WALK 46 - Blaenavon Iron Circular - Wednesday 12th March

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WALK DETAILS

Meeting Point: Blaenavon Ironworks Car Park

Grid Ref: SO 248 091

What3Words: commenced.houseboat.oddly

Time: 09:30 to 15:00

Distance: 7 miles ( 11.2 km )

Ascent: 900 ft ( 274 m )

Leader: Pam Knowles

Starting at Blaenavon Ironworks car park we walk up to Keeper's Pond (with spectacular views), built to provide water for Garnddyrys forge. We visit the site of the forge where all that's left are some very shapely slag heaps. Then it's west along a beautiful old tram road to the head of a steep valley and Pwll Du, an abandoned village with a very interesting industrial history. With fine views across to Abergavenny and Sugarloaf, we head south across a hillside with abandoned coal and iron workings. Then along Garn Road which leads us back to the start. This is an area steeped in industrial history, which the leaders will do their best to bring alive for you.

There should be time after the walk to visit the Ironworks and or the Heritage Centre for lots of information and a cup of tea.

DIRECTIONS TO START

From Crickhowell allow 30 minutes. Take the A40 towards Brecon and turn left at the Shell petrol station over the river bridge and turn left. Keep straight on the A4077 through Gilwern to the major roundabout with the A465. Take the third exit into Govilon and go right through the village. Just as you leave the village turn sharp right towards Big Pit and Blaenavon. Follow the signs to Big Pit. Go up the long hill past Keeper's Pond, straight on down into Blaenavon, and pass Blaenavon Ironworks on your right. Then turn right into Estate Road (signposted to Industrial Estate and car park) and the Ironworks car park is almost immediately on your left.