Pontypool to Upper Cwmbran

An ancient mountain road

Start: Pontypool Active Living Centre

Finish: Upper Cwmbran

Parking: Pontypool Active Living Centre

Approximate Distance: 4 kms/2.5 miles

Time Allowance: 1.5 hours

This section takes you along part of an ancient highway which ran from Newport to Pontypool, via Henllys Church, Llanderfel Farm, Upper Cwmbran and Penyrheol. Parts of the route were possibly an old drovers’ road. On a clear day the views across to the Bristol Channel are breath-taking.

Glyn Bran in Upper Cwmbran was built in the 16th century and has been enlarged over the years. At some point in its history, an oven was installed in the end of the main house, which can be seen projecting into the road. Part of the house used to be used as a cider mill.

Siloam Chapel was built in 1838 probably as a result of the influx of workers to the newly opened Porthmawr Colliery or Clay Level (because of the fireclay produced from the mine) and the expansion of the local brickworks at about this time.

If you have a few minutes to spare, have a look around the tombstones in the graveyard. In 1870, one family by the name of Williams lost a young son of 2 years 8 months, and ten days later lost a boy of seven. The Welsh inscription on the tombstone translates, ‘Do not boast of tomorrow because you do not know what will happen within the day’.

Download a copy of the Torfaen Trail - Figure of 8 Leaflet which includes the Pontypool to Upper Cwmbran walk here.