Afon Lwyd Trail

The Afon Lwyd Trail is a picturesque 16-mile traffic free route that runs from Cwmbran in the south, through Pontypool and up to the Blaenavon World Heritage Site in the north (NCN49 and 492). It takes in all the great sights, stunning landscapes and wonderful green spaces Torfaen the area has to offer. Following first a canal and then a former railway it offers an easy route for all users. With a gradual incline rising from south to north this totally traffic free route makes it perfect for families.

The Trail passes though many valley communities and has great connections to buses and trains so it offers a healthy, pleasant and low cost way to commute to work or school. You might also just choose one small section to explore or one place you want to visit via the bus and train stations at Pontypool and Cwmbran.

Share the Path!

Shared-use paths are a great way to get around by bike, but they’re also used by many other people. It’s important to follow a few basic rules so that everyone can enjoy them as much as possible.

Please check the Cycling Code of Conduct or visit the Sustrans website.

Travelling to and from the Afon Lwyd Trail

By cycle

Both Cwmbran and Pontypool stations offer excellent signed links to the trail.

• To the south the route joins to NCN route 49 and 47 as well as the rail and bus stations at Newport.
• To the west the route joins NCN route 466 which links to Crumlin
• To the north via the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal NCN route 49. This links to NCN 46 for connections to the valleys via Brynmawr or Abergavenny for bus and rail stations.

For train times and public transport information visit www.traveline-cymru.info

To explore the best of the network and for maps and guide books visit the Sustrans website.

Attractions along the Route

There are a variety of attractions in Torfaen which can be easily accessed from the Afon Lwyd Trail:

• Garn Lakes Local Nature Reserve
• Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway
• Big Pit: National Coal Museum
• Blaenavon Ironworks
• World Heritage Site
• Garndiffaith Viaduct
• Pontypool Museum and Pontypool Park
• Blaenavon, Pontypool and Cwmbran Town Centres
• Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

Tourism and information

Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, Church Road, Blaenavon, NP4 9AE
Tel: 01495 742333
Email: blaenavon.tic@torfaen.gov.uk

The Afon Lwyd Trail is part of the National Cycle Network, a network of attractive places to cycle throughout the UK. For more information contact Sustrans on 0845 113 0065 or visit the Sustrans website.