Torfaen Walks

Torfaen is a beautiful area occupying the most eastern of the South Wales valleys, well known as an area that holds a warm welcome with great diversity in terms of its landscape, biodiversity, history and cultural heritage. 

Whether you are a long distance walker looking for a challenge or out for a weekend stroll with the family, Torfaen has a series of circular walks to suit all ages and abilities.

In this wonderfully varied County there are 369km (230 miles) of public footpaths with long distance and short circular walks including walks in the countryside; along the canal; across mountain tops and even walks where you can follow in the footsteps of iron-makers and miners in the Blaenavon World Heritage Site

There are a series of circular walk leaflets available to download or why not join a guided tour which take place throughout the year.

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. Download a copy of the Iron Mountain Trail – Part One leaflet here.

The Mynydd Y Garn-Fawr

A circular walk in part across open mountain, that passes old parish markers, bronze age cairns and a show jumpers grave! Download a copy of the Mynydd Y Garn-Fawr leaflet here.

The Whistle Stop Tour

A circular walk through Garn Lakes and along old trackways that take you past the Blaenafon Railway and Big Pit. Download a copy of the Whistle Stop Tour leaflet here.

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. Download a copy of the Iron Mountain Trail – Part Two leaflet here.

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. Download a copy of the Blaenafon Industrial Landscape leaflet here.

Carn Y Gorfydd

A more rural short circular walk in the World Heritage Site, dropping down into farmsteads along green lanes. Download a copy of the Carn Y Gorfydd leaflet here.

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. Download a copy of the Goytre Wharf to Blaenafon Landscape leaflet here.

Blaenavon Town Walk

A moderate circular walk of 2 miles (3.5km) that can be extended to a more energetic 4.5miles (7.5Km).

It starts at the Heritage Centre which is housed in the former St. Peter’s School and takes you on a tour of the town and its history. The route takes in the Iron Works, the local shops as well as the Heritage Centre so there plenty to see and do along the way.

Download a copy of the Blaenavon Town Walk Leaflet here.

Cwm Ffrwd Circular Walk

A 2.5hr circular walk around the Pontypool area, exploring a quiet and rarely visited cwm on the west side of the Eastern Valley.

The Cwm Ffrwd walk takes you through wooded areas, along the line of the old railway and gives you the opportunity to see various remnants of the ironworks and mining features. Begin at Talywain Rugby Club car park just off Albert Road, Talywain.

Download a copy of the Cwm Ffrwd Circular Walk Leaflet here.

Cwm Lasgarn Circular Walk

This is a 3hr circular walk, which 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. 

We suggest that you begin at the small car park in Waterworks Lane, just off the A4043 Pontypool to Blaenavon Road in Victoria Village. 

Download a copy of the Cwm Lasgarn Circular Walk Leaflet here.

Cwm Lickey Circular Walk

This is a 1.5hr walk which highlights the industry of the Race area and the community that grew up around it. The “Race” probably got its name from the mining of iron ore, one of the many industries that developed in this area. Ore lay close to the surface so was worked by scouring away the topsoil by using water that "raced" through channels to carry away the soil to expose the minerals beneath. The Welsh word Rass or Rhas can refer to this process.

The start of the walk begins at the "Race", at the top of Blaendare Road, approximately 80 metres past the Race chapel. Here four roads converge to form a triangular area, which is a bus turning area, so please park sensibly.

Download a copy of the Cwm Lickey Circular Walk Leaflet here.

Cwm Sychan Circular Walk

A 2hr circular walk around the Pontypool area, exploring a quiet and rarely visited cwm on the west side of the Eastern Valley. 

The Cwmsychan walk takes you through the site of ‘The British’ and the Cwmsychan Valley, an area which once featured a major ironworks. Built in 1826 by the British Iron Company, the ironworks was later sold in 1852 to the owners of the Ebbw Vale ironworks. A number of Listed Buildings exist to this day, including a Grade II Listed Cornish Engine House and Big Arch. Various other remnants of the ironworks and mining features are also of archaeological interest.

Begin at Talywain Rugby Club car park, just off New Road, Talywain.

Download a copy of the Cwm Sychan Circular Walk Leaflet here.

Cwmafon Heritage Trail

A 3hr walk starting at Capel Newydd viewpoint parking area and picnic site, on Llanover Road about 1.5 miles outside Blaenavon. 

Download a copy of the Cwmafon Heritage Trail Walk Leaflet here.

Henllys Circular Walk

A 2.5 hour circular walk linking directly with the urban areas of Henllys, Coed Eva and Fairwater, Cwmbran. 

The walk proceeds up on to Mynydd Henllys and returns via farmland to the south. The route is approximately 7 km (4.5 miles). 

Download a copy of the Henllys Circular Walk Leaflet here.

In the Footsteps of Pilgrims

A 6-7 hour circular walk following part of an ancient route walked by medieval pilgrims.

Download a copy of the In the Footsteps of Pilgrims Walk Leaflet here.

Pontypool Park Circular Walk

This is a walk of 4 miles and two thousand years. It will take you further back through time the higher you climb, then you return through the centuries as you descend. 

(If you are starting from the bus stops in Hanbury Road, go through the Park Gates and the Italian Gardens, go over the river bridge, turn right then go on to and past the Active Living Centre ahead of you). 

Download a copy of the Pontypool Park Circular Walk Leaflet here.

Southern Henllys Circular Walk

A two and a half hour walk via Mynydd Maen and Henllys farmland. 

The Southern Henllys Circular Walk is fairly easy, crossing mainly gently sloping farmland (although there are approximately 16 stiles to climb).

The walk is approximately 7 km. in length and will take about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. 

Download a copy of the Southern Henllys Circular Walk Leaflet here.

Torfaen Leisure Route

Discover the countryside of Torfaen by using the Torfaen Leisure Route (National Cycle Network, Route 46). This route provides a totally traffic-free cycling and walking experience.

The southern end of Route 46 links with NCN Route 47, which is close to Newport railway and bus stations. Running the length of the County Borough of Torfaen, from Cwmbran in the south to Blaenavon in the north, passing through Pontypool. Covering approximately 18 miles, the route has been designed for the enjoyment of cyclists and walkers, and in parts, horse-riders, hence it’s name the “Torfaen Leisure Route”.

In the south it follows the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal towpath, whereas in the north is runs along the line of the old mineral railway.

Horse-riders can use the stretch of route from Wainfelin, Pontypool to Garn Lakes, Blaenavon.

This is an easy route for all users, with a gradual uphill incline from south to north.

Download a copy of the Afon Lwyd Trail Cycle Map here.

Torfaen Trail - Figure of 8 Walk

The Torfaen Trail is a figure of eight loop taking in the whole of the Borough, from Cwmbran in the south to Blaenavon in the north, crossing over at Pontypool Park which is situated in the middle of the Borough. This 35 mile route 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!

This scenic walk takes in ancient woodlands; forestry; country lanes and open mountain top.

The main starting point for this trail is the car park at Pontypool Active Living Centre. Here there is plenty of parking, a cafe and toilets.

You can download a copy of the Torfaen Trail - Figure of 8 Leaflet here.

Last Modified: 07/03/2024
For more information contact:

Access Team

Tel: 01633 648035

Back to top