Malpas - Brynglas - Malpas

Harri Roberts

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This short urban walk loops around the historic parish of Malpas on the outskirts of Newport. Highlights include the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal towpath, the recently restored Malpas Court and splendid views over Wales's newest city from the top of Brynglas Hill.

The walk begins on the canal. Now a peaceful walking and cycling route, the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal once served as a major transport artery, carrying thousands of tonnes of coal and iron each year to the docks in Newport.

Leaving the canal, the walk passes the sandstone walls of Malpas Court, built during the 1830s for Newport's town clerk, Thomas Protheroe. Protheroe played a key role in resisting the Chartist assault on Newport in 1839 and later helped to secure the conviction of the Newport Chartist leader, John Frost. As agent to the extensive Tredegar Estates, he was involved in numerous industrial ventures and acquired considerable influence in the town. The house was home to the Protheroe family until 1916, but later fell into disrepair. Newly restored, it now provides office space for Newport City Council.

After crossing Malpas Road – where there is a good view of Malpas Court's former lodge house – the walk descends along an attractive wooded valley before climbing steeply to the top of Brynglas Hill. The next section, a mixture of woodland and more open grassy spaces, may be muddy at times but offers tremendous views across Newport and its environs. After a steep descent, a short walk across a park leads back to the canal.

Wales - South Wales - Gwent - Town or city