Canals & Rails: A journey through the industrial heart of Wales 🚲⛰️

Today’s "Gravel Gang", Bob and myself, headed out from Goytre for a ride that was equal parts history lesson and easy paced off-road leg-burner.

We started with a mellow spin along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal toward Pontypool, before hitting the NCN 462. Following the old track-bed, we climbed steadily through the Afon Llwyd valley toward the Blaenavon World Heritage Site. There’s something special about those old railway paths imagining steam locomotives hauling passengers and coal trucks up the mountain now scenic, traffic-free, and perfectly graded cycle paths.

After navigating the trails past Garn Lakes and the rugged slag heaps toward Brynmawr, we refuelled at Costa. The highlight was definitely the descent through the Clydach Gorge on the NCN 46. The views are absolutely breathtaking, with remote cottages clinging to the steep gorge walls.

We finished by hopping back onto the canal towpath at Govilon Wharf, meandering back to Goytre with the valley opening up below us. We finished wet, mucky, and cold, but the industrial heritage and those vistas made every mile worth it.

Definitely one to repeat when the spring sun makes an appearance!