Image 1 of 1
WALK DETAILS
Meeting Point: Keepers Pond
Grid Ref: SO 254107
What3Words: entitled.submitted.ticked
Time: 10:00 to 16:30
Distance: 10 miles ( 16.0 km )
Ascent: 1400 ft ( 470 m )
Leader: Paul Wyatt
Starting at Keeper's pond we walk north west high above Cwm Llanwenarth to the remains of the former settlement of Pwll Du with its long abandoned inn. We pass the entrance to a tunnel (now closed) 1,875m long which was used to transport limestone from the Tyla quarry to Blaenavon Iron Works and pig iron to the Garndyrus forge. Continuing, we pass the vast crater of Tyla limestone quarry and follow a good track around Gilwern Hill to join the abandoned road to the head of Cwm Dyar. We walk along the road almost to Pwll Du before ascending the hillside to the south shattered by spoil heaps and mine workings. At the crest of the hill we descend a rough incline track, boggy at the bottom, to reach Blaenavon Road and beyond the welcome Whistle Inn. We ascend to join a good track across Coety Mountain passing Big Pit, before descending on a rough path to the edge of Blaenavon town. We pause at the Heritage Centre near the Workmen's Institute before ascending through the town streets past Ball's Pond and onward to Keeper' Pond.
DIRECTIONS TO START
Take the A40 towards Brecon and turn left at the Shell petrol station over the river bridge and turn left. Keep straight on through Gilwern to the major roundabout with the A465. Take the third turning into Govilon and go right through the village. Just as you leave the village turn sharp right towards Big Pit and Blaenavon. Keepers Pond is at the top of the hill on your left, with the car park just after it.