Leaflets
The Countryside Services at Torfaen County Borough Council produce the following leaflets. To receive a copy, or for information about any countryside events, please contact 01633 648329.
National Cycle Network Route 46
National Cycle Network Route 46 runs the length of Torfaen, the majority of which is totally off the highway. The route takes you along the canal towpath and the old mineral railway line.
Download a copy of the National Cycle Network Route 46| leaflet here.
Torfaen Trail – Figure of 8 Walk
This 35 mile route takes in the whole of Torfaen, from Cwmbran in the south, through Pontypool to Blaenafon in the north. It has been broken down into nine linear sections, which vary in distance from 2 miles to 9 miles. Walkers of all ages and abilities will find something to suit them, from an enjoyable stroll to the full 35 mile challenge!
Download a copy of the Torfaen Trail – Figure of 8 Walk| leaflet here.
Southern Henllys Circular Walk
A fairly easy two and a half hour circular walk via Mynydd Maen and Henllys farmland, with beautiful views over the valley to the Severn Estuary and passing ancient farmsteads. Links up with the Henllys circular walk.
Download a copy of the Southern Henllys Circular Walk| leaflet here.
Henllys Circular Walk
This energetic walk links directly with the urban areas of Henllys, Coed Eva and Fairwater Cwmbran. Taking you up to Mynydd Henllys on the old Henllys Incline, through the site of the old Colliery and returning through ancient farmland.
Download a copy of the Henllys Circular Walk| leaflet here.
Cwm Ffrwd Circular Walk
A circular walk around the Pontypool area, exploring a quiet and rarely visited cwm on the west side of the Eastern Valley.
Download a copy of the Cwm Ffrwd Circular Walk| leaflet here.
Cwm Lasgarn Circular Walk
This circular walk takes you through the ancient woodland at Lasgarn Wood and the surrounding area, giving you the opportunity to explore the unspoiled woodland, varied countryside and history of Cwm Lasgarn.
Download a copy of the Cwm Lasgarn Circular Walk| leaflet here.
Cwm Sychan Circular Walk
The Cwm Sychan circular walk takes you through the site of ‘The British’ and the Cwmsychan Valley, an area which once featured a major ironworks.
Download a copy of the Cwm Sychan Circular Walk| leaflet here.
Cwmafon Heritage Trail
A walk in the World Heritage Site, through forestry, along the Old Packhorse Trail from Medieval times and past many points of historic interest.
Download a copy of the Cwmafon Heritage Trail| leaflet here.
Cwm Lickey Circular Walk
This walk highlights the iron industry of the Race area and the community that grew up around it.
Download a copy of the Cwm Lickey Circular Walk| leaflet here.
Blaenafon Walks Pack
Discover the hidden corners of the Blaenafon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site using this pack of walks leaflets. The walks pass historical sites from the Bronze Age, through the Industrial Revolution and into a landscape and history that inspired famous author Alexander Cordell.
The walks range from easy strolls to energetic hikes with distances of just under 4 km (2 ½ miles) to just over 18 km (12 miles). You can tailor your walks to suit yourself from a quick walk around Garn Lakes while you’re waiting for your underground tour at Big Pit or combine several of the walks to provide a whole day of exploration. Each walk starts and finishes at a convenient car park, village centre, pub, picnic site or a heritage attraction.
The walks included in the pack are as follows:
The Iron Mountain Trail – Part One|
Takes you over and around the Blorenge Mountain on former tramways and ancient paths, passing through the site of Garnddyrys Forge and taking in breathtaking views out over the Usk Valley. This can be linked with the IMT part two for a longer walk.
The Mynydd Y Garn-Fawr |
A circular walk in part across open mountain, that passes old parish markers, bronze aige cairns and a show jumpers grave!
The Whistle Stop Tour|
A circular walk through Garn Lakes and along old trackways that take you past the Blaenafon Railway and Big Pit.
The Iron Mountain Trail – Part Two|
Explore the more industrial landscape of the World Heritage Site, passing through the former village of Pwll Du and many of the historic features which make this landscape of world significance such as the Blaenafon Ironworks. This walk can be linked with the IMT Part one for a longer walk.
Blaenafon Industrial Landscape|
This walk has been designed to guide visitors around part of the World Heritage Site to see some of the heritage features that contribute towards its recognition as outstanding in terms of its industrial heritage. Included on the walk are numerous Grade I, II and III Listed Buildings. It takes in open mountain, woodlands and the Town of Blaenafon.
Carn Y Gorfydd|
A more rural short circular walk in the World Heritage Site, dropping down into farmsteads along green lanes.
Goytre Wharf to Blaenafon Landscape|
An energetic circular walk of 14 miles, taking in the historic lime kilns at Goytre Wharf, the Holy Well and the Goose and Cuckoo country inn.
Pontypool Park
A circular walk that takes you back through time the higher you climb, from Victorian Follies to Roman Roads. You return to the present day passing Trevethin’s Medieval church and the site of a Victorian "fridge" on the way.
In the Footsteps of Pilgrims.
An energetic 9 mile walk following part of an ancient route walked by medieval pilgrims. This walk explores many of the old lanes around Cwmbran and passes many forgotten historical sites.