A gentle and relaxing walk down the Sirhowy Valley featuring plenty of woodland, small waterfalls and valley views.
You can start anywhere in Pontllanfraith, you just need to make your way to the Halfway House pub at which point you’ll be on the path you can follow all the way to Crosskeys.
Tha path is part of the cycle network which means two things: mile after mile of smooth tarmac for gentle walking in any weather which is suitable for prams and wheelchairs and plenty of cyclists using the route.
The path is part of the Sirhowy Valley walk and is well signposted throughout along with information boards and distance markers. It is on an old railway line which means the descent to Crosskeys is gentle and you’ll see a few remnants of the industrial past along the way.
To start the walk cross the road just past the Halfway House and pick up the path / cycle route and then just follow it all the way! You’ll be in woodland most of the way with variable levels of tree cover and shelter and changing views across the valley that open and close with the tree cover.
After rain and in winter you’ll see plenty of small streams and waterfalls on your right as water pours down from the big hill. On your left you’ll get occasional views of the river below.
You will also pass a few benches along the way where you can rest if needed. You’ll also have picnic benches as you walk into Sirhowy Valley Country Park, here you will also encounter cars on the last stretch as they can park a little way up the valley to access the walking trails.
It is as you near the entrance / exit to the park that you take a left and down a steeper path that takes you down to the river, which you follow for the while until you cross a bridge and that takes you to a road into Crosskeys, where you can follow the pavement right, under the road and on until you reach Crosskeys Park or wherever it is you are heading afterwards.
There are a couple of pubs not too far away if you want some food or a drink. You can retrace you steps back to Pontllanfraith or you can get back on public transport without a problem.
