IT SHOULD be the jewel in the crown of Monmouthshire's heritage, but instead Clydach Gorge is rapidly disappearing off the tourist trail.

But plans are underway to change its fortune and preserve the area for future generations.

Monmouthshire council are vowing to put the area on the map and turn it into as popular an area as the Brecon to Monmouthshire Canal, Blaenavon World Heritage Site and the Brecon Beacons National Park.

The council has commissioned heritage and tourism consultant to look at ways of increasing tourism at the site and capitalise on its rich heritage.

Among the many attractions at the gorge are the remains of an iron works which dates back to 1793 when the furnace was built to replace an earlier Iron Works built in the 17th century.

Eight tram lines once ran to and from the iron works, which were used to transport charcoal and limestone to the site for smelting before being sent to Gilwern.

In 1804, there was a workforce of around 400 people, producing 100 tons of pig iron each week.

The viaduct opened in 1862, then doubled in width in 1866 to accommodate two railway lines and is now used as a footpath and a cycle path.

It is 91 metres long, has eight spans each approximately nine metres long and is around 25 metres high at its highest point.

There is also evidence that there was a fort settlement at the gorge which dates back to the Iron Age.

The gorge boasts a beautiful landscape, with views across the county and is criss-crossed by cycle paths, pony trekking trails and country walks.

The site also has an extensive collection of natural caves, which stretch for miles underground.

It is home to the extremely rare whitebeam tree, which grows in just a handful of places in England and Wales and some of its beech trees are around 400 years old.

Tourism specialist Ian Parkin, chosen for his expertise in tourism, is proposing to develop the area around the iron works with a car park, toilets, information booth, cafe and a campsite.

He also wants to build a new entrance to the site, which could be sited at the Brynmawr roundabout if the current dualling of the A465 Abergavenny to Brynmawr road allows, or at Govilon Wharf.

The council made the decision in a bid to incorporate the area into the neighbouring Blaenavon World Heritage site as they feel it has enough attributes to merit its inclusion.

Monmouthshire council’s principal landscape and countryside officer Colette Bosley said: "The study will look at possible options to increase visitors to the area by improved access without the use of their cars, while at the same time preserving its natural beauty and the built heritage."

Once the study is complete Mr Parkin’s report will be shared with bodies like British Waterways and the National Park Authority, which will help the council apply for funding to improve Clydach Gorge in the next two to five years.

Site is a wonderful asset - councillor

Monmouthshire county councillor, Eric Saxon, who visits the gorge regularly, said he was hopeful the council would get the funding they need to carry out the proposed improvements, so the site could get the recognition it deserves.

As yet there are no details on how much such a project would cost.

He said: “It is a wonderful place and is a major asset to Monmouthshire.

“It hasn’t had the facilities it needs in the past but hopefully that can be readdressed.”

Chris Barber, an author from Llanfoist, who has written a book featuring the gorge, said: "It's very important from a heritage point of view because the Clydach Iron Works is only four years younger than Blaenavon, which is a World Heritage site.

"The Clydach Gorge is a wonderful area for walking, it's full of fascinating things from the past."