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Henry Vaughan Walk

2.2 miles (3.5 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This waymarked literary walk in the Brecon Beacons follows in the footsteps of the 17th century poet Henry Vaughan.
You'll explore some of the beautiful countryside that inspired many of his poems. Along the way there are interesting information boards with more detail of his life and the features of the surrounding area. You will also pass the Vaughan Garden where you can learn about his other profession as a doctor of herbal medicine. There's more panels here with extracts from his poems as well.
The circular walk starts from the village of Talybont On Usk where you begin with an easy stroll along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. The route then heads south to link with another waterside footpath along the Caerfanell River towards Aber village where there are some fine countryside views. You'll then cross the river and pick up a section of the Taff Trail following a dismantled railway line back towards the canal and the village. This section runs along the old Brinore Tramroad and passes the Vaugn Memorial and Garden mentioned earlier.
The walk is waymarked with a blue and white disc, featuring a bird in a flight. It runs for just over 2 miles and is fairly flat with some small climbs.
You can continue your walk by heading south to visit Talybont Reservoir where there are some lovely waterside trails to try.

Henry Vaughan Walk OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Henry Vaughan Walk Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

There's a couple of good choices for post walk rest and refreshment in the village. The White Hart is an historic Coaching Inn which has welcomed travelers for over 300 years. Located near the canal it has an extensive menu and a nice outdoor seating area. The inn is dog friendly. You can find the pub at postcode LD3 7JD for your sat navs.
The Usk Inn is another great option. The old pub was established in the 1840s at the time of the Brecon to Merthyr Railway. It has an enviable position on the edge of the village, opposite the former railway station and yard. There's a friendly welcome and a large garden area to relax in on warmer days. You can find the pub at postcode LD3 7JE.

Photos

Canal bridge and canalside inn, Talybont-on-Usk - geograph.org.uk - 3158237

Canal bridge and canalside inn, Talybont-on-Usk

Garden beside the Brinore Tramroad near Talybont-on-Usk - geograph.org.uk - 2952510

Garden beside the Brinore Tramroad near Talybont-on-Usk

The Caerfanell near Aber - geograph.org.uk - 4129015

The Caerfanell near Aber

Valley at Aber village - geograph.org.uk - 1378225

Valley at Aber village. The River Caerfaneel flows through this valley through Aber village.

Beside the Caerfanell - geograph.org.uk - 3544214

Beside the Caerfanell

Taff Trail, on the route of the Brinore Tramroad - geograph.org.uk - 4129001

Taff Trail, on the route of the Brinore Tramroad

Wooden signpost alongside a bridge over Cwm Cwy near Talybont-on-Usk - geograph.org.uk - 3366845

Wooden signpost alongside a bridge over Cwm Cwy near Talybont-on-Usk

Canal NW of bridge 144, Talybont-on-Usk - geograph.org.uk - 3114045

Canal NW of bridge 144, Talybont-on-Usk

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Henry Vaughan.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)