Rogerstone - Craig y Wenallt - Henllys Church - Rogerstone
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A level start along the Ebbw River is followed by a short, steep climb along a rough lane to the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. After a short stretch along the canal towpath, more climbing follows as far as the high point of the walk at Craig y Wenallt. This small area of ancient woodland is managed by the Woodland Trust.
The route now joins what used to be known as a 'green lane' – that is, an unsurfaced public road – running along the eastern edge of the trees and offering fine views towards Henllys Church. After leaving this old road, the walk descends steeply through trees to Pantyreos Brook and enters fields.
It is worth pausing at Henllys Church to explore the graveyard. You are unlikely to hear Welsh spoken in the area today, but Welsh-language inscriptions indicate that this was not always the case. Indeed, the pre-eminent historian of Monmouthshire, Joseph Bradney (1859-1933), claimed that every single inhabitant of the parish was able to speak Welsh in 1891.
The route between Henllys Church and the edge of Newport Golf Club is not as easy to follow as it should be. Two short sections of path that get seriously overgrown in summer comprise the biggest problem and you are advised to take a big stick and wear long trousers. You should also be aware that the field adjacent to Golynos Fawr is often full of cattle and it is not a good idea to take a dog with you. Once past the last overgrown section of path, a pleasant route across a golf course leads back to Rogerstone and your starting point.
Wales - South Wales - Gwent - Countryside
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