Newport Fourteen Locks to Risca: Monmouthshire Canal Return

Start at the council car park beside Fourteen Locks Canal Centre on Cwm Lane. Follow the pedestrian path past the centre and cross the small footbridge beside Cefn Bridge to join the towpath towards Rogerstone and Risca. This walk follows the Crumlin Arm upstream rather than descending the lock flight.

Stay beside the canal as it curves behind the houses at Brunel Avenue, crosses Ruskin Avenue and continues past Meeting House Bridge and Great Oak Bridge. Cross Pontymason Lane carefully and follow the towpath past Harry Roberts Bridge. The route then runs above Pontymister, with woodland on the uphill side and views across the Ebbw valley. Turn around on the eastern approach to Gelli Pystyll Bridge, where the path meets Manor Road, and retrace the same towpath to the centre. Do not cross Manor Road for this route.

Allow about two and a half hours for the roughly eight-kilometre return, including short stops. Most of the route is surfaced and gently graded, with small slopes around bridge approaches. This is a shared walking and cycling path, with short road crossings and exposed canal edges. Keep dogs close by and leave room for passing users. The route avoids the Ynys-y-fro reservoirs and the golf-course paths.

Parking is paid; check the displayed tariff. Newport City Council states that the car park gates close at 4.45pm, so return in good time. The canal centre, tea room and public toilets are normally open daily from 9.30am to 4pm; toilets request a small donation. Follow any new works signs or closures encountered.

Route and visitor information checked against Newport City Council's active travel map and walking page, and the Monmouthshire, Brecon and Abergavenny Canals Trust's current visitor information.