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Map: OS Explorer OL12
Start Point: Car park at GR SO 042 163
Distance:15K
Height gain: 450+mtrs
Time: 4 - 5 Hours
There are many routes up to the highest point in south Wales, Pen Y Fan. The
most popular starts and returns at Story Arms, takes approx 2 hours to
the top.
This walk I know as the "Horse Shoe", due to the shape of the route. It
takes in all three of the highest peaks of the Beacons, Cribyn, Corn Ddu
& Pen Y Fan and is a more challenging walk some groups have taken 10 hours
to complete this route! But usually I'd allow 4 - 5 hours
Navigation is simple, (so long as you have visibility) as the route follows
the ridge-lines on well defined paths. It starts with a steep scramble
to the first ridge most height is gained on this first accent, then a gradual climb to Corn Du, a slight decent and climb to Pen Y Fan. Then what seems to be a big drop with even bigger climb to Cribyn,
keep reminding your self that Crybin is not as high as Pen Y Fan.
Start Point : Car park at GR SO 042 163 From CP cross
bridge, then take first forestry track on right. Follow track towards
dam, take track bearing left up stiff scramble to top of ridge, then follow ridge line
right to Corn Du, continue onto Pen Y Fan, if you can't face the climb
to Cribin the track down bears off to the right around and rejoins on
the other side.
Cross fence onto track known as the" Gap" as it passes between
the highest peaks of the Beacons, follow this track right for approx 2.75K
to the start point.
 Starting the scramble up
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Map: OS Explorer OL12
Start Point: GR: SN899 075
Distance: 11.5K
Time: 4hours.
Height gain: 150 mtr
There are various stating points but I'd recommend starting at the TIC/Angel Pub at Pontneddfechan
In the eastern region of the park there are areas of lime stone, which have
been worn away by three main rivers, the Mellte, Hepste and Nedd Fechan.
The full walk take's you along all three rivers, if you don't have time
for the full walk you can either make a couple of short cuts or walk straight
to main falls Sgwd yr Eira and back approx 1.5 - 2 hours.
It's little realised that the area was a major industrial site for arms
manufacturing, supplying the cannon balls and gunpowder for the british
navy. Along side the rivers hidden in the undergrowth are caves and mines
that supplied all the ingredients for gun powder, Cannon balls,.and the
water provided power the factories required. The canal was built to transport
the delicate cargo to the waiting war ships at Swansea docks.
It's always worth while checking the route with the TIC at Pontneddfechan,
as the paths do have a tendency suffer from erosion or may have diversions
around path repair works.
From the Tourist Information Center follow the river to the RHS of the
Angel pub. It's a good path along a former railway line, there are diversions
but basically follow this path keeping the main river on your right. You'll
come to a car park, the main route continues on foot path on left as you
leave car park, which puts you on the right hand bank of the river.
Or you can short cut by following the lane out of the
car park. Left at road junction for approx 1K. Right on to foot path follow
this to foot bridge over the river. Right walking down river to re-join
walk.
Path bears away from river up to a lane, turn right to cross over at
T junction take footpath down to Porth yr Ogof car park. This is a very
busy car park used by the caver's, walkers and tour companies. Follow
the river down stream, most of this walk is way-marked, but can be confused
with alternative routes. The path climbs away from the river and you'll
cross through forest to meet the Afon Hepste. The path descends in to
the gorge, where the path continues behind the water fall Sgwd yr Eira.
The path behind is reasonable good the spray will make you damp but it's
not a soaking. Climbing the steps up the other side are more of a challenge.
Follow foot path signs to Dinas Rock, this will return you to the TIC/Angel
pub.
Scwyd y Eira in full flow.
Scwyd Eira in summer flow.
Walk List
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Map: OS Explorer OL13
Distance: 3.2K
Height gain: 200mtr
time: 2 hours
Start point: GR SO056 176
This waterfall walk is located in the central Beacons area. Not as impressive
at as the well known waterfalls, but after heavy down poor can be a good
alternative and in good weather it's a good location to explore the river
to it's source.
Starting from the car park - walk back to cross the road and follow the
Taff Trail for approx 0.8K , look for gate on left. Nearly opposite is
an entrance to the Torpantau railway tunnel, the highest rail tunnel in
UK. You can enter with care stay on right hand side.
Over gate, take care walking down steep field, bear to right under trees.
At bottom follow fence to the left to find style and gate on to forestry
track. Follow for approx 0.4K to road.
Right onto road across bridge and follow foot path on right hand river bank up along the river for approx 0.6K.
To return to car park cross foot bridge and follow steep path.
The path continues along right hand bank of river for approx 2.5K. There
are no bridges further along the river, great care must be used when crossing
any river. Under foot becomes tough going due to the grass tussocks and
marshy charastics Not recommended going too far from path in wet conditions.
Tunnel Entrance
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Falls in spring time |
Map: OS Explorer OL12 & 13
Distance: 19K
Height gain: 420mtr
time: 3hours
Start point Hobo Backpackers, GR SO141 087
The Brinore Tram road built in 1815 is the longest and probably the oldest
example of a primitive railway. It provided a vital link between the iron
foundry’s along the heads of the valleys and the canal at Talybont, where
the iron ore and finished goods were transferred by canal barges to the
docks at Newport.
Its route is through some of the prettiest but least used areas of the Brecon
Beacons. Starting at Trefil ending at the canal in Talybont. The area has
an incredible wealth of archaeological heritage, from the medieval age to
modern political history.
To fully appreciate the significance of the tram road and the surrounding
area, members of the Tramroad Conservation Forum offer guided walks. For
more info either contact Hobo or Tredegar library.
Brinore Tramway
From Hobo take road opposite down under by-pass road and straight up
other side. At St James way bear left and through stone wall, over style
follow path up hill this area is known as No9, there's a number of paths
to follow but suggest taking next right steep up then levels, off go passed
pond (it's suggested it's bottomless!) down slightly bear right onto track
follow it to top of rise.
At top follow track down to road, cross road other side is the Anirun
Bevan memorial stones. Follow track to left of stones, this will lead
you round the hill in front of you. Turn left to cross road bridge over
the A465 to round about. Follow bridleway sign this leads to a dismantled
railway line which takes you to Trefil.
At end of line either drop down left then right to walk through village
on road. Or turn right and climb to top heading north to walk around top
of disused quarry on open moorland then down to rejoin road.
Continue along road till you see a stone on right hand side with brown
sign. to right of road is track, which is the start of the tramway.
The tramway has been way marked, the first part can be a little tricky
underfoot specially if very wet but is passable. There is an alternative
route to avoid this part.
Continue on road through disused quarry for approx 2.25K Turn right on
to track over open moor-land (junction is marked with large boulders)
follow this track for approx 3.5K where it rejoins the tramway. From this
point it's approx 4.5K down to Tallybont.
For small groups we can arrange collection from Tallybont for larger
groups we arrange collection my mini-bus. Brian Jones local historian
offers guided walk-and talk along the tramway, which brings the history
of tramway and surrounding area to life.
 Top House |  Lime Kilns |
 Looking down at start of the Brinore,
The Lime Kilns are just below.
In background is the Dyffryn Crawnon Valley. |
| Walk List
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Map: OS Explorer 166
Distance: 9.2K
Height gain: 220mtr
Time: 3 hours
distance: 9.2K
Start point: Hobo Backpackers, GR SO141 087
Linear walk to Holly bush
This linear walk follows the eastern ridge of the Sirhowy valley ending
at the Holly Bush Inn, returning by bus to Tredegar. There are options
to extend the walk further down the valley or retuning via the opposite
ridge.
From Hobo turn right down the hill, straight over round about opposite
snooker hall, turn left along road after right hand bend take 1st left
signed to St James, up steep road. This will take you into St James forestry
and reservoir, after reservoir the road become rough, continue through
trees passed cattle grid onto open land keep following track to meet another
track/road crossing.
Either follow road right to Manmoel or take the tough, option of walking
to the top of the Domen in front of you. At the top is the remains of
a gun emplacement, placed there to protect the steel works in Ebbw Vale.
From there you'll be rewarded with views along the Ebbw valley with glimpses
of both severn bridges. Head south following soft grassy track gently
down across open country. When the heather is in colour it's a fantastic
sight, such a contrast. Continue for approx 1K turn right onto wide unmade
track/road, then left onto tarmac road.
Follow road for 1.25K to cattle grid at fork in road bear right to cross
road at end of avenue. Left takes you to Manmoel village, a quiet hamlet,
which has a pub.
Straight on takes you to Ex-Markham colliery site. At bottom of hill
turn right, and right again onto dismantled railway up the valley for
approx 1.25K, where it opens out onto large area. Cross river via bridge
on the left. Follow track parallel to river for .75K into Hollybush.
Turn Right along forestry track, which winds it's way down a stony forestry
track, left at next forestry cross track (straight ahead is a dead end,
right takes you back up to the Domen). Continue down forestry track for
approx 0.3K turn right on to smaller track, follow until junction, head
down to find a bridge crossing the river Sirhowy. Up other side to Holly
bush, the pub is on your right. Bus stop is at far end of village on the
A4048 road.
To return via opposite ridge.
Cross A4048 climb short road opposite, left on to road, bear right up
road just before end turn right onto foot path. Right at next junction,
through farm. Along lane right at end onto narrow road. Either follow
road for 4.5K back to Tredegar, or climb to top of ridge and follow it
back to Tredegar.
Walk List
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Walks based Around Tredegar
Map: OS Explorer 166
Distance: 11.1K
Height gain: 230mtrs
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Start point: Hobo Backpackers, GR SO141 087
Starting from Hobo turn right down to Bedwellty park, there's many paths
through the park.
Easier climb to the top of the ridge, head up to exit the park
by the rugby club and the Bush pub. Follow the road up the hill turn,
left at top following the Abertysswg road over the cattle grid bear left
off the road heading towards the top.
Steeper climb: From Bedwellty park exit at bottom gate (follow path straight
on/down). Turn right out of park and into school & leisure center,
follow track right up to playing fields, bear right before field heading
for style, over style follow track for approx 100mtr, follow way marker
on right towards clump of trees, with small valley on your right, continue
to top a stiff climb. Over style in fence between two fields turn left
at next style and head towards top of hill.
If you continue straight on across road take path on left hand side of
pond at far end is the Cholera
Cemetery
Head for ridge line and walk along it for approx 3.5K. Follow fence left to edge continue along looking over edge, you will see top of rocking stone.
To return either retrace your steps along edge of mountain approx 2k
until you see obvious path down, cross road into Bedwellty pits, continue
down to disused railway line, left and follow it back to Tredegar.
Or continue along mountain edge to meet fence, follow sheep tracks zigzagging
down to wards house, there is a style to right. Cross road to Potchin,
to your right is style which takes you around to front of houses to meet
disused railway, it's not a right of way but is regularly used. Follow
line back to Tredegar.
Rocking Stone | Start of Steep climb note end of playing grounds.
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Walk List
Map: OS Explorer OL13
Distance: 5.4K
Height gain: 140mtr
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Start Point: Hobo Backpackers, GR SO141 087
From Hobo take road opposite down under by-pass road and straight up
other side, on 3rd bend take foot path on right hand side into forestry,
at path junction right, leads to a forestry road, turn right. Turn right
on path for approx 0.7K leads to St James reservoir. At forestry road
turn left follow for approx 0.5K up to the Domen. Either climb to top
of Domen, and follow ridge line south for approx 1.2K till meeting track,
turn Left to follow track down mountain side. Turn right onto road, which
winds down, right through gates passed gym stay on track and follow to
Festival park.
The shops there are ok, but for me the best part is the bird sanctuary.
The best place for cuppa- tea is at the fishing club house located by
the lake, you'll get to see some of the landscaping of the ordinal festival
park.
Coming Down The domen |
Fishing club's tea house |
The Owl Sanctuary | PICTURE |
Walk List
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Map: OS Explorer OL13
Distance: 11K
Height gain: 198mtr
Time: 3 hours
Start Point: Hobo Backpackers, GR SO141 087
Shon sheffreys Reservoir, & Bryn Bach Parc, North of Tredegar.
From Hobo turn left up hill passed the clock and shops, at traffic lights,
dog-leg left then immediately right into Church road (has HQ hairdressers
on corner). At far end of Church road cross main road via crossing lights
towards petrol station, follow road round to Gorge town for approx 1.5K
just before crossing river bridge follow foot path sign on your right.
The path follows the river under the Nine Arches bridge and on to Tir
Morgan Farm. keep on path to Garn Ddu farm.
Either take road left and left again to Nant y Bwch (Mountain Air pub
serves meals) waking along side the A465 take cycle track on right hand
side.
Or continue straight on along track through gate on to open land, to
your left is shorn Jeffries reservoir, head up to the disused rail line.
Great views here of the rolling open country side. Turn right along rail
line, to find the source of the river. Looking north you can see another
circular rail- line at the far end the river tumbles it's way down and
into a deep cutting under the rail line, scramble along the river to find
the source approx 1.5 K.
Continue along rail line from approx 1K, right again down rough track,
looking for a style on the right, which leads back to the Farm. Straight
on along road and left on road to Nant y Bwch. Just before A465 take cycle
track on right along side it for approx 1K to round about.
Left at round about cross bridge, right into Bryn Bac Parc, bear left
towards the visitor center and follow path around edge of lake. At far
end is gate, follow track down right onto road then right again at T junction,
follow road back to town center. | Awaiting Photo | Awaiting Photo |
Walk List
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Map: OS Explorer OL13
Distance: 11K
Height gain: 198mtr
Time: 3 hours
Start Point: Hobo Backpackers, GR SO141 087
St James woods and villages south east of Tredegar. From Hobo down road
opposite under by-pass and straight up hill other side, at 3rd bend take
foot path on right, at next junction follow path right, this path undulates
to St James Reservoir
Cross road to Reservoir, from opening on right hand side of Reservoir
are views up and down the Sirhowy Valley, north you can see the out line
of The Beacons, Pen Y Fan being the highest peak, shaped like a sharks
fin. At far end of Reservoir path continues into the forest, path winds
it's way down to the village of Troedrhiwgwair.
This village has had most of it's houses removed due to fears of land
slides, similar to the Aberfan disaster. Walk to far end of village ,
you'll find track going down passed a farm building it used to be the
fountain pub. The track leads to foot bridge across the sirhowy river,
follow the track up to meet a disused rail line in front of row of cottages
at Bedwellty Pits, follow the track back into Tredegar.
St James Reservoir | 
Troedrhiwgwair From opposite side of valley | | Awaiting Photo | Awaiting Picture |
Walk List
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Merthyr
Cefen Coed Viaduct
Map: OS Explorer 166
Distance: 1.2K
Height gain: 24mtr
Time: 1 hours
Start Point: GR SO 031 079
Short walk around the Cefen Coed Viaduct.
Starting from the Station Hotel at Cefen Coed which is on the Taff Trail. Follow Taff trial sign
across this impressive viaduct built on a curve, at far end turn right and
drop down on steep gravel path along and under the viaduct cross river. From here you can see
the scale and workman ship of the viaduct. Follow road up other side, which
winds it's way through the lanes to the starting point.
Cefen Coed Viduct |
Cefen Coed Viaduct |
Walk List
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World Heritage Site
Blorange & Blaenafon
Map: OS Explorer OL13
Distance: 8.7K
Height gain: 330mtr
Time:4-5 hours
Start Point: GR SO 254 107
Keepers pond & around the Blorange.
This is a short distance but strenuous walk some parts are very exposed,
best undertaken when the weather is dry and clear. There's lots of historical
information about this walk, the tramroad's and inclines form just part
of the World Heritage Site. Worth visiting the tourist office at the Blaenafon
Iron Works before starting this walk.
From the pond follow track around to the left, about half way round pond
take path dropping down away from pond follow down for approx 2.5K, where
track level out. Track begins to follow contour lines to a pond, which
marks the punch bowl wild-life area.
Approx .25K track emerges form the trees follow path up. Right onto road
for approx 1.75K. Leave road on right just passed radio masts and head
back to start point.
Tucked away is the Fox & Lamp pub a well worth visiting, claims to
be the highest pub in Wales.
From the pond cross the B4246 road, take small road opposite follow for
approx 0.7K pub is on the right.
| Awaiting photo | Awaiting photo |
Walk List
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Cyfarthfa
Cyfarthfa Castle & Park
Map:
Distance:
Height gain:
Time:
Start Point:
Cyfarthfa Castle |
Awaiting photo |
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