Villagers and townspeople living along the stunning new Clydach Gorge walking and cycling route will mark its transformation from a disused railway line on Thursday, November 13, 2008.
Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones AM will lead the celebrations as he officially opens the traffic-free path - part of the National Cycle Network created by sustainable transport charity Sustrans.
The new route follows the line of the former Merthyr, Tredegar and Abergavenny railway for eight miles between Llanfoist and Brynmawr, and passes through the Clydach Gorge Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It has taken more than two decades to complete and marks the beginning of the Heads of Valleys route from Abergavenny to Neath. It also forms a key part of the Valleys Cycle Network, which Sustrans will create over the next five years with local authority partners.
Gwyn Smith, South East Wales Area Manager for Sustrans Cymru, said: "This path opens up stunning scenery for local communities and tourists alike, and is already proving hugely popular. "It provides both a leisurely ride into the top of the Valleys and connects small towns at lower levels, creating a viable alternative to busy trunk roads for everyday journeys.
"Local people now have a terrific facility on their doorstep, which will help them to enjoy getting about in ways which benefit their health and the environment. And it will be a terrific boost for tourism because cyclists tend to travel light and make the most of the facilities they see along the way."
Alun Ffred Jones, the Minister for Heritage said: "The transformation of the old Clydach railway line into a walking and cycling route is a wonderful opportunity for surrounding communities to enjoy an area of outstanding beauty, appreciate the local history and improve their health and wellbeing.
"The Assembly Government places great emphasis on the importance of cycling and the role it plays in sports, health, tourism and environmental policy. With Wales one of the best places in Britain for cycling, this addition to Sustrans' National Cycle Network is excellent news for both local people and tourists."
Source: Sustrans
<>
Celebrations mark completion of Clydach Gorge walking and cycling route
