Heads of the Valleys Ride

This is a fabulous ride with spectacular views of the Clydach Gorge, Brecon Beacons, Sugar Loaf and Skirrid Mountains, through to Brynmawr then joining the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal Path back to Abergavenny. A stunning guided ride, predominantly traffic free and utilising National Cycle Routes.

Starting out from the centre of Abergavenny, just a short ride from the centre of Abergavenny and National Railway, you will begin a 9 mile ascent on the former Merthyr, Tredegar and Abergavenny Railway towards Brynmawr. This is now the Sustains National Cycle Route 46, paved and a gentle climb averaging 2-3%. Crossing the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal Path and through the first station, Govilon. Continuing up the side of the valley past Gilwern station, a double platform with stairs on one platform. The track deviates from the cycle route onto a narrow lane for about two miles through two switchbacks for a short steep section and then re-joining the railway which has now been made into a road. Over a viaduct at Clydach and the remains of the old station. The route circumnavigates the two railway tunnels that are now bricked up and disused. Clydach quarry workings appear on the left with much evidence of past workings. Continuing along the newly refurbished Sustrans route towards Brynmawr and over the new John Williams Bridge (in honour of local Nantyglo First World War Hero Sgt Major John Henry Williams awarded the Victoria Cross). The route then takes the Hafod Road, where you can observe the route you've just taken on the other side of the valley (Clydach Gorge). Dropping down a fairly steep descent into Gilwern we pick up the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal path and a quick stop at the Towpath Inn before returning to Llanfoist.

15 miles 1200ft Climbing. The ride is predominantly off road on a mixture of hard packed and asphalt surfaces. Gravel bikes, CX Bikes, MTBs suitable. Hybrids with a bit of traction should be fine. Electric bikes welcome. Road bikes are probably not ideal, the narrower tyres may not give adequate traction on gravel and could prove a safety issue.



Reviews:
Name - Ian
Rating - 5 stars
Very enjoyable ride. All done at a gentle pace, great views on a virtually traffic free route. Well led to make sure no one was struggling and a nice group to ride with.
Name – Bill
Thanks again to Jeremy for leading todays HOV ride and to fellow buddies for an enjoyable jaunt with views to remind us of how lucky we are to live where we do

Anon
Excellent ride which has a bit of everything and suits all but perhaps complete beginners. Well organised and using The Trading Post as the meeting point is a good idea.
Mike
Thanks to Jeremy I've now found the missing parts of this route. It was well worth the effort! Excellent route with stupendous scenery, which shouldn't be taken for granted. Every care was taken to ensure that all riders had a safe and thoroughly enjoyable ride. I can't wait for the next one.

A beautifully scenic route travelling high up towards Brynmawr on the Sustrans cycleways, looping back to Abergavenny via the Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal

22 miles 1400ft Climbing. The ride is predominantly off road on a mixture of hard packed and asphalt surfaces. Gravel bikes, CX Bikes, MTBs suitable. Hybrids with a bit of traction should be fine. Electric bikes welcome. Road bikes are probably not best suited due to the narrow gauged tyres which could prove problematic on gravel and flint sections.

Refreshments available at start and finish at The Trading Post, St John Sq, Abergavenny with a choice of Coffee shop or nearby pub grub. Please bring some provisions along with you, but we may stop at the new Brecon Park Boats Tramway Coffee shop.

Please wear a helmet, although not mandatory, but the main descent into Llangattock is on a steep, twisty road with some loose gravel. Tools and inner tubes advised and the ability to try and fix mechanicals should they arise.

First-timers welcome!