Blaenau Gwent encompasses the Ebbw Fach, Ebbw Fawr and Sirhowy valleys and lies on the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Nature trails, protected landscapes and traces of industrial history give the area a variety of facets. When planning a stay, you can therefore start by considering whether you would like to spend more time enjoying the outdoors or visiting historic sites.
Valleys, Trails and Natural Areas
If you enjoy walking, Blaenau Gwent has paths along old transport routes for mine railways and winding trails leading up to the mountain peaks. The former transport routes and ascending paths offer different kinds of walks. Two forest walking trails are marked out in the Silent Valley nature reserve; a public footpath also continues further into the valley. Silent Valley is designated both a Local Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Parc Bryn Bach also combines natural areas with a lake. The local nature reserve covers 340 acres of grassland and woodland; the park grounds include a 36-acre lake. Group water sports activities are also available on the water here. Availability may vary by season. If you are interested, check in advance which group activities will be available during your visit.
The Cwmtillery Lakes offer a different landscape: they lie in a wooded valley, and sculptures around the lake bring the area’s mining history to life. Fishing and feeding ducks are among the family activities available there. Nature and mining themes come together at this site, while Parc Bryn Bach offers a different landscape focus, with its grassland, woodland and lake.
Blaenau Gwent has leisure, trail, BMX and mountain bike routes for cycling. The range therefore extends beyond just one type of cycling route. Together with the walking trails, these offer a choice of different activities without requiring you to follow a particular route or set itinerary.
Industrial History and Historic Sites
The Guardian sculpture is 20 metres high and was commissioned in 2010 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1960 mining disaster in Six Bells. Forty-five men lost their lives in the disaster. A heritage room at Ty Ebbw Fach documents the story of Guardian, Six Bells Colliery and the village of Six Bells. The event is thus remembered both through the sculpture and through the history of the village and its mining industry.
The Nantyglo Roundhouses combine industrial history with an unusual architectural form. The complex was built around 1816 by Joseph and Crawshay Bailey, the ironmasters of Nantyglo Ironworks, as a fortified refuge in case of an armed uprising by their workforce. It is generally considered to be the last private castle in Britain. The Roundhouses are privately owned and can be viewed from the road.
Bedwellty House & Park also offers a glimpse into the history of the ironmasters: the listed Regency villa has a historic garden laid out in the 19th century for the Homfray ironmaster dynasty. The complex includes an arboretum, tea rooms and what is described as the world’s largest lump of coal. St Illtyd’s Church is considered the oldest building in Blaenau Gwent and evokes 800 years of history. In Ebbw Vale, a museum displays a unique collection of artefacts and documents relating to iron and steel production there.
Plan a Stay That Suits You
When looking for a hotel in Blaenau Gwent, your preferred focus can be a useful starting point: would you like to plan walking and cycling routes, include water sports, or focus mainly on mining and industrial history? Historic buildings, parkland and memorial sites offer further themes to consider.
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