Along the Govilon Line

Along the Govilon Line – walk between two canal side villages along the route of the old railway line.

An amble between two canal side villages along the former railway which runs below The Blorenge’s verdant wooded slopes.

The route offers a contrast to Abergavenny town, providing an opportunity to enjoy the area’s natural and industrial heritage.

This is a grade 1 walk – routes which are barrier free, have negligible gradients and solid or compacted surfaces and seats.

Of interest

You will be following the route of the old Merthyr, Tredegar and Abergavenny railway line through cuttings and along embankments, enjoying views over the surrounding countryside in the Bannau Brycheiniog/Brecon Beacons National Park.

On a nice day you can savour the dappled sunlight as it plays on the path through the branches of the birch and willow trees. You may see a wren or other wildlife foraging for food amongst the array of shade loving plants which decorate parts of your route.

Listen out also for the tinkling of a bicycle bell warning you that a cyclist is approaching. This may be the modern equivalent of the old steam whistles which the trains used to blow as they strained their way up towards Brynmawr – a gentle gradient for you but quite a challenge for a train!

You can spot the many features which hark back to the days of steam; mileposts, gradient signs and lineside buildings such as the old Govilon Station.

Watch for passing cyclists; route 46 of the National Cycle Network is also on the route.