Riscwm two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Walked Risca to Cwmbran direction.
Nice easy uphill to Twmbarlwm through some urban area at first then country lanes. The path veers off towards Cwmbran at the car park, but I popped up to the top for the views.
Returning to the path the route follows a rough road and then through a farm which is easily marked as stated, as are all the Stiles with signs.
I stopped and sat on a large rock here for coffee and the view.
Walking downhill from this farm till you have crossed two brooks was the worst part as the field was very wet and slippery. Should be fine when it hasn't rained for a few days, but I walked this after weeks of wet weather and this was the only part that I found extremely wet to be fair hence the 3 star, probably a 4 in the summer to be fair.
Once you have crossed the second brook it was easy going all the way to Cwmbran. There really isn't any problems locating the path, as was well signed and stiles were all in good repair with no overgrowth or obstacles.

September 2022. Direction: Cwmbran to Risca.

This area is local for myself, but I didn`t know this particular route, and what a delight it is once you emerge from suburbia, so thank you Slow Ways ! It`s fairly easy to navigate and the styles are generally in good order. The part between Blaen-y-Cwm and Pant-yr-Yrfa farms is lovely. Although as per the previous review, the path is rough in places. There are some great views along the ridge after the farms across the River Lloyd valley and down to the Severn Estuary. For even better views, if time allows, I suggest making the detour to the top of Twmbarlwm, an ancient hill fort location. Another hidden gem is the farm track leading down from the mountain road just after the cattle grid, where there are some good views up the Ebbw Valley. It turns into a tarmac lane after the first farm and it`s very steep near the bottom.

Photo 1 - The view back to Cwmbran from Pant-yr-Yrfa farm
Photo 2 - The farm track leading off Mountain Road to the right
Photo 3 - View from the farm track up the Ebbw Valley.

This route uses well-marked footpaths, tracks and quiet roads. There’s plenty of uphill/downhill; it passes just below Twmbarlwm (419m).
The only part that’s not well-marked is at Pant-yr-yrfa Farm. If walking towards Cwmbran, turn left after the first barn and go into the field; paths are marked behind the farmhouse. If coming from Cwmbran, walk around the farm till you can get into the yard and onto the road.

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