“A very generous response from the public saw us raise nearly £4,000 for our Covid-19 appeal, allowing us to overhaul a compartment carriage to welcome passengers back in a socially-distanced way. “We’ve focused our spending on only essential maintenance and restoration. Our volunteers have understood the situation, and stepped up to every challenge thrown at them.
A corridor carriage being sent for refurbishing works from Blaenavon Heritage Railway. Picture: Alex Hinshelwood “They look forward to returning to wider general restoration and improvement works when visitor income returns and warmly welcome those with an interest in joining them.” On plans for the future, Mr Warner added: “When the railway reopens, we’ll initially continue operating to the social distancing and cleaning arrangements introduced last year.
Picture: Lindsay Williams Start in Cadira Beeches car park A. From the car park entrance, cross over the road and turn right then after about 15 metres turn left up a forestry road. Take care as there may be some traffic on the road. B. Keep following the main forestry road past waymarket post 64.
Picture: Linda Powell, of the South Wales Argus Camera Club C. Cross over the tarmac road past waymarker post 66. Take the forestry footpath straight ahead (left of a forestry road) in the firection of a signpost (restricted byway). D. Keep on the past past a building and a mast on the left (there is a trig pillar on your left if you can find it).
3 – Pontypool Park Known locally as ‘the people’s park,’ Pontypool Park is 64 hectares of Italian gardens, ice houses and shell grotto. There is a children’s play area, the rugby pitch which is home to Pontypool RFC, tennis courts, pitch and putt, bowls and a dry ski-slope.
Winter sun, Pontypool Park, taken in early December by Julie Morgan, of the South Wales Argus Camera Club There are also footpath links to the Brecon Beacons and Folly Tower. It was originally laid in 1703 as a private estate. ‘Dinhin’ said: “Beautiful park. Was immaculately kept when I strolled through. Saw lots of wildlife really enjoyed my walk lots to see.”
Henllys Circular Walk This is a circular walk linking directly with the urban areas of Henllys, Coed Eva and Fairwater, Cwmbran.
A view from Henllys. Picture: Kate Edwards, South Wales Argus Camera Club The walk proceeds up on to Mynydd Henllys and returns via farmland to the south. The route is approximately 7 km (4.5 miles) and will take about 2.5 hours to complete. There is a small car park located at the start of the walk and cars can also be parked on a number of adjoining highways. Remember that you should not drive anywhere for exercise under the current restrictions. Start on Penylan Road, opposite the entrance to Farlays and take the short surfaced path down to ‘The Incline’ footpath. Turn right and walk uphill, passing through the subway under the road.