Wales Valleys Walking Festival

Hundreds of visitors are expected to take part in the series of walks which take place at various scenic and historical locations across the valleys, including lakes, waterfalls and hidden caves.

All walks are free and are led by trained guides, all hoping to encourage more people to get out into the countryside and enjoy the valleys.

The 39 walking routes are colour coded from an ‘easy’ green to a ‘very strenuous’ red, to reflect the difficulty of the walks.

Lewis Jones, Deputy Leader at Torfaen County Borough Council, said: “The valleys have such a rich environment for walking, they are dotted with heritage sites and spectacular views.

“Wales Valleys Walking Festival is the perfect way to celebrate all that the area has to offer and joining a walk during this festival is a great way to explore the valleys.”

In Torfaen, the first walk will start on Tuesday, September 10 with a leisurely walk up The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.

After catching the bus from Pontypool Active Living Centre at 9.30am, the walk will start through Newport city centre to Barrack Hill. The walk will take about six-and-a-half hours.

On Monday, September 16 a Heather, Honey and Heritage walk, takes place in the landscape of the Cairn on the Blorenge summit at Keepers Pond.

This moderate walk starts at 10.30am from Keepers Pond, and will be led by a member of the Forgotten Landscapes Partnership team and local beekeeper Calwyn Glastonbury.

The duration is one-and-a-half hours and will focus on bees and their importance, heather moorland, land management and the history of Blaenavon World Heritage Site.

The only evening walk in Torfaen will take place on Friday, September 20. This late evening Canal Bat Walk is a gentle ramble along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal to look for bats.

Participants should meet at 7pm at Pontymoile Basin in Pontypool, NP4 8ER.

To request a brochure or book your place on a walk contact walkingfestival@thevalleys.co.uk or call 01495 742333.