It’s been a few years since I drew this map, and of course, many of the trees at Goytre Wharf (between points 4 and 5) have been felled since then. However, the trees old Goytre Hall Wood are still standing, and those woods host a wonderful display of bluebells around this time of year. Head out mid to late April and you should see them. The rest of the walk is still very pleasant, if a just a little more ‘open’. Its only short, and there’s a cafe too – so what’s your excuse?
- Head out of Abergavenny on the A4042 to Pontypool. After Llanover, and shortly after the turning for Nant-y-derry, turn right into Saron Road. Not far down the lane, there is a right hand turn into a small car park at Goytre Hall Wood. There’s only room for a few cars, but it is free.
- Head off along the path that leads into Goytre Hall Wood. If you’re doing this walk around mid to late April, there should be a fabulous display of bluebells in the woods. The path bears right to exit the wood. When you leave the wood, follow the track down the hill towards the canal aqueduct.
- Just before the bridge, turn right up the steep but short path that leads up to the canal. Continue north along the towpath with the canal on your left. There are plenty of attractive narrow boats at the private moorings here.
- Cross the canal when you reach the stone bridge and walk through the woods, roughly following the line of the canal. The wood is the site of Gore’s Literacy Sculpture trail, so there are lots of interesting and fun things for the kids to see and discover, (look out for the crashed broomstick!) For more information about the trail see: www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-77lebj
- Eventually, you will emerge into the Goytre Wharf car park. Join the road and turn left down the hill.
- If the mood takes you, this is the place for a nice cup of tea and a sit down; refreshments are available at the café. You can investigate the historic lime kilns here, and there’s a children’s playground too.
- When you’re finished here, head off under the aqueduct and turn left up to the towpath again. This time, though, turn left at the top and follow the towpath south, with the canal on your right.
- When you reach the bridge, leave the towpath and join the road, turning left (east) passing some cottages and Saron Baptist Church. Be careful on the road – it is a quiet lane, but cars do use it!
- Turn left to return to the car park.
Click on the images for a larger picture.
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- Goytre Hall Wood
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- The canal aqueduct
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- Goytre Wharf
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- The private moorings
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- wood carving
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- The bridge at point 4
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- Part of the literacy trail
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- Wood carving of a witch
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- Crashed broomstick!
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- Literacy trail
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- Lime kilns
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- Lime kilns
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- Sculpture of a worker
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- The canal
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- Mon and Brecon Canal
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- Sign post
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