The hills and vales of the Valleys are made for walking. There are sheltered riverside paths and highland trails with big, boundless views, waymarked forest walks and green routes through country parks. Walking here is as gentle or adventurous as you want to make it. And it’s all so easily accessible. This part of Wales has recognised – and embraced – the importance of walking, creating countless trails and paths, many with special themes based on our unique landscape and heritage. Detailed here are a small selection of walks and walking festivals to whet your appetite.
Those boots are made for walking!
Wales Valleys Walking Festival
5th to 20th September 2009
More than 30 guided walks, all led by experienced and enthusiastic guides,
will take place across the boroughs of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Torfaen and Merthyr Tydfil from 5th to 20th September 2009.
The easy walks start at just one mile long, building up to the very strenuous which are 12 miles plus, with some treks reaching over 4,000 feet, phew! Some of the breathtaking views take in the Bristol Channel to the South and the Brecon Beacons to the North. It's no secret that people love to talk in the Valleys, so for that reason every walk has an experienced and knowledgeable guide who will bring to life the countryside and stories of the region. Take time to learn about the history, archaeology, flora and fauna of the Valleys in an enjoyable and friendly environment. Good accommodation is available should you wish to rest your feet after a day's walking.
So why not come and join a walking festival that gets bigger every year?
There's a walk for everyone, including you!
Loops and Links
This varied series of trails cover around 200 miles in the area of Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil. They ‘loop and link’ together creating a network designed not just for walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders are welcome too. There are 18 trails with something for all abilities and levels of enthusiasm, taking in heritage sites, waterfalls and areas of great natural beauty. The trails have been designed for quick and easy access and are either circular or end at a convenient point, for example a train station.
Level: Suits all abilities Distance: From 7.5 miles to 45 miles
The Figure of Eight Walk
This 35-mile route takes in the whole of the Torfaen district of the Valleys, from Cwmbran in the south to Blaenavon, a World Heritage Site, in the north. It has been broken down into nine linear sections varying in distance from 2 to 9 miles. The route runs through a variety of landscapes including ancient woodland, forestry, mountaintops, canal towpaths and stretches of old Roman Road. The trail’s main starting point is the Active Living Centre at Pontypool.
Level: Very easy to strenuous Distance: From 2 miles to 35 miles
Medieval Magic and Magnificent Mountains
We could simply have called it the Caerphilly and Rudry Ridge Walk, but we think the chosen title does better justice to this dramatic, exhilarating trail. The circular walk begins on a high, starting at Caerphilly Mountain car park. Soon, you’ll be surrounded by far-reaching views of the South Wales landscape all the way from Cardiff and the Bristol Channel in the south to Merthyr Tydfil and the Brecon Beacons in the north. There’s also a bird’s-eye view of Caerphilly Castle, one of Europe’s finest medieval monuments.
Level: Easy to moderate Distance: 6.5 hours
In the Footsteps of the Ironmakers
This is a series of guided walking tours in the Blaenau Gwent district of the Valleys, taking place Saturday 21st to Sunday 29th June 2008. The walks have historical themes, following in the footsteps of ironmakers along old tram roads and pathways – trails of discovery revealing the history of Blaenau Gwent’s towns, ironworks, mansions, quarries and the people who have given this area such a rich industrial and cultural heritage.
Level: Moderate to strenuous Distrance: 6 to 8 miles
St Tydfil’s Town Trail
This trail is a walk in time as well as in town. During its iron and steel heyday Merthyr Tydfil was a staunch chapel-going, non-conformist community. But it was also home to vast numbers of immigrants who brought their own religion with them. This religious mix reveals itself along the trail, which takes in such sites as St Mary’s Catholic Church (founded by Irish immigrants), the former Jewish Synagogue, Zoar Independent Chapel (built in 1803), and the gothic Church of St David’s. The trail ends at St Tydfil’s Parish Church, built on the site of the saint’s legendary martyrdom.
How long? 2 miles, What level? Easy
Advice for Walkers
• Always check that the level of the route suits your experience and fitness
• Use an Ordnance Survey map
• Wear walking boots/shoes and bring waterproofs –
denim jeans are NOT suitable
• Tell someone where you are walking, and call them on your return
• Keep to public footpaths across farmland
• Guard against all risk of fire
• Take your litter home
• Enjoy yourself!
