Clydach Gorge Walk

This beautiful gorge in the Brecon Beacons includes a steep-sided valley down which the River Clydach flows to the River Usk.
Walk Report 22nd September by Sue Jenkins
We drove over to Gilwern for the Clydach Gorge walk, on a sunny early autumn Sunday. The route heads down into the steep-sided gorge, and we quickly found ourselves surrounded by woodland with the River Clydach running below us.... It felt surprisingly wild considering how close we were to the road, and the sound of the river became a constant companion as we followed the valley.
The river was one of the real highlights for us. There are a series of waterfalls and cascades along the route, and we found ourselves stopping regularly to look at the water rushing through the gorge. After a spell of wetter weather these were particularly impressive, with the river running fast between the moss-covered rocks. I thought the combination of the dense woodland, steep valley sides and rushing water gave the Clydach Gorge a wonderfully atmospheric feel. We weere also delighted to see some dippers by the water.
One of the things we hadn't really appreciated before arriving was just how much industrial history is packed into the landscape. We passed the remains of the old Clydach Ironworks, which operated from the late eighteenth century, and the famous cast-iron bridge built in 1804. Seeing these substantial pieces of industrial archaeology sitting amongst the trees and river made the walk feel like much more than a straightforward woodland and waterfall walk.
We also enjoyed some of the smaller details along the river. We kept stopping to look into the water and along the banks, and there was plenty of birdlife around the woodland. The gorge is the sort of place where it pays to slow down rather than simply concentrate on completing the route, as there are cascades, old stone and ironwork and little views through the trees that are easy to miss if you're walking too quickly.
As we continued towards Brynmawr, the character of the walk gradually changed, with sections of more open track contrasting with the enclosed gorge. The route is around 8.7 miles, so it feels like a proper half-day outing rather than a short waterfall stroll. We appreciated having the longer distance because it gave us time to experience both the wooded river valley and the more open surroundings further along the route.
The Cwm Pwca section was another memorable part of the outing. The gorge becomes particularly secluded here, and the combination of the steep slopes, trees and river gives the area a slightly mysterious character. It was one of those places where we naturally stopped talking for a while and just concentrated on the surroundings.
We eventually turned back towards Gilwern, retracing our route through the gorge. Walking back gave us a different perspective on some of the waterfalls and old industrial remains we'd passed earlier, and the changing light in the woodland made the return journey feel different rather than simply repetitive. Back in Gilwern, we thought the route made a particularly good day out because there is so much packed into it. The River Clydach, waterfalls, woodland, old ironworks and historic bridge all feature along the way, while the connection with the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal gives you another option for exploring the area afterwards. For us, it was the mixture of dramatic natural scenery and the fascinating industrial remains that made the Clydach Gorge walk stand out.
On the southern side of the route you will link up with the Clydach Gorge Cycle Route. The Sustrans route is largely traffic free with nice surfaced paths to follow. You can see it mapped in orange on the Ordnance Survey Map below.
Postcode: NP7 0HT
Pubs and More Info
The Cambrian Inn is located on the walk in the village of Clydach. The friendly village pub has a good range of beers and an outdoor area. You can find it at postcode NP7 0LY for your sat navs.
Near the start/end in Gilwern there's The Towpath Inn to consider. It's located in a fine spot, next to the canal so you can sit outside next to the water and watch the world go by. On Friday's they have Street Food pop ups where traders bring their exciting and varied menus with dishes from all over the world. You can also hire ebikes here to explore the area in comfort. The inn can be found at 49 Main Rd, NP7 0AU.
The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal passes Gilwern so you could pick up the towpath and head north towards Crickhowell. It's a popular area for walkers with the Crickhowell River Walk taking you along the River Usk.
Head into Abergavenny and you can continue your walking at the lovely Abergavenny Castle Meadows and Linda Vista Gardens. You can also enjoy a climb to the popular Sugarloaf and enjoy wonderful views over the area.
Just to the north is Llangattock where you can climb to the Llangattock Escarpment for more great views. Here you can also explore the Craig y Cilau National Nature Reserve with its wonderful limestone scenery and rare plantlife.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Brecon Beacons Walks pages.

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Nearby Routes

Abergavenny Castle Meadows and Linda Vista Gardens Abergavenny Sugarloaf Walk Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal Crickhowell Canal Walk Crickhowell River Walk Llangattock Gilwern Llanfoist Canal Walk Craig y Cilau

Photos

Clydach Gorge. View from Gilwern Hill towards Brynmawr showing Heads of the Valleys Road, Cheltenham, Black Rock and Clydach Gorge

Clydach Gorge railway. When completed NCN46 will follow the course of the old railway down the gorge, offering some spectacular views of natural and manmade landscapes.

View across the Gorge. The newly developed National Cycleway route follows the former rail line which runs across the far slope. An extraordinarily interesting area where man and nature, beauty and despoliation lie cheek by jowl.

Old tramway above the gorge. The modern road runs along this old tramway which contours for several miles along the eastern slopes of Mynydd Llangatwg between Llangatwg Quarries and Brynmawr.

Clydach Gorge Iron works built 1793.The Ironworks remained in production for about 65 years. In 1841 over 1,350 people were employed.

Famous Cast Iron Bridge constructed in 1804 to gain access from Clydach Iron Works to their offices

 A rain-swollen Afon Clydach rushes past the old Forge House at Maesygwartha towards the bottom of the Clydach Gorge.

Waterfall near Gilwern. This waterfall is man made. It is formed by the overflow from the Monmouthshire Brecon Canal. The outfall is flowing into the River Clydach. If you look carefully you can just see the abutment of the aqueduct that carries the Canal over the river. The waterfall can be reached via a precarious walk up the River Clydach embankment.

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