Valleys 100 Section 12 - Nantyglo to Cwmavon

 Stage 12 - Looking back to Nantyglo & the Beacons beyond from the climb to Mulfran
  Stage 12 - The view south from Mulfran
  Stage 12 - The hilltop farm of Mulfran from near Twyn Carncanddo
  Stage 12 - The view north west from the gap in the fence on Twyn Carncanddo
  Stage 12 - Unusual trig point on Twyn Carncanddo
  Stage 12 - Merlin, hard at work on the 100 recce. This view is of Coity Mountain
  Stage 12 - Looking north along Coity Mountain with the Beacons on the horizon.
  Stage 12 - The second descent with Twyn Du in the background
 Stage 12 - Looking back from the start of Cwm Ffrwd
  Stage 12 - The path high above Cwm Ffrwd
Stage 12 - Viaduct carrying the cycle route to Cwmavon
  Stage 12 - Former railway line between Talywain and Cwmavon
 Checkpoint 12 - Cwmavon Village Hall

Section 12 of The Valleys Hundred will see the route leaving Nantyglo, climb to Coity Mountain before descending to Talywain. Here a cycle track will be followed to Cwmavon.

A short stretch of road walking will take the route uphill past Nantyglo Rugby Club. The route will soon leave the town behind as it climbs on a broad track to the delightfully located Mulfran Farm. The views as you reach the farm to the south along the Ebbw Fach Valley are quite spectacular. A level path will take the route towards the main ridge. A short boggy area is crossed and the best route to take will be flagged on the day of the event.

The main ridge is soon gained and as it is reached far reaching views to the north and east will be enjoyed. The Black Mountains and The Blorenge will dominate the views to the east. To the north, Llangattock Moor will be seen with Mid Wales beyond.

The route turns south and this wonderful whale back ridge will be followed for 2.5 miles. As the miles pass, then the views will change. You will be able to see the Bristol Channel far ahead of you. Nearer to you the wonderful hill of Mynydd James will be seen, and one can appreciate the fact that the residents in the Tillery Valley won a hard fought battle recently against a wind farm company. Mynydd James was set to be spoiled with a wind farm, but the planners threw out the application, and Mynydd James can remain beautifully untouched (on the surface anyway!).

Coity Mountain will be left behind and the route will descend via Cwm Ffrwd towards Talywain. The route will pass 400 year old beech trees and provide views of The Blorenge on the opposite side of the valley. At Talywain a cycle track is reached. The route crosses a viaduct and after a mile, checkpoint 12 at Cwmavon Village Hall will be reached.

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