Section 2 of 21, Cambrian Way
Machen to Pontypool
11.9 miles (19.2 km). About 5 hours, moderate.
Start: ST 210 891. Finish: SO 287 006. OS grid.
Take it with you: download this section's GPX file (it opens in OS Maps, Komoot, Outdooractive or a GPS unit) or open the start in OS Maps.
Diversion in place on this route. On section 9 (Llandovery to Ty'n-y-cornel), not this one. The details are on its page.
Up and down
About 784 m of climbing and 724 m of descent; highest point 419 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Machen.
- Bus stops
- Ffwrwm Ishta, 180 m from the start. Directions ST 212 891Bus stop, 200 m from the start. Directions ST 208 892Bus stop, 210 m from the start. Directions ST 208 892
- Car parks
- Siloam Hill Car Park (free), 100 m from the start. Directions ST 209 892Car park, 140 m from the start. Directions ST 212 891Machen Village Hall, 180 m from the start. Directions ST 209 890
Getting back
The section finishes at Pontypool. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Bus stops
- Trosnant St (S), 160 m from the finish. Directions SO 286 005Trosnant St (N), 170 m from the finish. Directions SO 287 005Builder's Yard, 280 m from the finish. Directions SO 288 004
Planning the Cambrian Way
- Planning the whole trail: cambrianway.org.uk.
- The guidebook the trail recommends: Walking the Cambrian Way (Cicerone).
What to expect
Underfoot: paved or flagged 27%, earth, rock and mud 17%; the rest (53%) isn't recorded.
About 21% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 1 stile, 3 gates, 2 flights of steps.
Steepest climb: about 200 m in a kilometre (1 in 5), starting 4.3 miles in.
From OpenStreetMap, where mappers have recorded it: check before you go.
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Something wrong or missing?
Tell us what to change about this section: a wrong distance, a moved start, a path that's closed.