The alternative is to go take the path through the solar panels field, in which case there is also a tied gate at the end of the lane from the other farm (Pen y Parc Farm), but at least no barbed wire, so easy enough to hop over....

Paul Chilcott

I`m not sure if the route along Llanfrechfa Way is intended to be on the grass verge alongside the road or through the fields just next to the roads, but I took the path through the fields - the paths meet up at the Newport Road bridge anyway. The only other point to highlight is that the bridge over the stream at the bottom of the hill before climbing up the hill into the suburbs of Caerleon is a bit of a mess (Photo 6). Photo 3 - The path under the Newport Road bridge Photo 6 - The bridge over the stream before the hill up into Caerleon...

Paul Chilcott

There are some lovely views over Cwmbran and the Lloyd Valley and beyond at several points on the way up the slopes of Mynydd Maen. Photo 1 - View over Cwmbran from the path leading up off Graig Road...

Paul Chilcott

I'm familiar with the canal and it is perfect for walking and getting between Cwmbran and Pontypool. Pontypool Park is also a fab little gem of a public park. If only all Slow Ways were this practical and easy on the eye!...

Steven Coombs

After a couple of weeks of dry weather, there were still some very muddy stretches along the way, especially between Granary Farm and Sor Brook. I was also challenged by the farmer at Bittia Farm regarding the path through the farm back to the lane, but he was very courteous about it and I think he just wanted to make the point....

Paul Chilcott

This part could probably use a tweek with the data point, as it's easy to head off down a wrong path as there are a lot of them in the forestry area....

Philip Jones

The path veers off towards Cwmbran at the car park, but I popped up to the top for the views....

Philip Jones

Fairly straight forward, but I did miss the footpath from the scenic drive through the forestry and ended up walking up the one way road system (only one car passed me, so not at all busy)....

Paul Chilcott

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. Photo 3 - View from the farm track up the Ebbw Valley...

Paul Chilcott

Apart from one short stretch of 100 metres or so, the canal is continuous from Cwmbran to its end at the outskirts of Newport....

Paul Chilcott

The off-road sections could be very muddy, especially west of Bittia Farm; an alternative is to follow the cycle network lane that runs NE and SW of Coed-y-Paen....

MaddyT

1) The footpath linking the road with Ton-y-bedw, although signposted, looked like it's no longer used - better to use the access road. If walking towards Usk, the footpath is clearly marked just past the large gates. 2) I couldn't find the path through Coed-y-Paen Farm See Cwmusk2 for an alternative (and more direct) route....

MaddyT

One drawback is a short section of main road south of Usk: between the lane to Cwm Dowlais and the garden centre there’s no pavement. Some stiles are in need of repair and I had to climb over a couple of gates; otherwise it’s easy to navigate....

MaddyT

One drawback is a short section of main road south of Usk: between the lane to Cwm Dowlais and the garden centre there’s no pavement. Some stiles are in need of repair and I had to climb over a couple of gates; otherwise it’s easy to navigate....

MaddyT

The walk gets off to a great start through Pontypool Park with all its greenery, but most of the walk is along the wonderful Mon & Brec canal....

Paul Chilcott

On through the lanes at Llanfrechfa, crossing the main road and then on to cross the railway line and meet up with the river Lloyd again. Photo 3 - Re-joining the River Lloyd at Llanfrechfa...

Paul Chilcott

If walking from Cwmbran, leave the river path at Miskin Green, then Caernarvon Cres & Llanyravon Way. Then walk up towards the police building - there’s a path on the left leading to the A4042 & lane opposite....

MaddyT

3) At Park Farm there were no footpath markers; I had no problem walking through the yard but had to climb over a gate. Once in the fields, stiles were easy to spot....

MaddyT

This is a better route than Cwmcae1 (less road and better-marked paths). Care is needed in a few spots:....

MaddyT

The area around Mynydd Maen was also a bit confusing, but with good visibility and a map I soon found the well-used paths overlooking Cwmbran....

MaddyT

This route uses well-marked footpaths, tracks and quiet roads....

MaddyT

This is a good up-and-over route that passes close to the summit of Twmbarlwm (419m). The Forest Drive section is a popular mountain-biking area with a myriad of paths and tracks; I found the footpath down the hill easily though. The only downside to this route is the sprawling layout of Cwmbran - it takes a while to get out of it....

MaddyT

1) On the edge of Risca, the right of way from the end of Snowdon Close is unmarked and is barely a footpath - just a gap behind garden fences....

MaddyT