Forgotten Landscapes Project Landscape Conservation Action ... · Visitor Management & Interpretation Projects VMA 1 & 2 improvements, installation of signage, etc 2. Blaenavon Ironworks

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Forgotten Landscapes Project Landscape Conservation Action Plan

Section 5 Programme C Visitor Management & Interpretation Projects VMA 1 & 2

5.20 Project: Exploring the Heritage Landscape VMA

Short Trails from the Principal Gateways VMA 1

Secondary Gateways and Trails VMA 2 5.20.1 Introduction

In the main access will rely on existing provision and will comprise: Short, circular trails – a series of routes of between one and two hours duration emanating from Gateways. They will follow existing Rights of Way and take visitors past heritage features. Family cycle trails – circular routes of an easy half day duration commencing from Gateways and utilising quiet roads, parts of the National Cycle Network and historic transport features. Cross country riding routes – longer distance circular routes based on the bridleway network that can be enjoyed by horse riders, cyclists and walkers. These will also provide a strategic link into the wider landscape. All of these routes will take the visitor to a range of heritage features and be supported by printed and downloadable guides. This Programme also includes actions that will enhance these routes through the installation of high quality signage and interpretation. Promoted family cycle trails The chosen routes are proposed to commence from existing gateways situated on the cycleway network:

5.20.2 Links with other Programmes Implementation Programme Delivery Plan

Code A B C VMA 1 GEO 1 GEO 2

ARC 5 STS 1 VOL 1 EV 1

EV 2 SCED 1 VMC 1-3 IOS 2

IM 2 IM 3

VMA 2 GEO 1 GEO 2 ELIG 2 ELIG 4 VOL 1 EV 1 EV 2 SCED 1

VMC 1-3 IOS 2 IOS 3 IM 1 IM 2 IM 3

5.20.3 Primary Aims and Outcomes Primary Aims To promote to target audiences the easy exploration of the Forgotten

Landscapes from the principal gateways.

To raise awareness and understanding of the natural and cultural heritage of the landscape

Outcomes Increased number of visitors exploring the landscape

Improved quality of user / visitor experience

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Delivery Plans

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Delivery Plan Title

Exploring the Heritage Landscape VMA 1 Short Trails from the Principal Gateways

Total Budget

Cash £27,000 (10% contingency)

Plan description

An essential part of the vision for the Forgotten Landscapes Scheme is to encourage more people to explore the heritage landscape. Many keen walkers and special interest groups are already visiting the area and using the promoted longer trails (e.g. the Iron Mountain Trail) or planning their own itineraries. To encourage the target audiences (see below) to venture out onto this exposed and rugged terrain it is proposed to promote a series of shorter circular trails of between one and two hours duration from the visitor gateways. These will provide a relatively easy introduction to some of the features in the heritage landscape and will be supported by the proposed visitor information and interpretative media. As the routes are relatively short this will make them easier to guide and interpret to visitors. These trails will be four of ten routes that have been identified in total, all of which will be promoted on a single broadsheet leaflet (see separate Delivery Plan IOS 3). The established principal visitor arrival points or ‘gateways’ are at St Peter’s World Heritage Centre (WHC), the Big Pit National Mining Museum, Blaenavon Ironworks and Abergavenny TIC. These are well signed from the main approaches and visitors can find secure parking, toilets, refreshments and information, interpretation and orientation at the gateways. The circular trails from each of these gateways are as follows: 1. World Heritage Centre to Big Pit via Forgeside and the ‘Dragons

Teeth’ 2. Blaenavon Ironworks to Hills Pits past the Pwll Du tunnel portal 3. Big Pit to Whistle Inn via the Coity Tip 4. Abergavenny TIC to Govilon Wharf via the Monmouthhire and

Brecon Canal The routes for the Trails are described in more detail in the attached route description sheets. The routes for the Trails are described in more detail in the attached Appendix The project work will provide clear way-marking and route improvements where required. Information and interpretation for the trails will be developed under other proposals (see separate Delivery Plans VMC 2, VMC 3, IOS 3, IM 2, IM 3) NB: There is a promoted Blaenavon Town Heritage Trail that connects the World Heritage Centre with the Blaenavon Ironworks. This is not included here but it will also be promoted in conjunction with the short trails.

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Aims • To promote the easy exploration of the Forgotten Landscapes from the principal gateways to target audiences.

• To raise awareness and understanding of the natural and cultural heritage of the landscape.

• To remove or reduce physical barriers to access to the heritage landscape

Objectives • To establish and promote four trails

• To provide coherent branded way-marking on each route

• To implement route improvements as follows: - WHC to Big Pit: Install short link to ‘Dragon’s Teeth’ micro-hydro

site - Blaenavon Ironworks to Hills Pit: Drainage improvements and new

easy-access gates, access to Pwll Du tunnel southern portal - Big Pit to Whistle Inn: Drainage and surface improvements and new

easy-access gates. New link from rear of Big Pit car park to cycleway

- Abergavenny TIC to Govilon Wharf: vegetation clearance at Govilon cycleway/towpath link

• To install counters to monitor usage of the Trails

Monitoring and evaluation criteria

Output Measure Target Short trails established No. 4

Public access routes enhanced Linear km 15.5

Increased usage of trails No. of people Increase by 50% by end of year 3

Increased interest in trails No. of trail guide downloads

5,000 by yr 3

NB: Supporting trail guide and other media included elsewhere (see separate delivery plans VMC 1-3, IOS 3, IM 2, IM 3)

Beneficiaries / Key audiences

Young families

Elderly and less-able groups

Walking for Health groups

Urban dwellers (i.e. and people not confident in the open countryside)

School / educational groups (ref. Education Plan)

Visitors

Outcomes

• Increased number of visitors exploring and understanding the heritage landscape

• Easier access to heritage for less confident or able visitors

• Improved quality of user/visitor experience

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Integration Links with other Delivery Plans Conservation and Climate Change: * access to geological features: GEO 1, GEO 2 * access to Pwll Du tunnel southern portal: ARC 5 * improved access to the Coity Tips: STS Visitor Management and Interpretation: * information on and promotion of secondary gateways and trails to

explore the landscape: VMC 1-3, IOS 2 * development of mobile media content: IM 2, IM 3 Community Engagement and Education and Training: * opportunities for volunteering activities and training: VOL 1 * promotion of trails through community outreach events: EV 1, EV 2 * links to educational programmes including Landscape Explorer

programme: SCED 1

Key stakeholders / consultees

The following organisations will need to approve / give final permissions for the project proposals and be consulted with as part of the implementation process: 1. St Peter’s World Heritage Centre to Big Pit National Mining Museum: * Torfaen CBC – Dev. Control (new access) Highways(signage) Estates

(land) and Countryside (RoW) NB. TCBC Countryside are implementing part of this route in 2009-10

* Big Pit NMM (land and signage) 2. Blaenavon Ironworks to Hills Pits Chimney: * Torfaen CBC – Highways(signage) Estates (land) and Countryside

(RoW) * Blaenavon Ironworks (signage) * Walter’s Mining Ltd (land – no signage proposed) * Commoners

3. Big Pit NMM to Whistle Inn: * Torfaen CBC – Highways(signage) Estates (land) and Countryside

(RoW) * Big Pit NMM (gate and signage) * Private landowners (gate, route improvements and signage)

4. Abergavenny TIC to Govilon Wharf: * Brecon Beacons NPA (signage, RoW) * Llanfoist Village Association * British Waterways (land/access) * Monmouthshire County Council (land) * Sustrans (signage)

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Risk appraisal

General: * Branding of routes needs to be determined (if considered necessary) * Responsibility for ongoing maintenance of route signage to be

confirmed by the FLP partners. For each trail: 1. St Peter’s World Heritage Centre to Big Pit National Mining Museum: * TCBC Countryside currently applying (2009-10) for statutory planning

consent for new access use and permissive access rights through community woodland at Forge Side(TCBC land) and Welsh Water landholding and permissive access past Big Pit exit tunnel portal

* H&S risk assessment for users subject to determination of link route through community woodland and access to proposed ‘Dragon’s Teeth’ micro-hydro project

2. Blaenavon Ironworks to Hills Pits Chimney: * No new access consent required * Open-access land owned by Walter’s Mining Ltd. Current negotiations

for permission to promote an extension of route over non-Iron Mountain trail sections

* New access gates and drainage improvements on Iron Mountain Trail section (restricted byway) – subject to ecologists advice

* H&S risk assessment for users required subject to determination of route to proposed Pwll Du tunnel project: see separate delivery plan ARC 5

3. Big Pit NMM to Whistle Inn:

* TCBC Countryside team currently negotiating on permissive access consent from National Mining Museum to restore pedestrian/cycleway link between BP car park and NCN (optional as existing route in place via public footpath / highway)

* Private landowner’s agreement on preferred method for route improvements on public bridleway (cross drainage and resurfacing required).

4. Abergavenny TIC to Govilon Wharf: * no new access consent required * no significant risks anticipated

Delivery roles and responsibilities

For each trail:

1. St Peter’s World Heritage Centre to Big Pit National Mining Museum:

* Torfaen CBC – Countryside team (lead partner to coordinate implementation; continuation from planning work commenced this year)

* FLP Project Manager – advise on link to Dragon’s Teeth micro hydro scheme

* FLP Volunteer Coordinator and volunteers – assistance with route

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improvements, installation of signage, etc

2. Blaenavon Ironworks to Hills Pits Chimney:

* Torfaen CBC – Countryside team (lead partner to coordinate implementation)

* FLP PM - advise on negotiations with Walters Mining Corp. re promoting access

* FLP Volunteer Coordinator and volunteers – assistance with route improvements, installation of gates, signage, etc

3. Big Pit NMM to Whistle Inn:

* Torfaen CBC – Countryside team (lead partner to coordinate implementation)

* FLP Volunteer Coordinator and volunteers – assistance with route improvements, installation of signage, etc

4. Abergavenny TIC to Govilon Wharf:

* Brecon Beacons NPA – Area Management team (lead partner to coordinate implementation)

* FLP Volunteer Coordinator and volunteers – assistance with route improvements, installation of signage, etc

Implementation programme

Yr 1 Yr 2 Yr 3 Yr

4-5

Task / milestone Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1,2

Q3,4

Determine route branding

Produce signage schedules, access improvement details

Obtain landowner’s final permissions and statutory authority consents (for PROW improvements)

Install route waymarking and improvements

• 1. WHC to Big Pit

• 4 .Abergavenny TIC to Govilon Wharf

Install route waymarking and improvements

• 2. Ironworks to Hills Pit

• 3. Big Pit to Whistle Inn

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Cost plan Total Costs: £27,000

Breakdown table:

Item Yr 1 Yr 2 Yr 3 Total

Project management fees (TCBC area) Trail 1, 2, 3

2,000

1,000

3,000

Produce signage schedules and access improvement details: Trail 1, 2, 3

1,500 1,500

Project management fees (BBNPA area) Trail 4

1,000 1,000

Produce signage schedules and access improvement details: Trail 4

500 500

Route way-marking and improvements: Trail 1

7,500

7,500

Trail 2 3,000 3,000

Trail 3 4,500 4,500

Trail 4 5,000 5,000

Materials expenses for volunteer works 500 500 1,000 Annual Sub totals 18,000 9,000 27,000

Total

27,000

Year 2: volunteer input calculated as 20 volunteer days valued at £50/day and 20 volunteer days at £150/day Year 3: volunteer input calculated at 10 volunteer days valued at £150/day Covered under VOL 1 = £5,500

Maintenance and Management Implications

Ongoing commitments and resources * Maintenance of path surfaces and way-marking: The routes are

generally maintained as part of the public right of way network at present. New access infrastructure will be created as part of Trail Nos.1 and 2 both sections being on land in the ownership of Torfaen CBC, the lead partner. These paths will require ongoing maintenance. The landowners will require an undertaking from the TCBC countryside section /highways authority to maintain the path and signs at the public expense. The permissive path sections will be closed for one day a year.

Sustainability and Exit Strategy

* Maintenance / replacement of way-marking: The Blaenavon Partnership rights-of- way sections will be responsible for future replacement of media.

Recommendations for future work years 4-10

Non proposed

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Short Trails in the Forgotten Landscapes: Figure 1: Relationship between proposed routes in the central area:

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Accessibility – grading criteria The proposed routes have been graded on the following basis: Duration: This is estimated and based on a gentle walking pace (c.3km/hr for moderated routes) or gentle cycling pace (c.10km/hr for moderate routes). Where access is easy the estimated times are reduced and visa versa where conditions are harder. Ease of access: The key is based on the following criteria

All-ability, characterised by; smooth surfaced route, clearly defined and way- marked, level or gently undulating ground, no gates or barriers

Easy, characterised by; surfaced route, some steeper gradients (not exceeding 1:15), some all-ability gates

Moderate, characterised by; - partly unsurfaced, clearly defined and way-marked, some steep gradients (exceeding 1:15), some gates and including stiles

Hard, characterised by; —unsurfaced, defined and way-marked, prolonged steep climbs, exposed, rugged ground, stiles and other barriers

Difficult, characterised by; —unsurfaced, undefined in places, prolonged steep climbs, exposed, rugged and broken/rocky ground, stiles and other barriers, not way-marked

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Short Trails in the Forgotten Landscapes: No. 1: St. Peter’s World Heritage Centre to Big Pit

This will take visitors through a quiet area of paddocks and public amenity land behind the WHC that was once part of Allgood Farm, the former Blaenavon Ironworks company farm, past a series of mine-water treatment ponds and reed beds and community woodland, through Forge Side the centre of industry in modern Blaenavon, built on an area of land raised on a huge amount of waste materials from the early stages of coal and iron ore processing and through a typical 19

th century layout of

terraced company workers houses. On the way visitors can also see:

* Aaron Brute’s 18th century cast-iron bridge

* Mine-water treatment reed beds

* the exit portal for the Big Pit escape tunnel

* the proposed ‘Dragon’s Teeth’ micro-hydro scheme (see delivery plan HP 1)

* the Coity Tips biodiversity site (see delivery plan STS 1)

* Pontypool and Blaenavon Steam Railway

* St Peter’s Church and graveyard

Allgood Farm and community woodland

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No. 2: Blaenavon Ironworks to Hills Pit Chimney This route follows part of the promoted ‘Iron Mountain Trail’ from the north side of the Blaenavon Ironworks over the buried ’Covered Bridge’, a very early railway viaduct (c.1790) that housed workers under the arches. It then passes through wet grassland habitat and past the spoil tips and chimney of the former Hills Pits that provide iron ore and coal for the Ironworks. On the way visitors can also see:

* the southern portal of the Pwll-Du Tunnel (see delivery plan ARC 5)

* spoil tips and remains of workers cottages at Hills Pits (see delivery plan ARC 3)

* remains of small-holding at Tir Abraham Harry

* overview of Blorenge Common land There is also an opportunity to view the Dyne-Steel incline and engine break-wheel (see delivery plan ARC 1, 2).

Hill’s Pit Chimney and spoil heaps

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No. 3: Big Pit to Whistle Inn This route begins from Big Pit car park and partly follows the promoted ‘Whistle Stop Tour’ and the ‘Coity Tips Trail’ (see delivery plan STS 1). It runs parallel to the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway line through a series of small-holdings on the edge of the open moorland (some now derelict) to the Whistle Inn pub (end of the railway line) and back through the Garn Lakes Local Nature Reserve a reclaimed area of former coal spoil heaps. On the way visitors can also see:

* Ty-Rheinault derelict cottage

* overview of Waun Afon Bog habitat

* overview of Coity Common land

* wetland protected nesting area

Waun Afon - derelict cottage

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No. 4: Abergavenny TIC to Govilon Wharf From the TIC visitors pass via Usk Meadows and back lanes through the village of Llanfoist to join the NCN 46 at the Llanfoist Crossing car park. This off-road route follows the line of the former Llanvihangel Tramroad and Merthyr, Tredegar and Abergavenny railway line to Govilon Wharf where it meets the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Following the canal towpath back to Llanfoist users pass via Llanfoist Wharf with a spur link to the Iron Mountain Trail. On the way visitors can also see:

* LLanfoist village heritage trail and old Post Office local heritage centre (see delivery plan ELIG 2)

* Govilon village heritage trail

Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal

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Delivery Plan Title

Promoting Access to the Heritage Landscape VMA 2 Secondary Gateways and Trails

The promotion of a series of short walking trails*, family cycling trails and cross country riding/walking trails emanating from the following secondary visitor gateway sites. * Keeper’s Pond car park * Garn Lakes (Railway car park) * Clydach South car park * Govilon Wharf car park * Llanfoist Crossing car park * Cwmtillery Lakes car park * Brynmawr (Bridgend Inn) (tbc) * Varteg Incline car park

Total Budget Cash £66,500 (5% contingency)

Plan description

Part of the Forgotten Landscapes Scheme vision is to encourage more people to explore the wider heritage landscape in under-developed areas from a variety of dispersed starting-out points. These are referred to as the ‘secondary gateways’ where visitors can find secure parking and information with basic facilities such as toilets and refreshments close by. The gateways are existing countryside car parks, easily accessible by car or public transport. The provision of information / orientation / interpretation at the gateways is covered elsewhere in the Plan (see separate Delivery Plan ref. IOS 3)

To encourage the target audiences (see below) to venture out into this exposed and rugged terrain it is proposed to promote a variety of Trails to appeal to different visitor audiences as follows:

* short walking trails of between one and two hours duration * easy cycling trails of half-day duration (that also provide easy walks of

a longer duration) * more challenging cross-country trails for walkers, mountain bikers

and horse-riders (recommendation for further work – see end of Delivery Plan)

These will provide an introduction to some of the features on the heritage landscape and will be supported by the proposed visitor information and interpretative media. As access to large areas of this landscape is sensitive for the Commoners and some landowners, all the routes are based on existing rights of way, highways or established paths on open-access land.

1. Short walking trails: Ten trails in total have been identified to be promoted; four are from the principle gateways and are described in VMA 1, and six will emanate from the secondary gateways, described in this Plan. These six short trails are numbered as follows (with gateways highlighted in bold):

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Trail 5: Keepers Pond to Garn Ddyrys and Pwll-Du Trail 6: Keepers Pond to Blorenge Cairn Trail 7: Clydach South to Devil’s Bridge via Gellifelen tunnels Trail 8: Clydach South to Clydach Limeworks via Llanelly Quarry Trail 9: Brynmawr to Cwm Nant Gam via the Hafod Arch Trail 10: Varteg to The British via Cwm Ffrwd

It is proposed to promote all of the short trails on a single broadsheet guide leaflet / media download.

2. Easy cycling trails: Two cycling trails are proposed to be promoted based on existing National Cycle Network routes that utilise the former transport infrastructure that links many communities and sites of interest in the FLP area. These are as follows (with gateways highlighted in bold);

1. Upper Llywd Valley Cycle Tour: Garn Lakes to Varteg via the B4246 and NCN Route 492

2. Clydach Gorge Cycle Tour: Govilon Wharf / Llanfoist Crossing to Brynmawr via NCN 46 and Hafod Road

Cross-country trails: (see Recommendations for Further Work) Two trails are proposed to be promoted based on the existing bridleway network and provide links between communities on opposite sides of the upland areas. These are as follows (with gateways highlighted in bold);

1. Cwmtillery Lakes to Garn Lakes via Forge Side 2. Keeper’s Pond to Clydach South via Gilwern Hill

The cycle trails and cross-country trails will be promoted on separate guide leaflets/media downloads. The production of these Trail Guides is included in Delivery Plan ref. IOS 3.

This Plan will implement the following * install coherent way-marking for the routes * integrate signage with visitor guide / interpretation media * provide integrated seating / orientation / information facilities at suitable

locations (‘hubs’) * remove or upgrade physical barriers to provide least-restrictive access

Location and details of the gateway sites and their associated trails proposed for promotion through the FLP are included in the attached route description sheets

Aims • To promote easy exploration for target audiences from the secondary gateways

• To raise awareness and understanding of the natural and cultural heritage of the landscape

• To reduce barriers to access to the heritage landscape

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Objectives • To provide coherent branded way-marking for each route.

• To install orientation/information and seats at appropriate locations

• To undertake route improvements as required – drainage, surface repairs, etc

• To monitor usage of the Trails

• To promote the Trails through visitor information and interpretive media

Beneficiaries / Key audiences

Short Trails and Easy Cycle Trails Young families Elderly and less-able groups Walking for Health groups Urban dwellers (ie. and people not confident in the open countryside) School/educational groups (ref. Education Plan) Visitors

NB: Supporting trail guide and other media included elsewhere

Monitoring and evaluation criteria

(see separate delivery plans VMC 1-3, IOS 3, IM 2, IM 3)

Output Measure Target

Short trails established and promoted

No. 6

Easy cycle trails established and promoted

No. 2

Public access routes enhanced

Lin.km 60

Increased usage of trails No. of people Increase by 50% by year 3

Increased interest in trails No. of trail guide downloads

5,000 by yr 3

Outcomes

• Increased number of visitors exploring and understanding the landscape

• Easier access to heritage for less confident or less-able visitors

• Improved quality of user/visitor experience

Integration Links with other Delivery Plans

Conservation and Climate Change:

* access to geological features: GEO 1, GEO 2

* avoid sensitive areas – Commons Management Plan

Visitor Management and Interpretation:

* information on and promotion of secondary gateways and trails to explore the landscape: VMC 1-3, IOS 2

* Visitor orientation/information at secondary gateways (IOS 3)

* Setting out points for guided walks: IM 1

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* development of mobile media content: IM 2, IM 3

Community Engagement and Education and Training:

* Cwmtillery and Llanfoist local group projects: ELIG 2, ELIG 4

* opportunities for volunteering activities and training: VOL 1

* promotion of trails through community outreach events: EV 1, EV 2

* links to educational programmes including Landscape Explorer programme: SCED 1

Key stakeholders / consultees

The following organisations will need to approve / give final permissions for the project proposals and be consulted with as part of the implementation process:

* British Waterways (Govilon office)

* Brecon Beacons National Park Authority – Area Management / Tourism sections

* Sustrans (Cardiff Office)

* Govilon Heritage group

* Monmouthshire County Council - Countryside section

* Torfaen County Borough Council - Countryside / Tourism sections

* Blaenau-Gwent County Borough Council - Countryside / Tourism sections

* Llanelly Hill Community Council

* Llanfoist Fawr Community Council

* Brynmawr Town Council

* Blorenge Commoners Association

* Coity Commoners Association

Risk appraisal

General:

* Branding of routes needs to be determined (if considered necessary) * Responsibility for ongoing maintenance of route signage to be

confirmed by the FLP partners. * Landowners and Commoners objections to increased visitor numbers

(NB right of access not an issue) – discussions ongoing with Commoners

Cycle trails * Highway authority approval for promoting on-road cycling sections

(Hafod Road and Blaenavon Road/B4246) – allow time for highways safety audit and design recommendations

* Highway authority approval (on-highway signage) – allow time for highways approval of signage schedule

NB: All trail routes: right of access secured as all are proposed to be on public rights of way, highways or established permissive paths.

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Delivery roles and responsibility

BBNP area: This includes:

• Short trails: Keeper’s Pond to Pwll-Du, Upper Clydach Gorge Geology, Clydach South to Devil’s Bridge, Clydach South to Old Clydach Station

• Easy Cycle Trail: Govilon Wharf to Brynmawr

• Cross-country Trail: Keeper’s Pond to Clydach South

* Brecon Beacons NPA – Area Management lead partner for coordinating implementation

* FLP Volunteer Coordinator and volunteers to assist with works on site * Monmouthshire CC to assist with on-road trail sections

TCBC area: This includes -

• Short trails: Talywain to Varteg

• Easy Cycle Trail: Garn Lakes to Talywain

• Cross-country Trail: Garn lakes to Cwmtillery Lakes

* Torfaen CBC – Countryside section lead partner for coordinating implementation

* FLP Volunteer Coordinator and volunteers to assist with works on site * Blaenau-Gwent CBC to assist with trail from Cwmtillery Lakes

Implementation Programme (3 year timeframe)

Yr 1 Yr 2 Yr 3

Yr 4-5

Task / milestone Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1,2

Q3,4

Determine route branding

Produce signage schedules, access improvement details all routes

Short trails - obtain landowner’s final permissions and statutory authority consents (for PROW improvements)

Install short trail way-marking, orientation and improvements

Cycle trails - obtain landowner’s final permissions and statutory authority consents (for signage improvements)

Install cycle trail way-marking, orientation

X-country trails - obtain landowner’s final permissions and statutory authority consents (for PROW improvements)

Install x-country trail way-marking, orientation and improvements

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Cost plan Total Costs: £66,500 Breakdown table:

Item Yr 1 Yr 2 Yr 3 Total

Project management fees (TCBC area)

5,000

2,000

7,000

TCBC area: Produce signage schedules and access improvement details:

3,000 3,000

Project management fees (BBNPA area)

5,000 2,000 7,000

BBNPA area: Produce signage schedules and access improvement details:

5,000 5,000

Route orientation, way-marking and improvements;

Short Trails (x 6)

33,000

33,000

Cycle Trails (x 2) 10,000 10,000

Materials expenses for volunteer works

1,000 500 1,500

Annual Sub totals 52,000 14,500

Total 66,500

Volunteer assistance with trails (DinK)

2,000 1,000

Volunteer input - waymarking, clearing and upgrading footpaths Year 2: Volunteer input calculated as 7 volunteer days valued at £50/day and 15 volunteer days at £150/day Year 3: volunteer input calculated at 10 volunteer days valued at £150/day Covered under VOL 1 = £4,100

Maintenance and Management Implications

Ongoing commitments and resources: * Maintenance of path surfaces and waymarking: The routes are

generally maintained as part of the public right of way network at present.

* Maintenance / replacement of way-marking

Sustainability and Exit Strategy

The Blaenavon Partnership highway authorities/ rights-of- way sections will be responsible for future maintenance of routes and replacement of signage.

Recommendations for future work years 4-10

Cross Country Trails x 2 10,000 when money can be identified Cross country Trails (see Recommendations for Further Work) Horse riders Mountain Bikers Keen and able walkers

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FLP Promoted Short Trails from secondary gateways: Location

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No. 5: Keepers Pond to Garn Ddyrys and Pwll Du

This follows part of the Iron Mountain Trail past the Pond and down to the site of the former Garn Ddyrys Ironworks. It then doubles back to follow the line of Hills Tramroad towards the Tylla Quarry, past the Lamb and Fox pub at Pwll-Du and then back to Keeper’s Pond. On the way visitors can also see / be made aware of :

* The Keeper’s Pond reservoir

* Blorenge SSSI, Blorenge Commoners’ rights

* Overview of Cwm Llanwenarth,

* the Ogof Draenen cave system and the ‘bat cave’ at Siambre-Ddu

* the site of the ‘Forgotten Village’ of Pwll-Du

* the Dyne-Steel Incline, northern portal of Pwll Du Tunnel (Hills Tramroad link to Blaenavon Ironworks)

Garn-Dyrys forge site

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No. 6: Keepers Pond to Blorenge Cairn

This follows part of the Iron Mountain Trail northwards from the Keeper’s Pond reservoir and then diverts to follow a former tram-road to rock exposures showing evidence of former quarrying. The return route passes by a telephone mast and the Blorenge cairn and then back to Keeper’s Pond via the Foxhunter’s car park. On the way visitors can also see / be made aware of :

* Blorenge SSSI, Blorenge Commoners’ rights and the Blorenge hang-gliders

* Game-keeping – red Grouse and the Foxhunter memorial

* Heather management

* Early iron workings at Pen-ffordd Goch

Keeper’s Pond and Blorenge

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No. 7: Clydach South to Devil’s Bridge

This route follows the former inclined tramways linking the Clydach Ironworks to Llanelly Hill, through the Cwm Clydach NNR. It returns through the limestone quarrying communities on the north side of the Gorge. There is an optional spur route that follows the river to a picturesque picnic area. On the way visitors can also see / be made aware of :

* Llanelly Quarry

* Engineering on the MT&A Railway – Gellifellen tunnels

* Rare flora species at Gellifellen

Gellifellen and the Afon Clydach at the Devil’s Bridge

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No.8: Clydach South to Clydach Limeworks

This route starts from the Clydach South car park and follows part of Trail 7 to Llanelly Quarry then turns eastward back through the old Clydach Station. At Cabier Dyar the trail returns to Clydach South via the Brunant lane. On the way visitors can also see / be made aware of :

* Clydach Ironworks

* Clydach Limeworks and Quarry

* Engineering on the MT&A Railway – Clydach viaduct

Clydach Quarry and limekilns

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No.9 Brynmawr - Upper Clydach Gorge Geology Trail

This Trail follows the path on the route of the former Bailley’sTramroad to the A465 underpass and up a former incline to Cwm Nant Gam. It then returns on the NCN 46 cycleway, the former line of the MT&A railway. On either side of the Gorge it passes geological exposures that help explain the story of the exploitation of the mineral resources in the FLP (see delivery plan GEO 1 and IM 1). On the way visitors can also see / be made aware of -

* Hafod Arch and the Cwm Nant Melyn (see delivery plan GEO 1)

* Waterfalls and cave systems

The Hafod Arch and footpath link to the NCN 46 south side

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No. 10: Varteg to The British via Cwm Ffrwd

This trail is based on the promoted ‘Cwm Ffrwd Circular Walk’. From Talywain it follows the valley of the Nant Ffrywd north-westwards past former workings and abandoned farms. It then turns back around the Mynydd Farteg Fach with a spur to Varteg and then returning to Talywain. On the way visitors can see / be made aware of :

* Graig Wen Wood, remnant of beech woodland

* evidence of former farmsteads and communities including Graig Wen farmhouse, The Balance, Graig Ddu former C18

th chapel/public house – fist fighting venue

* evidence of former workings, eg. Varteg Hill Colliery tips and Viponds Top Pits

* spectacular views from Mynydd Farteg Fach

* moorland habitat, disturbance and natural regeneration

Graig Wen Wood

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FLP Promoted Easy Cycle Trails from secondary gateways: location

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Garn Lakes to Varteg Cycle Tour

The cycle trail starts from the Garn Lakes heritage railway car park and runs parallel to the railway to Big Pit. It then leaves the cycleway and runs through Forge Side then southwards on the B4246 to Varteg. Here it turns east downhill to the link onto the NCN 469 cycleway, the route of the former Brynmawr to Blaenavon Railway. The cycleway takes users back through the Cwm Afon Llwyd to Blaenavon. There is a proposed link to the World Heritage Centre (see VMA 1 – trail between WHC to Big Pit). On the way visitors can see / be made aware of -

* traditional terraced housing at Forge Side

* overview of Coity Mountain

* Varteg incline

* Biodiversity in the Afan Llwyd valley

Link to Varteg from the NCN 469

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Clydach Gorge Cycle Tour:

The trail route starts from either Llanfoist Crossing or Govilon car parks and follows the NCN 46 westwards on the route of the former Merthyr, Tredegar and Abergavenny Railway through the Gorge to Brynmawr. It then returns on the Hafod Road that follows the contour line on Llangattock Mountain allowing fantastic vistas southwards over the Gorge and the Blorenge before dropping steeply through the picturesque village of Llanelly and its church to join the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal at Gilwern. There is an optional shortcut via Clydach South to create shorter loops. It then follows the towpath back to Govilon. On the way visitors can also see / be made aware of -

* Limestone quarrying - Clydach Limeworks and Quarry, Llanelly Quarry, Giant’s Thumb quarry marker

* Engineering on the MT&A Railway – Clydach viaduct, Gellifellen tunnels

* Cwm Clydach NNR and Special Area of Conservation

Approaching Gellifellen tunnels

Documents

Forgotten Landscapes Project Landscape Conservation Action ... · Visitor Management & Interpretation Projects VMA 1 & 2 improvements, installation of signage, etc 2. Blaenavon Ironworks