Where we are
Below is a Google Map satellite view showing the Blaen Bran site :
To explore the surrounding area online, if you click “View larger map” it will take you to Google Maps so you can investigate more.
Luckily enough after working up your thirst and appetite walking around the woodland, it is quite conveniently located close to the Bush Inn and the Queen Inn in Upper Cwmbran, and Google seems to know about them too if you want to find them 🙂
Parking
For access, there are two main car parks allowing access to the site. Check the Useful Locations page to get the postcodes/lat long of these for your sat navs.
The Blaen Bran (lower) car park involves a bit of a climb to reach the top areas, whereas the Mountain Air car park is higher up the mountain if you want a less strenuous scenic walk, although it involves driving up a single track road and be aware to avoid the animals on the common land!! Below are photos of the car park entrances so you know you’ve arrived :
Public Transport
Bus : The nearest bus stop to the woodland is “Upper Cwmbran – Terminus” (link to Google Maps). Bus services 8A and 8B, which are run by Phil Anslow Transport, stop here. The current timetable can be found at Route 8 – Traveline Cymru. A more regular service run by Stagecoach goes to the “Playing Field” stop (link to Google Maps). The timetable can be found at Route 1 – Traveline Cymru here. If you press “See more stops” under the “before former, Yew Tree, Maendy Way,West Pontnewydd” entry, you will see Playfield stop. All bus routes are circular routes from Cwmbran Bus Station (postcode NP44 1PN).
Train : The nearest train station to the woodland is “Cwmbran”. The postcode for the station is NP44 1QX. You can find timetable details at the Trainline website. The bus station is a 5 minute walk from the train station, but for the fitter among you, Blaen Bran is walkable from here – but it is uphill and about 1.5 to 2 miles !!
Main Walking Tracks
Below is a map of the main tracks and footpaths of the woodland. Please be aware at present you should not go above the top track going from the Mountain Air exit to the gate at the western end.
This is a link to one you can download
Footpaths in Blaen Bran
Become a member to see more trails and walks.