Heritage Officer Frank Olding is to lead a series of walks highlighting the history of Blaenau Gwent as part of next month’s (September 2008) Wales Valleys Walking Festival.
Blaenau Gwent Council’s Heritage Officer will be leading the way on four walks – ranging from five miles to eight miles – providing commentary along the route and pointing out places of interest.
A fifth much less strenuous one mile walk suitable for parents with children in pushchairs and those using wheelchairs will take place around Parc Bryn Bach in Tredegar.
The Blaenau Gwent walks in the 2008 festival are:
Saturday 6 September – ‘Prehistoric and Medieval Blaenau Gwent’. Meet at Cwm Library at 10am. This is a moderate six-mile walk looking at the prehistoric and dark ages archaeology of Domen Fawr and the medieval landscape of Cefn Man Moel.
Wednesday 10 September - ‘The Homfray Trail’. Meet at Morgan Street Car Park, Tredegar, at 10am. This is a strenuous eight-mile walk looking at the industrial archaeology of Tredegar Ironworks, taking in Bedwellty House and Park, Tredegar Town Clock, St George’s Church, Sirhowy Ironworks and Cefn Golau Cholera Cemetery.
Wednesday 10 September – ‘Lap the Lake’. Meeting at the Visitor Centre at Parc Bryn Bach, Tredegar, at 10am. This is an easy one-mile stroll around the lake, taking in the natural habitat.
Friday 12 September - ‘The Bryn Oer Tramroad’. Meet at the Top House pub, Trefil, at 10am. This is a strenuous eight-mile walk along the tramroad, which was built in 1815 to connect the ironworks and collieries of Blaenau Gwent with the Brecon and Monmouth Canal at Talybont-on-Usk.
Sunday 14 September - ‘The Archaeology of Mynnydd-y-Garn’. Meet at the Foxhunter car park, Blorenge Mountain, Blaenavon. This is a moderate five-mile walk taking in the fascinating archaeology of this wild and windswept moorland from prehistoric burial mounds to the Industrial Revolution.
People taking part in the four longer walks are advised to bring water and a packed lunch and to wear suitable clothing and footwear.
Over 40 walks are taking place during the Wales Valleys Walking Festival between September 5 and 21. For a full programme of events call 01495 355800.
The charge is just £3.00 for each walker.
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