This 4.5 mile circular walk takes in a surprising amount of history and combines country lane walking with some shorter sections of easy to follow public footpaths.
Parking is on road near an industrial estate and a short walk underneath the dual carriageway takes you to Gelligroes Mill, best know for being home to Arthur ‘Artie’ Moore, who was a pioneer in early radio technology. Using his home made wireless receiver in the mill he picked up the Italian government’s declaration of war on Libya in 1911 and RMS Titanic’s distress call in 1912. He diligently recorded the Titanic’s communications right up until the final message.
Crossing the bridge you take a right for a short section of country lane before heading left up an old track – one used by Artie Moore to take his radio equipment to higher ground. This track is almost straight and starts you ascending the hill, crossing another country lane and eventually taking you back onto a country lane to continue the ascent.
This next section of country lane brings you to the pretty St Tudor’s church that has wide-ranging views towards the Bannau Brycheniog and the main peaks are visible on a clear day. You can sit on a bench here to enjoy the peace and quiet, and if you are walking this on some evenings you can visit the Church Inn next door – but beware it only takes cash payments.
After exiting the church yard you will see a distinct mound on your right, this is Twyn Tudor Motte, a military stronghold built during the medieval period. This provides a nice focal point for photographing the broad views Westwards across the Valleys.
Continuing a short way along the lane you then take a right, sharply downhill and picking up a section of The Raven Walk, past a farm and down through fields to the disused Nant-y-Draenog reservoir. In winter this reservoir can be full, but during drier months and the summer it is usually empty as it drains freely through a small pipe. It is a very peaceful and hidden spot that now supports a wide range of wildlife.
Crossing the dam the route then leaves the Raven Walk, getting you back to another country lane. The two fields before this can be wet and boggy during winter, this is probably the only section of this walk that is. The country lane offers great views and peaceful walking with very little traffic until you take a right, sharply down to another country lane. Taking a right at this lane you follow it for a long way until you finally intercept the old track you used to ascend the hill initially. Follow this track back down, retracing your steps to the bridge, Gelligroes Mill and your car.
