ADVENTURE RIDE Clydach Gorge Classic

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The weather has been miserable so far this year, but the rain stopped for a day and it was relatively mild for my first official ride of 2020.

Looking from one side to the other inside Clydach Gorge

It felt quite strange at first to know that I was going to be out on my bike for an entire day. It's been nearly three months since I've spent more than a few hours pedalling about. Surprising too, this was just my ninth outing of the year.

Note: I've got some big goals to follow up with this year - I guess I'll see how well I achieve those goals starting now!

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Overview - Clydach Gorge Classic

Distance: 53.3 miles
Elevation: + 3624 / - 3621 ft
Duration: 08:31:35

I've been slowly building up my distances, so I felt ready for a "real" ride with a proper distance of at least 50 miles and a full day in the saddle. Plus, I wanted a ride I was familiar with; a challenge, but with an understanding of what to expect. This is a "Classic" ride I've made many times. ▼ Jump to Summary

Oakdale to Six Bells

Sometime around 10:00 I rolled out of the gate and was off. I left our village following the back lanes through Croespenmaen to Treowen, Newbridge, and Crumlin. I crossed over the very busy A467 and found the old main road - now disused except for walkers and the occasional cyclist, and made my way the short distance to Llanhilleth.

After about a mile, the disused road becomes used again at a cul-de-sac along by a small set of houses. Here too, is the junction of NCN Routes 465 & 466. Following NCN Route 465 straight on, I snaked my way along the road through Llanhilleth to Aberbeeg. Here the route becomes traffic-free and runs just about a mile up though some lovely woods following the old rail line to Six Bells and site of my first stop.

Six Bells - Parc Arael Griffin

It's not well-known and and often very quiet, but this small park is home to one of the most amazing sculptures in all of Wales; "The Guardian".

My photos don't do the artwork justice, for it is surprisingly powerful to see in person. The story about the men and boys who died here isn't unique - it happened at every mine in every valley. What makes this place special is the tribute.

It's such an easy place to visit too. I highly recommend this to everyone.

Getting back on the cycle path and into the woods, I made my way up to the next village of Abertillery. It's a little awkward to follow the route through the car park of Tescos, but if you go slowly and keep a close lookout, the NCN Route 465 signs do reappear which will guide you along the quiet back streets to Abertillery Parc.

Abertillery - Blaenau Gwent RFC

It doesn't look like it today, but these grounds were first built for bicycle racing! Before Rugby and football were popular, folks would gather from all over Wales to watch world-class cycling.

If you look closely, you can see the banked curves - now over-grown with grass.

Then I was back in the woods for a couple of lovely miles as the cycle track snakes along side the Ebbw River to Duffryn Parc at the sleepy village of Blaina.

Unfortunately, it is at Blaina that the route merges next to the A467 for two very unispiring miles. It's a bit of a slog with cars racing fast on your left as you make the steady climb, but soon enough the route veers off into Nantyglo.

Brynmawr - Town Square

From Nantyglo it's just a mile through some rather unispiring housing estates to the thriving metroplis of Brynmawr. It's a perfect place to stop for a break. I've traveled just over 17 miles - climbing most all of the way and this is pretty much the top.

After a tasty lunch, I'm back on the bike and heading out of town toward Clydach Gorge. NCN Route 465 ends just outside of town where it joins NCN Route 46. This scenic route follows the Heads of the Valleys and will take us down through the gorge.

Looking out over the Heads of the Valleys towards Abergavenny... and down we go!

Clydach Gorge

I'm just gonna say this; Clydach Gorge should be designated as a "Scenic Cycleway". It's so damn impressive. Everytime I ride this route I find myself stopping just to look because it is simply stunning. I've never seen anything like it and I love it.

This section of NCN Route 46 runs high above the Heads of the Valley for just over six miles starting outside Brynmawr and continuing to Govilon.

Abandoned quarries, dis-used rail tunnels, and industrial-age relics are scattered all along the route. You'll navigate narrow passages, cross high viaducts, and glide silently through heavily wooded sections as you make your way down the mountain.

As you begin to leave the gorge itself, the route follows a charming little lane for just over a mile before rejoining the traffic-free disused rail line. The next two miles are a downhill coaster all the way to Govilon.

It would be easy to just let her rip, but this is a popular section for dog-walkers and joggers, so you should use some caution.

Monmouth & Brecon Canal

Once at Govilon, I left NCN Route 46 and dropped onto NCN Route 49 which follows along side the canal all the way down to Newport. My ride takes on an altogether different feel from the dramatic mountain adventure I had a few minutes ago. Now it's just calm and relaxed.

It's roughly 13 miles to Pontymoile Boat Basin and to be honest, I've photographed this canal so many times, I just didn't feel the inspiration today.

But despite my best efforts, I had to shoot just a couple more... the one directly above is at Goytre Wharf (about 7 miles down the path) and the one below is just past Pontymoile Boat Basin where the M&B Canal (NCN Route 49) goes under the old disused rail line, which is now NCN Route 492.

I had planned to ride on down to Newport and then cycle back up the western branch of the M&B Canal through 14 Locks and up to Crosskeys, but by the time I had reached Pontymoile, the sky began to look dire, so I made a change of plans. Sure enough, as I was heading into Crumlin the rain started and the temperature dropped and and it started to get dark and the last seven miles was a long, cold ride home.

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Summary - Clydach Gorge Classic

It was good to spend a full day out on my bike. I was riding Melanie's old Raleigh, which after 40 miles adds a bit to the workout.

My photos were pretty shabby for the day, but I've photographed so much of this ride, I wasn't much bothered.

Hopefully, this was the start of another exciting year of cycling. Thanks for taking the time to visit...

Cheers! - cm

Relevant Links
Parc Arael Griffin The Guardian Clydach Gorge Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

Report Card
Ride Name:	Clydach Gorge Classic
Start Date:	Sat. Mar. 13, 2020
Starts in:	Oakdale, Wales, GB
Departed:	9:49 AM
Distance:	53.3 mi / 87.8 km
Elevation:	+ 3624 / - 3621 ft
Max Grade:	13.0%
Duration:	08:31:35
Move Time:	05:58:05
Stop Time:	02:33:30
Max. Speed:	31.9 mph
Avg. Speed:	8.9 mph
Weather:	sun, clouds, light rain
Temp:	7°c / 45°f

The following NCN routes were used either in part or in whole.

Route 465 Llanhilleth - Brynmawr Route 46 Brynmawr to Govilon Route 49 Govilon - Pontypool Route 466 Pontypool - Llanhilleth

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