The Clydach Gorge near Abergavenny offers one of South Wales’ most atmospheric walking experiences - a deep, wooded ravine carved by the River Clydach and draped in moss, ferns and tumbling waterfalls. It feels like a hidden world tucked beneath the hills, where stories linger as thickly as the mist beneath the trees.
One landmark not to miss is Devil’s Bridge. This version - not to be confused with the more famous bridge in Ceredigion - is said to hide a stony likeness of the Devil’s face in the rocks below the falls. Whether you spot it or not, the view is dramatic and worth the pause.
The gorge is also a hotspot for Welsh folklore. A mischievous, shape-shifting goblin known as Pwca was believed to roam here, taking the form of a black rabbit, goat or horse. Encountering it was considered a dark omen - so keep your eyes peeled! Witches were once rumoured to gather rare plants from the gorge to brew their wicked concoctions. And local tradition claims Shakespeare himself may have wandered these paths while dreaming up A Midsummer Night’s Dream - the gorge’s enchanted feel makes it easy to believe.
But alongside the magic stands real history. As part of the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, old tramroads, tunnels and ironworks tell the story of how this steep valley once powered Welsh industry. Now reclaimed by nature, the gorge blends heritage, wild beauty and myth into a walk full of intrigue at every turn.
