Valleys 100 Section 13 - Cwmavon to Keepers' Pond
Section 13 of The Valleys Hundred will see the route tackle the penultimate big climb as it leaves Cwmavon Village Hall to reach the checkpoint at Keepers' Pond.
From the checkpoint, the route crosses the Afon Lwyd and following a short steep climb, the route levels out as it goes north to meet the mountain road between Blaenavon and A4042. The road is crossed and a very gentle ascent of Mynydd y Garn Fawr now commences. To the north west you will see the World Heritage site of Blaenavon. It’s hard to imagine that such a site can be found in the Welsh Valleys, but Blaenavon is a historically important town due to its involvement in the Industrial Revolution. The cultural landscape will now be protected due UNESCO’s recognition.
A faint path is followed across the moorland and the Brecon Beacons National Park is entered as you walk north. Eventually the route arrives at the Foxhunter Masts. The area is so named due to the fact that Foxhunter, the champion show jumping horse that assisted in winning an Olympic Gold Medal at the 1952 games, is buried near to the car park opposite.
The route turns west and descends to checkpoint 13 at Keepers' Pond.