April 2022

One very sunny day this April we ventured along one of the numerous routes alongside The Heads of the Valleys. Some refer to these routes as "corridors of the past". Some of it is now cycle and walking routes and at one time, sections used to be part of a railway. It was easy to reach as it is only a mile or so from home and we passed beneath the new Jack Williams Gateway Bridge, which was named after Company Sergeant Major John Henry Williams - known as Jack (born in Nantyglo, Blaenau Gwent, in 1886). The Jack Williams Gateway Bridge, which stands 50m (160ft) tall, is part of the new A465 dualling project between Brynmawr and Gilwern. Mr Williams received the Victoria Cross for his heroism at Villers Outreaux, northern France, in October 1918 when he stormed an enemy machine gun post under heavy fire, took 15 prisoners and secured the position for his regiment. Below are some photos I took. We will definitely be returning for future walks and the views were spectacular.