OS Map (zoom in for more detail):
Download file for GPSGPX & Directions:
Route directions PDF (right click to download)
GPX file (right click to download)
Glorious Bike Rides
Glorious Bike Rides
Route directions PDF (right click to download)
GPX file (right click to download)
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I rode this on September 15th. It was my 25th Lost Lanes Wales ride and I logged 53km. My height gain was a meagre 400m (judged by the standard of Jack’s other Welsh routes!). I would grade this ride as Moderate rather than Challenging.
This is yet another lovely ride, pretty much all on quiet cycle paths. Most of the height is gained in the first 15km or so along the gentle gradients of the well-surfaced cycle path from New Inn up onto the hill-tops of Blaenavon where there is plenty to see at the World Heritage site.
ROUTE NOTES: After passing the lakes at the top of the climb, Jack’s route description and gpx file take you onto a very poorly surfaced track between Whistle Lane and the B4248. I’d be inclined to follow the signed 492 route which takes you to the right on Whistle Lane and then presumably along a short section of the B4248. The going would be much easier.
I had no difficulty following cycle route 46 down from the top. It’s pretty well signed and, apart from one short grassy section, the surface is also pretty good.
The canal path is narrow in places with some muddy sections. You need to take the sections under the canal bridges with some care.
“Gair i’r gall” – Beer lovers may want to pause at the newly opened Rhymney Brewery Visitor Centre which is close to the entrance to Big Pit. Railway enthusiasts should ride on a summer weekend when they may spot steam trains running on the 3-mile track of the Blaenavon Heritage Railway (the UK’s highest standard gauge heritage line).
A really beautiful ride – but definitely ‘easy’ not ‘challenging’. 5/5 Slow climb up to the Big Pit – but nothing too difficult. Bit plug for the bike shop in Abergavenny if you need it – Gateway Cycles – lovely passionate cyclists who mended our puncture!