Wales Valleys Walking Festival

If you like walking then the South Wales Valleys are definitely for you.

There are so many wonderful walks and trails to discover around each bend and over each hill. The network of canals and railways that powered the Industrial Revolution have been transformed into footpaths and trails that tell an incredibly powerful story and the sights and scenery will leave you speechless.   

Many trails tell the stories of the powerful families that owned the works and the mines.  Trails like the Homfrays of Tredegar who owned Bedwellty House, The Baileys of Nantyglo.  The Iron Mountain Trail is a circular route taking in all of the unique aspects of Blaenavon's Industrial Landscape.  The UK's biggest earth sculpture can be seen if you take the route from Penallta to Eglwysilan. 

A firmly established event in the calendar is The Valleys Walking Festival taking place between the 3rd and the 18th of September 2011. This will be the 7th annual festival as offers a greater number of walks spread over a larger geographical area with five new walks including a long distance one. 

Please note some changes to this year's walks. Click here to find out more

There is plenty on offer to tempt walkers of all abilities - from walks for the serious enthusiast looking to stretch themselves whilst basking in the breathtaking beauty of  The Valleys scenery to shorter walks suitable for the less experienced and for all the family.

All walks are led by experienced walk leaders whose local knowledge is guaranteed to add to the experience. This is your opportunity to see just how spectacular The Valleys of today are and enjoy a unique roller-coaster landscape of hills and vales dotted with friendly towns and villages.

There are trails to suit all ages and levels of fitness. All trails are colour coded to tell you which will suit you best. But whichever trails you choose you can be sure you are going to have an adventure you will never want to forget. All walks are free but we recommend that you book as early as possible as places are limited. Happy walking! 

Here's an example of each to whet your appetite!

Easy - suitable for most levels of fitness
Wildlife Surprises in Bryngarw Park, Thursday 8 September

A leisurely walk through 113 acres of beautiful gardens and country park. Starts at the Bryngarw Park Cafe, Bridgend. 

Some Exertion - a moderate level of fitness required, some hilly sections  
Blaencwm Waterfalls Walk, in the footsteps of Derek Brockway, Thursday 8th September

Follow in the footsteps of Derek Brockway and enjoy a 5 hour spectacular 6 mile walk as featured on his Weatherman Walking Programme, great views, waterfalls and history - old and new await you. Bring drink and snack. Maximum group size of 15.

Strenuous - a good level of fitness required, some steep sections
The Sirhowy Valley Walk, Saturday 3 September

This 18 mile walk is new for 2011. Follow the Sirhowy Valley's ridgeway through three counties in south-east Wales. Enjoy hill top panoramic views over the Bristol Channel and North to the Brecon Beacons, whilst in the valleys below you'll discover beech woodland, headged lanes and riverside paths in this locality's attractive countryside. Starts at the Aneurin Bevan Memorial Stones with free trnasport to start point and end of walk.  

For more details on the Walking Festival and find out how to book your place click here where you can download the brochure.