Newport to Blaenavon
Route facts
Waterways:
Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal »
River Usk »
Distance: 24 km / 15 miles each way
Duration: 3 hours each way
Difficulty: Moderate
Suitable for: Everyone
Starts at: Newport Castle
Ends at: Big Pit, Blaenavon
Discover the industrial heritage of South Wales with this outstanding traffic-free cycle route, part of the National Cycle Network.
From Newport and the River Usk to the World Heritage Site of Blaenavon, this route is the ideal way to explore the area.
The route offers a glimpse into the turbulent history of the Monmouthshire Canal, closed in the mid-20th century but now being reborn. You'll cycle alongside restored sections, derelict lengths, and the southern section of the main line, cruised by narrowboats as part of the popular Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal.
After leaving the canal, you then follow a cycle path on the bed of an old railway up to Blaenavon. Though you're climbing up the Valleys, the gradient is always gentle, making this ride suitable for the less fit as well as more experienced cyclists. The route is well-surfaced and suitable for thin-tyred cycles as well as mountain bikes, though you should always bring a spare inner tube just in case.
Because this route is signposted as part of the National Cycle Network, there are clear blue signs at every turn. Simply follow the directions for Route 46.
The National Cycle Network is promoted and cared for by Sustrans. Torfaen Council also produces a leaflet about this route, which you can request by calling 01633 648034.
All photos by Jonathan Bewley/Sustrans.
Getting there
Public transport: Newport Castle is just a few hundred yards to the east of the railway station. The roads are very busy so we recommend that you push your bike.
Waypoints
1. Newport Castle
Head north (inland) from the castle along the banks of the River Usk. Cycle past Sainsburys, then turn across into a housing estate. Cross over the main road on a high footbridge, then on the other side, descend to join the present-day start of the Monmouthshire Canal. Cycle along the canal towpath as far as the junction in the shadow of the M4 motorway.
2. Malpas Junction
Despite appearances, the main line of the canal heads off to the right here. (Straight on is the canal's Crumlin Branch, also under restoration, which forms another branch of the National Cycle Network.) Turn right along the main line, passing directly under the motorway. Follow the towpath along the left-hand side of the canal, past the first of the restored locks. At the time of writing, cyclists were required to dismount for the first road bridge, but work is in hand to replace this with a continuous towpath underneath the road. Follow the canal until a road blockage.
3. Road blockage
The canal is currently blocked here by a minor road. Push the bike across and rejoin the towpath on the opposite side. Continue along the canal into the outskirts of Cwmbran, in time switching to the right-hand side, and then losing the canal altogether. When you're offered a choice, follow signs for the 'scenic route via canal towpath' rather than the main road along Cwmbran Drive.
4. Cwmbran Drive
The path descends with Cwmbran Drive, the main road through Cwmbran, on its right. You end up at road level at the first roundabout, where you will have to push your bike across. This is a very busy road - please take extra care. Follow the signs until you rejoin an isolated and rather sorry-looking length of the canal past a DIY store. Continue along the canal, taking care at the road blockages.
5. Cwmbran Locks
This is the steepest part of the route, as the canal climbs through several unnavigable locks in an attractive country park. At Cross Keys, where you can refuel at a handy convenience store, the canal becomes navigable once again at the other side of the road. This is the start of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, one of the most attractive cruising waterways. Continue on the towpath along the right-hand side, cycling over the top of the short Cwmbran Tunnel.
6. Pontrhydyrun Bridge
Leave the canal at the first bridge after the tunnel, turning right down a minor road. This is a steep downhill descent - take care. At the bottom of the hill, turn left as signposted along the old railway. From now on, the route will follow the old railway all the way to Blaenavon with only an occasional diversion. Look out for a handful of lovingly preserved railway buildings along the way.
7. Pontypool
The old railway line has been lost through Pontypool, making this the most complex part of the route. Follow the blue signs across footbridges, enjoying the view down onto the busy roads, and through underpasses until you rejoin the railway route on the other side of the town. Continue along the old railway in a sweeping arc around the suburbs.
8. Railway viaduct
The most spectacular structure outside Blaenavon is this towering viaduct, now adapted to cycleway use, with superb views. Take a while to stop and enjoy the view, then continue cycling into an attractive woodland section. The route hugs the side of the valley, with narrow cuttings eventually giving way to a more open aspect. As you approach Big Pit, rusty rails appear to your right, which then become a preserved railway.
9. Big Pit Mining Museum
The route ends at the Big Pit Mining Museum, which relates the history of the industrial heartland of the Valleys. You can also take the option to detour downhill into Blaenavon itself, with its dramatic ruined ironworks and plentiful second-hand bookshops. (Though be warned - the climb back up to the cycle route is quite steep!) Your return journey to Newport should be speeded by the downhill gradient.
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