Challenge of Iron Mountain (From Free Press Series)

Challenge of Iron Mountain

A NEW walking route that will take in some of the best parts of North Torfaen was opened last week.

The 18-km Iron Mountain Trail snakes around Blaenavon's World Heritage site, including some of the world's finest surviving landscapes created by coal mining and ironmaking.

The trail, which cost £120,000 to create, was opened by AM Andrew Davies, assembly member for economic development, last Thursday.

Before setting off on a brief walk round a windswept Keeper's Pond, he cut the ribbon opening the trail and said: "I love coming to Blaenavon. It's a beautiful and extraordinary landscape."

The new route follows existing rights of way, historic tram roads and inclines and links many of the World Heritage Site's attractions, including the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, Llanfoist Wharf and Blaenavon Booktown.

It also has improved access for the disabled, as gates have been replaced by stiles and distinctive new waymarkers have been installed.

The full walk is divided into two, eight km stretches, both of which start from the Keeper's Pond, although there are other possible starting points. One route goes west towards Garn-yr-Erw, into Blaenavon and back to the Keeper's. The second goes east, over the Blorenge Mountain, down to the Punchbowl and back.

The trail includes panoramic views from the Blorenge, offering sights of Abergavenny, Usk Valley and the Severn Estuary. It is hoped that the new route, which has been funded through Herian, Wales Tourist Board and Welsh Development Agency, will help local people learn about their heritage and bring tourists to the area.

The Iron Mountain Trail and other walks are featured in a pack of maps available free from Torfaen council's countryside team by phoning 01633 640066.