We have recently received updated details regarding the Clydach Gorge route, i.e. from Llanfoist (near Abergavenny) to Brynmawr, which once formed part of the LNWR's scenic Heads of the Valleys line. It now forms an 8 mile walking and cycling route.

The upper section is now complete from Brynmawr to SO 235135 and then from SO 242139 to Llanfoist (SO 285133). The surface is excellent tarmac except for the section just down from the upper tunnels (where it remains grassy ballast) and, for the most part, the line followed is the later railway rather than the original tramway. The tunnels are bypassed using the line of the tramway, some of which has been taken over by shared access to houses and a short stretch of public highway; the tramway gets around the upper tunnels by climbing dramatically high up a wooded cliff. One of the upper tunnels can be walked through but it is unsurfaced, unlit and pitch black in the middle due to the curve. No amount of waiting for your eyes to acclimatise to the dark will allow you to see where you are putting your feet, so bring a torch. Both lower tunnels are blocked.

The missing section between SO 235135 and SO 242139 is apparently still under negotiation for access, although the lanes used to bridge the gap are quiet and only add a short 'dog leg' to the overall distance.

The route climbs about 1000' in 8 miles through protected beech woodlands, a lot of the time high up on the side of the gorge with long drops and very good views. This must be one of the most dramatic paths available to railway ramblers, as well as being historic in its origins. The top end of this route at Brynmawr is very close to the Darren Disgwylfa Tramroad which leads to the Llangattock Quarries on the other side of the valley; the DDT (an unfortunate acronym for those who are old enough to remember the lethal pesticide!) is itself now a public right of way.

Report by Tim Hewett