The Valleys of Southern Wales

Don't be fooled by the stereotypical image of the Valleys being full of coal mines and tips.  Those days are long gone and now its rich heritage and rugged landscapes make an ideal combination for some great walks.

Sirhowy Valley Walk 41.8 km (26 miles)
One for fit walkers which takes you on a fascinating journey up the Sirhowy Valley. The route links two grand mansions, Bedwellty House in Tredegar, built by a wealthy iron baron in the 19th Century and Tredegar House in Newport, one of the finest in Wales.

Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk 45 km (28 miles)
Using a mixture of footpaths, bridleways and cycleways, take in the splendid panoramic views from this route which links Rhymney and Caerphilly via the three main ridges of Mynydd-y-Grug, Thornhill and Eglwysilian. The walk takes you from lowland farmland to open commons which rise to over 300m above sea level.

Medieval Magic and Magnificent Mountains 10.5 km (6.5 miles)
Using country lanes, forestry tracks and public rights of way, this walk offers superb views from Caerphilly Common over to Caerphilly Castle with its famous leaning tower, and south to Cardiff and the Bristol Chanel, or North to the iconic Brecon Beacons National Park.

A Ridge with a View 8 km (5 miles)
A vigorous walk, including a strenuous ascent at the beginning which is rewarded with a ridgeway walk that provides some of the most stunning views to be found in Southern Wales. Take in the majesty of the ancient hill fort of Twmbarlwm, or look for fossils embedded in the stones along the route.

The Aneurin Bevan Trails 13 km (8 miles)
This route celebrates the life and achievements of Aneurin Bevan MP - architect of the National Health Service. The trail visits the Bevan Memorial Stones (erected on the site where he often held open air meetings for his constituents), the site of his former school, and the council chamber where his political career began. 

Merthyr Tydfil Trail 5 km (3 miles)
A walk that explores this historic town's fascinating story - which involves occupation by the Romans, sacrifices made by Celtic princesses, and the development of the town into the World's largest iron producer. Merthyr Tydfil has more than it's share of history.

Trevithick's Trail 6.5 km (4 miles)
Retrace Richard Trevithick's first real steam locomotive journey in the world on this historic route.  Visit Pentrebach house, once home to the ironmaster Anthony Hill whose Plymouth works was one of the four great ironworks in Merthyr Tydfil during the Industrial Revolution.

Blaenavon Industrial Landscape 17 km (10.5 miles)
This walk has been designed to guide visitors around part of the World Heritage Site to see some of the heritage features that contribute towards its recognition as outstanding in terms of its industrial heritage.  Included on the walk are numerous Grade I,II and III Listed Buildings.

There are Tourist Information Centres throughout the region with plenty of information on these and other walks.  Ask them for more information.

Alternatively, you might like to try one of the other areas of Southern Wales for more great walking ideas. 
The Brecon Beacons
Cardiff
The Golden Coast
The Wye Valley & Vale of Usk

Walking Festivals 

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