The Celtic Trail forms part of the National Cycle Network (NCN) which is a national strategy to construct 6500 miles of signed, safe and cyclist friendly routes throughout the United Kingdom. The Celtic Trail cycle route takes you across 220 miles of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in south and west Wales, from Chepstow to the Pembrokeshire National Park.

Cycling along the trail is largely traffic free and has been designed to be safe and accessible, forming routes 4 and 47 of the NCN. A new two-mile traffic-free route enabling cyclist and walkers to avoid the busy A468 was opened recently. A disused railway path from Trethomas to Machen goes a long way towards completing the Newport and Caerphilly route (Part of National Cycle Network Route 4).

The Celtic Trail - NCN Route 47
The route crosses the county boundary at Trelewis near Shingrig Bridge where it travels from the neighbouring authority of Merthyr Tydfil. Travelling into the county borough of Merthyr Tydfil will also link to the Taff Trail where a North-South route between Cardiff and Brecon is in place. The Celtic Trail travels alongside the live mineral railway line at Nelson where it then passes through the newly reclaimed colliery at Parc Penallta. The route then travels through Penallta, continuing on a traffic free path, where it reaches the magnificent Hengoed Viaduct. Travelling over the Viaduct, passing the interesting 'Wheel of Drams' artworks, the route then travels through the Sirhowy Valley Country Park - the second largest in Wales. The route then takes you through Crosskeys and onto the towpath of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Following this route will take you into Newport and to the extraordinary famous Transporter Bridge where Route 47 links to Route 4. Continuing easterly on Route 4 will then take you to Chepstow.

The Celtic Trail - NCN Route 4
The route crosses the county boundary at Nantgarw and joins the Taff Trail west of the boundary. Travelling east into Caerphilly the route takes you through the impressive Penrhos Cutting and then into the centre of Caerphilly. The route passes through the grounds of Caerphilly Castle - one of the greatest surviving fortresses of the medieval world. Continuing on mainly traffic free roads the route emerges east of Caerphilly and travels alongside the River Rhymney. The route is then taken between Bedwas and Machen via a disused railway line where it then leads you along quiet rural lanes to Newport.

For up-to-date information on the National Cycle Network and the Celtic Trail visit www.sustrans.co.uk where you can view routes and purchase guides.