Raven's Walk Whysom's Wharf

Forest roadway
high above the valley floor

Cross the Greenmeadow Bridge on the Crumlin Arm of the Brecon & Monmouthshire canal and follow the pathway straight ahead. A gentle slope gradually steepens, providing quite a cardiac workout. This time of year the pathway is stoney at best and a small stream at worst.  This is a section of the Raven's Walk which is a circular walk from Cwmcarn Visitor's Centre at the base of Twmbarlwm.

Views across the valley from the roadway

Despite the walking conditions, the sound of running water from the nearby brook makes this woodland hike enjoyable. You seem far away from the town of Risca, in the valley just below.


The pathway opens onto a forest roadway travelling around the side of the mountain.









Descending back to the canal towpath, a short walk brings you to Whysom's Wharf and tearoom.  Great for a warming cup of tea and a bacon buttie.  Open seven days a week during summer, but closed Monday & Tuesday in winter.  ("People often drop in for a cup of tea on those days if they see the gate open," said the proprietor.)

Sitting on the verandah provides views of the canal, whilst inside there are all sorts of treasures hanging around the walls; photographs, rag dolls, paintings, and a wife calmer.  Apparently purchased in Abergavenny Market with Russian origins, the wife calmer hangs in pride of place.  All seemed tranquil on our visit, but he was reluctant to lend it for use elsewhere.





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