Valleys 100 Section 14 - Keepers' Pond to Llanellen
Section 14 of The Valleys Hundred will see the route descend nearly 2000 feet to the village of Llanellen.
Keepers' Pond is a small reservoir that was built in the early 19th century to power Garnddyrys Forge that was located further down the hill towards Govilon. The pond area forms part of the landscape that was afforded World Heritage Status.
The route follows a grassed over tramway around the north west shoulder of The Blorenge mountain. The views of the Central Brecon Beacons will be seen to the west but the north will be dominated by the entire Black Mountains range which can be seen across the Usk Valley.
The descent will commence from the tramway and having followed a good path through bracken, a second tramway will be reached. This is part of Thomas Hills’ tramway that was built shortly after he commenced work in the area in 1815. The stone sleepers and the track’s grooves will be clear to see, but at this stage of a 100 you would be forgiven if you just enjoyed the grassy path with the views of the Black Mountains to your left!
The route will pass the Punchbowl. This is a small lake, and is a remnant of the Ice Age. Here a small glacier started to form and the cwm was ground out by the ice. Now it’s a delightful location where wildlife flourishes.
A short climb will bring the route to a path that then descends steeply through woodland to the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal. The canal will be crossed and a descent to checkpoint 14 at Llanellen Village Hall will finish this section.