than I can count without wondering much about it, but as I was studying the Gwent Levels on Google maps, I discovered that this un-named lane actually leads down to the seawall through the community of Summerleaze.
Upon further research whilst writing this report I discovered this interesting and relevant info:
In Medieval times land use seems to have remained unaltered. South-eastern Monmouthshire (including the Caldicot Level) was included in the Domesday Survey (of Gloucestershire). It records ‘hardwicks’ in this area, e.g., at Portskewett. Hardwick comes from ‘herd’ and ‘farm’ (wick), so a ‘hardwick’ is a ‘herd-farm’. An area of Chepstow is still called Hardwick Hill today.

Some farms, fields and features retain the name Summerleaze (Redwick), Summerway Reen (Caldicot), or Somerton (Newport). These placenames indicate ancient, seasonal, summer, cattle grazing areas. Ynys Mead (Redwick) also indicates summer pasture for grazing (and possibly land surrounded by water, like an island). Redwick means ‘the dairy farm in the reeds’ or, possibly, the ‘red dairy farm’.
For more info, see: "What's in a name?"
However, I had discovered another surprising link on the Living Levels website that caught my attention and this was the main reason for cycling down to the seawall: "Pillboxes on the Gwent Levels".
So, yeah. I definitely wanted to see one.
One of the difficulties with cycling along the Gwent Levels, especially when trying to reach the beaches or seawall has been encountering steep stairs or kissing gates placed near the more well-established access points.
Streetview on Google Maps proved extremely helpful with finding an accessable entrance onto the seawall by bike. In fact, the entire seawall has been photographed and mapped, which was precisely how I found this location just below Summerleaze.
So I set out to find a pillbox.
Now cycling along the seawall can be difficult. It's pretty uneven in places and not at all suited for road bikes, but my little Raleigh with 26" x 1.75" tyres performed flawlessly.
And I needn't add that the views are spectacular.
That's not to say there weren't obstacles... I did encounter a kissing gate by this water gate(?) (Upper left in image below.)
But that didn't stop me. Yes, I had to take off the panniers and stand the bike on its rear wheel, then waddle my way through, but I was in no rush and I figured it was worth the extra effort. That's part and parcel of exploring.
And seriously... just look at these views.
The Living Levels website had the pillbox listed as being near "Chapel Farm", which I presumed was near Chapel Reen, but finding these sort of details can be difficult. Then I ran across this walking map... (image below)
And with a little more help from Google Maps again... I poked around & zoomed and poked around & zoomed some more... and then I thought I found it! (image below)
So I cycled along, looking and hoping my efforts had been correct...
and then... there it was!
I can honestly say that I had chills. I laid my bike down and just looked around for a few moments... stunned.
I sat down then, pulled out my sandwiches, and had my lunch.
It's hard to get my head around to think that men, boys even as young as 17, sat here, looking out across the water, rifles in hand, waiting for the enemy.

Growing up in the United States, I never saw anything like this. Sure, I've visited plenty of Civil War and Revolutionary War sites across the US. I've seen my share of guns & tanks in museums and WWII battleships tied up along piers, but this is different. Those weapons were brought home from the war. This is the battleground itself.

At 65 years old, I've lived a charmed life. I've never had to face a war, defend a country, point a gun at another man.
It's sobering and humbling.
With those thoughts floating around in my head, I climbed back up the embankment, packed my bike and began the ride home.
SUMMARY
Magor Marsh and Summerleaze
What a day it had been. It was well after 8:00 pm and nearly dark when I rolled through the back garden gate. I spent 12 hours out on my bike (and wandering through the marsh) and needless to say, I was whupped.

Visiting two locations in a single day proved to be not only time consuming, but made for a very long Ride Report! I shot over 300 photos and close to 90 made it here.

But the weather was fantastic... mostly sunny all day with the temperature hovering around 18°c (65°f). Taking out the Raleigh was a good decision, despite the overall mileage. (The Dawes simply would not have handled cycling along the seawall.)

So there we have Part 2 of my Gwent Levels Project. I'm off to begin work on "Part 3: Goldcliff Lagoons". Just in case ya missed it, here's "Part 1: St. Brides and the West Usk Lighthouse".

Seeya down the road... Cheers! - cm
Note: The map shown above covers my entire day of cycling from Oakdale to Magor, Summerleaze and back.
The Gwent Levels Cycling Project
I've often cycled through this unique costal landscape with admiration, but without a thorough knowledge. This report is part of a series of in-depth investigations where I seek to better-understand and truly appreciate these places and hopefully, encourage you, dear reader, to do the same.
I wish to thank the Living Levels Landscape Partnership for their dedication and hard work to enhance and maintain this unique coastal landscape. For more information on the Gwent Levels, please visit their highly informative website: Living Levels.
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