Blaenavon Outdoor Activities

Outdoor Activities

The local surroundings are ideal for many outdoor activities. Walking is extremely popular and the landscape around Blaenavon and the Brecon Beacons to the north cater for all, ranging from gentle strollers to energetic hill walkers.

The former London and North Western Railway Line has been converted to a cycle track, that now forms part of the National Cycle Network. The track runs along the side of the Coity Mountain providing the cyclist with excellent views of the Avon Valley.

Hang gliding and Para gliding are both extremely popular. The South East Wales Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club controls flying at eighteen sites. Many of these sites are classed as "open sites" and may be flown by visitors who are suitably qualified. Others are "member only" sites and can only be flown by club members or members of the Welsh Free Flight Federation. Visitors should contact the above club before planning their visit.

A major cave system exists underground, which draws pot-holing enthusiasts from all parts of the UK and beyond. This system is one of the largest and most important in Europe. It should be noted that access to the caves is restricted to properly equipped and trained persons. Visitors are therefore strongly advised to contact a club before travelling in pursuit of their pastime. Advice, access to caves and membership details may be obtained from Cwmbran Caving Club, Brynmawr Caving Club or the South Wales Caving Club.

The Brecon and Monmouth canal has been beautifully restored and is very popular with tourists. Narrow boats can be hired for day trips up and down the canal which takes in fantastic scenery.

The reservoir at Keeper's Pond, named after the game keeper who kept the ironmasters grouse, was built to serve the forge at nearby Garnddyrus. It is now a favourite venue for water sports and picnicking. Situated just outside Blaenavon, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the area provides panoramic views of the Usk Valley. Close by is the grave and memorial to the famous show jumping horse "Foxhunter" who achieved a gold medal at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952.

All of these activities can be reached easily by car as there are a number of recently improved car parks around the World Heritage Site.

Walks We have a number of published walks available. Click here to access information on the Iron Mountain Trail and other walks that take in the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape.

National Cycleroute The Newport to Blaenavon cycle route forms part of the National Cycle Network. A number of attractions may be visited on the journey such as Pontypool Inheritance Museum and Big Pit National Mining Museum of Wales at Blaenavon.

Mon and Brecon Canal The canal passes through Blaenavon World Heritage Site which with views of spectacular landscape and takes in many industrial landmarks. The picturesque Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal exists in glorious isolation and its scenic route has become a thriving holiday boat hire industry. It’s easy to hire a boat and explore South Wales’ premier canal which is perfect for novices or for smaller crews.

Brecon Beacons National Park Blaenavon skirts the Brecon Beacons National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty providing both relaxing and exhilarating walks. There are guided walks for those who have an interest in Blaenavon's industrial past that encompasses both the town and mountainside.