WALES
■ Distance: 7¼ miles/11.7km ■Time: 4 hours ■Grade: Moderate
The wonderfully named Blorenge sits at the heart of Blaenavon World Heritage Site, which was recognised by UNESCO in 2000 for its driving role in the industrial revolution. Providing a dramatic backdrop for Alexander Cordell’s novel Rape of the Fair Country, this fascinating landscape reveals the stories of the ordinary people and wealthy investors behind the coal and iron boom.
Starting from the cobalt waters of Keeper’s Pond (Pen-fforddgoch), this walk is waymarked as Part I of the Iron Mountain Trail.
Whilst Part II now suffers from sorely neglected footpaths, this upper loop rivals any day out in the neighbouring Black Mountains, with superb views of that range’s distinctive peaks.
1 Start
From the car park, follow the footpath clockwise around Keeper’s Pond to the interpretation board on the northern shore.
Cross the wooden bridge and walk W to the road.
Turn briefly L before picking up the waymarked path on the other side, following it N.
At the grey limestone boulder, take the fork R, then at the waymarker on the ground double back SE and cross Cwm Sienkin brook at its head.
2 ¾ mile/1.1km
Follow the old tramroad towards Garn Ddyrys, home of the Mortymers in Cordell’s trilogy. Passing between two mounds, bear R then stay L, following the fenceline. This was the site of a foundry for Blaenavon iron. Veer diagonally uphill towards the wooden poles to reach road and pick up Hill’s Tramroad on the other side. Thomas Hill was one of three ambitious industrialists from the Midlands who established Blaenavon Ironworks, and he created this road to link works with Abergavenny Canal.
PLAN YOUR WALK
ROUTE
Start/parking Keeper’s Pond, Blaenavon, grid ref SO254107 Is it for me?
Good paths with some steep sections. Basic navigation skills needed Stiles None
PLANNING
Nearest town Blaenavon
Refreshments Cafés and bars in Blaenavon, including the Heritage Tea Rooms at Blaenavon World Heritage Centre
Public toilets None
Public transport X24 Stagecoach service from Newport via Cwmbran. Nearest railway station Abergavenny
