North of Cardiff

Fourteen Locks

14 Locks is a historic canal lock flight located on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, near Newport, South Wales. It is famous for its engineering feat, featuring a series of 14 locks designed to navigate a steep incline. The site is now a heritage attraction with a visitor centre, café, and scenic walking routes. Built in the late 18th century (1790s) by engineer Thomas Dadford Jr. 14 Locks is part of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, originally used for transporting coal, iron, and limestone. it features a unique "staircase lock" system, allowing boats to navigate a 160 ft (49 m) rise over a short distance. There are public toilets and a cafe at this location.

Cwmcarn Forest Drive

Cwmcarn Forest Drive is a scenic mountain road in South Wales, offering breathtaking views, woodlands, and outdoor activities. It is located in Cwmcarn Forest, near Newport and within the county of Caerphilly. The drive is around 7 miles (11 km) long and is popular for its winding roads, picnic spots, viewpoints, and access to walking and cycling trails. We will journey slowly along the drive taking in the views and stopping for photos along the way. There is even an opportunity for those with some power in their legs to ascend to the summit of Twmbarlum, the highest point in the area and with significant remains of an Iron Age fort. There are public toilets and a cafe at the entrance and exit to the drive.

The Guardian

The Guardian is a 20-meter (66 ft) tall steel statue in Six Bells, Abertillery, South Wales. It was created to commemorate the 1960 Six Bells Colliery disaster, in which 45 miners lost their lives due to an underground explosion. The memorial was unveiled on June 28, 2010, marking the 50th anniversary of the disaster. Designed by artist Sebastien Boyesen, using 20,000 strips of Corten steel to give it a weathered, rust-like finish. The statue represents a guardian angel watching over the site and symbolizes the strength and sacrifice of miners. It stands on the former colliery site, which has been transformed into a memorial garden with plaques listing the names of those who died. It is one of the most striking mining memorials in Wales and a powerful tribute to South Wales’ industrial heritage.

Abertillery

It’s only a simple arcade, with glass ceiling and iron gates at either end, but this is only a small town, so is lucky to have an arcade at all, and I can’t help wondering if – rather like Ystrad Mynach a couple of Valleys along scoring a point over its better known neighbour Caerphilly – Abertillery’s town folk were working a bit of one-upmanship over their near neighbour Ebbw Vale in having the arcade built.

The café is clearly the focal point of the arcade today, giving a buzz both inside and with tables and chairs in the middle of the walkway, too.

Mountain Road

The Mountain Road from Aberbeeg to Abersychan is a scenic and winding route through the South Wales Valleys, offering breathtaking views and a real taste of the region’s rugged landscape. Scenic Views – The road climbs into the hills, providing stunning panoramic views over the Ebbw and Afon Llwyd valleys. Remote & Peaceful – A quiet alternative to main roads, passing through open countryside and moorland. Challenging Drive – Narrow in places with sharp bends and steep inclines, making it popular with cyclists and motorcyclists. So, sit back and enjoy the ride and of course the views across northwards to the Brecon Beacons and southwards to the Bristol Channel.

Big Pit

Big Pit is a former coal mine turned national museum, offering an authentic underground tour and exhibits on Wales' coal mining heritage. Located in Blaenavon, it is part of the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highlight of the visit – a real coal mine experience. The tour is led by ex-miners, visitors wear helmets, battery-powered lamps, and descend 300 feet (90m) underground. See the original tunnels, coal seams, and machinery used in mining. The tour lasts 50 minutes and gives insight into the harsh conditions miners faced. Also enjoy the Pithead Baths – Shows how miners cleaned up after their shifts. There is a cafe and public toilets at this location.

PLEASE NOTE: All tours are inclusive of admission to attractions, transport and a professional guide. Tours depart from Little Man Coffee in the centre of Cardiff. Tours are 9am to 6pm. Where an attraction is closed an alternative will be included. These tours take place in all weathers and appropriate clothing ought to be worn. Food and drinks are not included. The ticket is non-refundable.