This is an easy walk for all the family, and, at just shy of 3 miles, won’t be beyond most people. The original plan when doing this walk in April was to walk along the riverbank for half the distance, and to return along the canal towpath, (hence the name). However, repairs to the path meant that the route was temporarily closed. If all has gone well, by the time we have gone to press, the path will have re-opened, making that route an option again. I’ve shown it on the map in pink. The alternative route that we took, and is explained here, is in yellow.
The walk starts in Llangynidr. There’s a couple of parking spaces on the verge of the little lane opposite the Oaklands care home. That’s where we start.
1
Walk along the lane and through the pedestrian gate into a field. Dogs on leads here please. Go straight through the gate and up the bank.
2
At the top of the rise, the bridleway path bears right and there is a bridge over the canal on your right. Don’t go over it – instead head for the yellow farmhouse down the hill (Aber-yail). The path goes through the farmyard – please remember to close the gate after you.
3
After the farmyard a lane bears right; don’t follow it – instead go straight on along a track and through another pedestrian gate. Follow the hedgerow along to the next farm (Pantteg Farm). Go through the gate and follow the drive that bears right up to the lane.
4
Turn left onto the lane. (If you followed the riverside path, this is where you re-join us). Walk past the cottages of Cyffredyn.
5
You soon come to a bridge over a brook. We’d planned to rejoin the riverside path here; there is a stile here to do so. However, the path is not passable at the moment due to fallen trees – but it’s still a nice place to have a picnic by the river.
6
After the bridge follow the lane as it winds its way back uphill towards the canal.
7
Turn right on to the canal towpath and follow it back to Llangynidr.
8
Turn right at the road to return to the start.
