Bristol To Brecon
Nigel Andrews, one of the most prolific walks leaders in Bristol Group, has written a book describing a new 85 mile long-distance footpath from Bristol to Brecon. The route includes a wonderful variety of scenery, including mountains, lovely valleys, historic towns and some lesser-known parts of South Wales.
To obtain your copy, please send a cheque for £5 including postage and packing), payable to Nigel Andrews, to B2B book, 59 Pensfield Park, Bristol , BS10 6LE . Please allow 14 days for delivery.
Nigel writes:
The route starts from Blaise Castle and heads for the old Severn Bridge by way of Spaniorum Hill and Severn Beach. Once in Wales, the first day finishes at Chepstow Castle. The following day follows an intricate but scenically varied journey to Usk by way of Gray Hill and the Wentwood Forest. An easy start the next day follows the River Usk before heading west to one of the best walkersbs in Wales and the Blorenge ridge. A beautiful descent leads to Abergavenny and the end of the day.
The climb of Sugar Loaf is the highlight of day four but its attractions don't end there. The route also ascends Table Mountain before easier and delightful walking leads to the next overnight stop at Crickhowell. Next morning the most varied day of the walk stays attractively at low-level in the morning before the afternoon climb of Tor y Foel (hopefully) gives panoramic views of the Brecon Beacons. This classic group of mountains is traversed during the final day's walk from Talybont to Brecon, culminating in the ascent of Pen y Fan, the high point of the walk.
The walk would make a wonderful and inexpensive week's holiday. It can also be enjoyed as a series of day walks or by creating circular walks using sections of the Bristol to Brecon route.
The guide book is illustrated with photos showing highlights of the route, together with sketch-maps and information about some of the places visited. Learn about cricketing controversy and how Abergavenny is a lot more hospitable than it used to be!
THANK YOU!
Thank you to the many people who have bought a copy of "The Bristol to Brecon Walk". I hope that you all enjoy the walk and that you spread the word about this new long-distance footpath. I have been pleased to receive very positive feedback about the walk one person who walked the whole route thought it was better than the West Highland Way. Thanks to those of you who have sent postcards to mark your completion of the walk. Please spread the word about the path so we can encourage people to come to Bristol to do its very own long-distance path.
ROUTE CHANGES
Inevitably there are changes to a walk of this length and I am indebted to a correspondent who has reported changes on the approach to Chepstow. In summary, a stretch of riverside footpath has been closed and a diversion signposted.
Monmouthshire County Council advise me that the path has been closed due to river erosion and there are no current plans for any work to restore it. They go on to say that permanent signs are being made to indicate the diversion, including one by the stile where the original route descended to the river. They were interested in the route through Monmouthshire and have asked me to inform them of any feedback from walkers on the Bristol to Brecon Walk.
I recommend the following changes from page 25 paragraphs 3 and 4.
From the top of the road ahead turn right to follow another road for about 150 yards. Take the first available turning on your right (not as yet named) and continue for a further 50 yards to the football ground. You may follow the remaining directions in paragraph 3.
The next section of the walk is subject to a path closure so do not turn right at the stile as previously advised. Continue on the same well-made path as you followed from the football ground. After about 400 yards the path splits. Do not follow the left-hand turning but instead go straight ahead to a waymarking post. This indicates that you turn left and the path then bends right to descend to a the railway bridge. At this point you rejoin the original route and go straight ahead to join the short and steepening climb described in paragraph 4. By the way, you can still pass under the railway bridge for a view of the river and perhaps a sighting of one of those Wye-registered cars!
I have been advised that the village shop in Shirenewton has now closed. Please make sure that you carry adequate provisions for the walk from Chepstow to Usk.
FURTHER UPDATE JANUARY 2010
I have received news of difficulties in reaching the bridge over the M49 at 556837 (pages 20 & 21) from field paths to the south-west of Easter Compton . There is construction work taking place and it is not currently clear when the path will be restored. I am recommending the following change in route from Easter Compton church.
Do not enter the churchyard, other than to see the church or to visit Easter Compton , but instead keep it on your right and follow the road. Shortly after it becomes a cycle path and it should be followed on its journey to cross the M49 on a bridge. It then swings right and heads towards a business park ahead. It deflects slightly left to keep business premises on its right before reaching a road and the resumption of the main route at 553835. The well-marked bridleway mentioned in paragraph 2 on page 21 is straight ahead and the original description should take you safely to Severn Beach .
This section is not an aesthetic highlight of the walk but will quickly get you through an uninspiring section of the walk. There is so much to look forward to!
I shall be very pleased to hear from anyone who discovers significant changes to the route and will try to provide updates on this page. Thanks again and happy walking!