The best walks and hikes around Upper Cwmbran

Yes, the area is well-suited for circular hikes. Many trails loop through the Blaen Bran Community Woodland and around the reservoirs, offering varied scenery without the need to backtrack. A great example is the Blaen Bran Trail loop, which provides a comprehensive tour of the local landscape.

For a gentle introduction to the area's scenery, consider the walk from The Square through Blaen Bran Community Woodland. It's a relatively short and flat route that still offers the pleasant experience of walking through the woods and near the Blaen Bran Reservoir.

Many trails in the area are suitable for walking with dogs, especially through the woodlands and open moorland. The Henllys Local Nature Reserve is a particularly popular spot for dog walkers, offering enclosed spaces and easy paths. As always, please keep dogs under control, especially near livestock and on roads.

The trails around the Blaen Bran Reservoirs are a great choice for a family outing. The loop from Greenmeadow is an easy walk that combines pleasant woodland paths with views of the water, making it engaging for all ages.

For hikes centered around the Blaen Bran Community Woodland and reservoirs, the Blaen Bran Woodland Lower Car Park is a convenient starting point. It provides direct access to several popular trails. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak times.

Yes, you can find waterfalls in the area. The streams running through the Blaen Bran Community Woodland create small, scenic waterfalls, especially after rainfall. Exploring the trails that follow the watercourses up towards the reservoirs is the best way to spot them.

The hike to the summit of Twmbarlwm, known locally as 'The Tump', involves a significant and steep climb. While the distance may not be extreme, the ascent is challenging and requires a good level of fitness. The reward is panoramic views across the Severn Estuary and the surrounding valleys.

The landscape is a mix of steep-sided valleys, ancient woodlands like Blaen Bran, and open heather moorland on the higher ground. You'll also find historic features, including remnants of the area's industrial past and ancient highways. Many routes, such as the Blaen Bran Reservoir – View of Blaen Bran Reservoir loop from Greenmeadow, offer expansive views from the hillsides.

The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of over 4 stars. Hikers often praise the mix of peaceful woodland walking and the rewarding views from the hilltops. The well-defined paths around the reservoirs are also frequently mentioned as a highlight.

There are over a dozen curated hiking routes available in the immediate area, ranging from easy woodland strolls to more demanding moderate climbs onto the moorland. This selection provides plenty of options for different fitness levels and time commitments.

Yes, the Torfaen Trail, a 35-mile figure-of-eight route, passes through the region, connecting Pontypool to Upper Cwmbran. For a substantial day hike, you could tackle a route like the long loop from The Square, which covers nearly 16 km and explores a large section of the local trail network.