A finger of the Brecon Beacons National Park stretches south from the main area of the park towards Pontypool, reaching out along a wild moorland ridge that drops almost to the centre of this historic valley town. From the top of this ridge the view south embraces the waters of the Bristol Channel and the shimmering hills of Exmoor. Eastwards, you can look across the verdant and fertile agricultural lands of Monmouthshire to the Forest of Dean and the English border. To the west is the first of the Welsh iron and coal valleys. Heartland of radical thought and industrial innovation, this is Torfaen, the land of the Rocky River, more traditionally known as the Eastern Valley. This selection of walks includes explorations in both Monmouthshire and Torfaen. To the north, Walks explore the rich red sandstone border country around the Trothy and the Monnow, with fast flowing streams, wooded valleys and steep rounded hills. In the centre of Monmouthshire walks visit a wooded plateau of high land, intersected by steep sided valleys, stretching through Trellech to the ancient forest of Wentwood. In the south some of the best Roman remains in the country await discovery at Caerwent and the area is fringed by the wetlands of the unique Gwent levels, under siege from the fierce tides of the Bristol Channel. At the heart of Monmouthshire lie the Usk valley and the river itself. To the west the old coal and iron areas of Torfaen offer a wilder experience of moorland and mountain terrain. Don’t be tempted to think that this part is second best! There are miles of open walking, generally unencumbered by stiles and fences and with great historical interest, probably my favourites in the book. Ironically, although navigation in upland areas presents its own challenges, it is generally easier to follow a route on moorland than across enclosed agricultural land. There is an excellent network of well-maintained paths in Monmouthshire and Torfaen, the result of commitment by volunteers and public authorities over many years
