Pontymoile Basin – Folly Tower (Pontypool) loop from Torfaen
Pontymoile Basin – Folly Tower (Pontypool) loop from Torfaen
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Pontymoile Basin – Folly Tower (Pontypool) loop from Torfaen
02:10
7.26km
200m
Hiking
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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1.15 km
Pontymoile Basin
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
4.41 km
Folly Tower (Pontypool)
Highlight • Monument
"...an elevated spot where a Tower (formerly a Roman watch-tower) was many years since rebuilt as an observatory and which is popularly known as 'The Folly'."
It is thought the tower was renovated around 1831 by Capel Hanbury Leigh. This date is derived from a keystone from the doorway bearing an '1831' inscription. The tower provided a vantage point over the local area and quickly became popular and a well known feature of the area.
In May 1935 an estimated 15 to 20,000 people gathered at the Folly Tower to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of King George V with the lighting of a bonfire.
However, the folly, being open to the elements, began to fall into a state of disrepair during the late 1930s. Pontypool Park Estate Office attached notices to the structure informing visitors of the potential dangers of falling masonry. Its draw on the locals though remained unstinted and local poet and illustrator Myfanwy Haycock penned the following verse in 1937:
Tip by
7.26 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.59 km
1.77 km
1.09 km
670 m
127 m
Surfaces
2.22 km
2.11 km
1.80 km
994 m
122 m
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Elevation
Highest point (280 m)
Lowest point (110 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Friday 3 July
23°C
13°C
11 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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