Forgotten Landscapes Routes and Roots Festival

The Festival, taking place from May 14th - June 3rd 2011, celebrates the shared heritage of the villages of Gilwern, Govilon and Llanfoist, which are connected by the canal. While at the same time promoting recreation on the historic routes of the area which now act as a network of footpaths and cycleways.

From May 14th to July 3rd the ‘Routes and Roots Festival’ is celebrating the heritage and communities of the canal with a series of fun events for all ages.

The main aim is to highlight the ‘green’ travel routes and the historical roots of the canal and its links with Blaenavon World Heritage Site – but it is also an appetiser for the canal’s bicentenary celebrations next year.

Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Torfaen CBC, the festival is being organised by the Forgotten Landscapes Partnership, working with Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Blaenavon World Heritage Site, British Waterways and adventa.

The canal, along with the tram roads and railways that supplied it, played a vital part in the story of the Forgotten Landscapes and the World Heritage Site.

The festival will focus on the shared heritage of the villages of Gilwern, Govilon and Llanfoist at the same time promoting recreation on those historic tramways and railways, which nowadays provide a network of footpaths and cycle tracks.

Guided walks and cycle rides (for all ages and levels of ability) and opportunities to learn from experts about the area’s wildlife and industrial heritage are all featured in the festival programme, with events for families and schools high on the list.

For further information please contact Ceri Cadwallader – Click to email, 01495 742944.

Programme of Events
Blooming Bluebells! – Saturday 14th May
The Start of the Routes and Roots Festival!

A short, buggy friendly, treasure trail in the woods at Goytre Wharf led by Clare Scutts from the Monmouth Walking Festival. No more than one kilometre, so suitable for all ages and abilities. Hopefully there’ll be plenty of bluebells to see! Either lead yourself along the Treasure Trail or follow Clare at:

Meet at Goytre Wharf Car Park - Grid Ref: SO 312 064
Start: 12pm, 2pm and 4 pm
Bring: Sensible outdoor wear – water proofs if necessary, snacks and a drink
Cost – Free

In the Pink – Breast Cancer Charity Walk – Sunday 15th May
Join a great crowd raising money for In the Pink by walking along the Canal Towpath between Goytre Wharf and Llangynidr. Free parking at the Coach and Horses at Llangynidr and buses (£2 a person) to Goytre, Gilwern and Govilon during the day for 20, 10 and 8 mile walks. Don’t miss it! For full details see website link

Blorenge Bash – Sunday 22nd May
A Family walk with Brecon Beacons National Park wardens Clive Williams and Steve Smith to discover some of the historic routes and hidden wildlife on the Blorenge mountain, high above the Usk valley and the Monmouth and Brecon Canal. (length 2-3 miles)

Meet at the Foxhunter Car Park - Grid ref. SO263 107
Start –11a.m. Finish – 2pm
Bring: outdoor clothing, walking boots, packed lunch and a drink
Cost – free (but voluntary contributions to the National Park gratefully accepted)

Towpath Trail – Sunday 22nd May
No head for heights? Enjoy exploring the canal towpath and nearby footpaths, and their wildlife too, around the quiet village of Llanellen. The walk will be led by experienced guide Huw Dullea of ‘Treads and Trails’.

Meet at Llanellen Village Hall Car Park
Start: 2 pm.
Finish 4.30pm (approx)
Bring: Walking boots, outdoor clothing, waterproofs, snacks and drink.
Cost: £6 per person

Twilight Walk – Friday 27th May
An evening walk on the Forgotten Landscape mountains as the sun sets, with experienced guide Huw Dulea from ‘Treads and Trails’. Suitable for: adults and older teenagers. (length 4-5 miles)

Meet at the Foxhunter Car Park - Grid ref. SO263 107
Start – 6 pm.
Finish – approx 9 pm
Bring: Walking boots, outdoor clothes and waterproofs, hot drink and snacks, torch
Cost - £6 per person

Mountain Tales – Sunday 29th May
As you journey along the historic trails of the Blorenge mountain you will have the opportunity to meet some of the characters who have shaped the landscape of Blaenavon in the past. Meet Keepers Pond Duration: 10.30am – 12.30pm & 2pm - 4pm
3km / 2 miles / moderate
Car park SO 254107

Family Wildlife Foray – Friday 3rd June
A gentle walk suitable for all ages and abilities along the canal towpath and through neighbouring woodlands. Led by Katie Rees of the Gwent Wildlife Trust, the walk will be a chance to explore the wildlife of the fascinating countryside around Goytre Wharf.

Meet at Goytre Wharf Car park (pay and display) - Grid ref. SO 312 064
Start – 10.30am
Finish – 12.30pm
Bring suitable clothes and footwear for walking
Cost – free

Towpath Tidy and Green Routes Clean up – Sunday June 5th
World Environment Day - Join Keep Wales Tidy and their leader Tom Ward-Jackson on to help clean up the ‘green’ transport routes – canal, towpath, cycle way and footpaths between Llanfoist and Gilwern. Bring your canoe, bike or boots to help with the tidy up. Open to all.

Meet at Govilon Wharf (free parking) - Grid ref. SO 272 137
Start – 10 am
Finish – 1pm
Bring: strong shoes/boots and good outdoor clothes and tough gloves if you have them
Cost – free

Llanover to the Goose and Cuckoo (and back!) Friday 10th June
A steep uphill pull via the village of Llanover with its famous estate and church up to the great hillside pub, The Goose and Cuckoo for lunch – pub grub or a picnic – you choose! The return journey will seem much easier – guaranteed- with great views! (7.5 miles)

Meet: Llanover Village (location tbc)
Start: 10.30 am
Finish: 3.30pm
Bring: sensible footwear and outdoor clothing and waterproofs if necessary
Cost: Free

Church to Church Walk – Saturday June 11th
Join us on a guided circular walk to investigate the Churches of Llanfoist and Govilon. Led by Peter Baines and Bob Vaughan, local experts who will outline the unique history of the area and to help explore the Churches and those who worshipped in them.. We will use the canal towpath and the track of the Abergavenny to Merthyr Railway Line to provide an easy circular walk with a stop for lunch. (approx 5 miles)

Meet at Llanfoist Railway Track Carpark (free parking) - Grid ref. SO 287 133
Start -10.30 am
Finish -3pm
Bring: Suitable outdoor clothing and boots/shoes, packed lunch drink
Cost - £2


Hope Chapel Fun Day on Saturday June 11th
An afternoon of fun and games at the Old School Community Centre on the Canal at Gilwern - organised by the Hope Chapel. Cream teas, music, face painting and a bouncy castle - should be a great afternoon!
Start 2pm
Finish 5 pm
Open to all

Llanfoist Open Gardens – Sunday 12th June
A great family day out – Visit the twelve different gardens open for the day around Llanfoist each one unique. Home made cakes, refreshments and musical accompaniment complement the flower and plant displays. For the more distant gardens, free transport is provided and for a small fee you can a boat trip along the canal. Join the community to see the village at its very best.

Meet: Llanfoist Village Hall - Grid Ref.: SO 286133
Start: The event opens at 10.30am
Finish: 5.30 pm
Bring: Yourself!
Cost: £5 per person, children free

Glaslyn Open Garden – Monday 13th June
Glaslyn Court Nursing Home in Gilwern opens its gardens for all to see. There will be tea, coffee and refreshments provided and a display of birds of prey by the ‘Owl Sanctuary’.
Start: 2pm
Finish: 4pm
Cost: Free entry, refreshments extra. All welcome
Location: Glaslyn Court , Crickhowell Road Gilwern NP7 OEH


Mad Hatter’s Tea Party – Saturday 25th June
Glaslyn Court – Midsummer ‘madness’ and fun! There’ll be Fancy Dress, Races, Refreshments and music by Neville Hall Radio.
Start: 2pm
Finish: 5pm
Cost: £5 per car
Contact Karen Jenkins on 07580 459808 for full information


Routes and Rocks - Tuesday 14th June
Join Alan Bowring, the National Park's GeoPark Officer and geology expert, on an expedition to explore the rocks and remains on Gilwern Hill and the top of the Clydach Gorge - from 200million year old fossils to the tramroads and inclines linking Blaenavon to the outside world in the 19th century. 5 miles with lots of stops on the way - rough ground.
Meet: Beside the minor road over Gilwern Hill
Grid ref: SO 243 118
Start: 1.30 pm
Finish: 5pm
Bring: Walking boots, waterproofs and suitable outdoor clothing, drinks and snacks

Coracle Craft Weekend - Friday 17th June to Sunday 19th June
Build your very own coracle under the guidance of Mick Petts (the expert who taught Matt Baker to build his boat on the BBC’s Countryfile recently). Try your finished coracle out on the Monmouth and Brecon Canal on the final day. The weekend will be held at the delightful Middle Ninfa Farm – high up on the flanks of the Blorenge with views to die for. All materials, tuition and lovely mid day meals are provided. Camping or bunkhouse accommodation is available at extra cost.

Meet: Middle Ninfa Farm, near Llanfoist - Grid ref: SO 285115
Start: 9 am Friday
Finish 5 pm Sunday (approx)
Bring: Old, comfortable clothes to work in (there’s black bitumen paint involved!)
Cost: £210 for 1 person, £250 for two people building 1 coracle. Camping: £5 per night. Bunkhouse: £11 per night. Wood fired sauna available!

Bat Walk with Monmouth Bat Group - Friday June 17th
A short evening walk around Goytre Wharf to explore the fascinating world of Bats, led by local bat expert Ian Rabjohns. Suitable for all ages and abilities as long as they can stay awake! Will happen whatever the weather! No more than a mile in length.

Meet: Goytre Wharf
Grid Ref. SO 312064
Start time: 8.30 pm
Finish: Late
Bring good walking shoes, sensible clothes and waterproofs if needs be. No torches or dogs!

Cost: Voluntary donations to Monmouth Bat Group willingly accepted



Cycling for Softies – Monday 20th June
Not very confident about cycling? Don’t worry! Come along with Abergavenny Cycle Group for a gentle evening ride and re-discover the joys of pedal power transport! (Under 16s should be accompanied by an adult)

Meet at the Llanfoist railway cyclepath car park - Grid Reference: SO 287 134
Start: 6pm.
Finish: 8 pm.
Bring: Your bike(s), helmet, outdoor clothes (and waterproofs if required) and a drink.
Cost: Free

Midsummer Folklore in Clydach Gorge – Friday 24th June
Join us on this evening walk where the ghosts of Clydach’s past come out to play! Hear the stories of characters from the past and learn more about the folklore of this special site.

Meet Clydach South car park, SO230134
Duration: 7pm - 9pm
5 km / 3½ miles / energetic

Biking the Blorenge – Saturday June 25th
Come and celebrate National Bike Week on the Blorenge with experienced ‘Treads and Trail’ guide Huw Dulea. Use your mountain bike on a proper mountain! (length tbc)

Meet at the Foxhunter Car Park - Grid ref. SO 263 107
Start – 1pm
Finish 4.30pm approx
Bring: Mountain bike! Helmet, Outdoor clothes, water proofs, snacks drink.
Cost: £12 per person

Family Bike Ride – Saturday June 25th
To celebrate National Bike Week, join Abergavenny Cycle Group for an easy bike ride with your family. Starting at Llanfoist, we’ll head along the Sustrans cycle way up the Clydach Gorge to the quarry on Gilwern Hill. Then we’ll head downhill to Govilon and back along the canal towpath. (9 miles)

Meet at the Llanfoist railway cyclepath car park - Grid Reference: SO 287 134
Start: 10.00 am
Finish: 1.30 pm
Bring: Bike (in good order but mountain bike not necessarily needed), helmet, outdoor clothes, packed lunch and drink.
Cost: Free