33. Llanfihangel Gobion and The River

Parking

Park at the Steel Horse. Phone Fin on 01873 840002 for permission.

Directions

1. From the Steel Horse head southwards along the road towards Usk.
2. Turn first left and follow the lane past St. Michael’s church.
3. At the end of the lane take the path behind (right of) the house and along a field boundary to Pant-y-goitre Bridge over the Usk. Cross the bridge and continue to the next crossroads.
4. Turn left and follow the road.
5. Turn left on a track, just past Yewtree Cottage and follow the path through Pant-y-Belieu to the riverbank.
6. Turn left here and follow the river all the way back to Pant-y-goitre Bridge.
7. Cross the bridge and head north back to the Steel Horse.

Points of Interest

1. The Steel Horse was previously known as the Charthouse, and before that the Herbert Arms, when it was owned by a Mr Ough. As well as being a publican he had a reputation as a bonesetter.
2. Sir Harry Llewellyn, who won fame as an international equestrian riding Foxhunter to win (amongst other things) a Gold Medal at the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, lived at the manor in Llanfihangel.
3. Pant-y-goitre Bridge was built in 1821 by local engineer John Upton. The large holes in the bridge pillars are designed to reduce pressure during flooding.
4. The river here is renowned for salmon and trout fishing. It is also protected - watch out for kingfishers, dragonflies and evidence of otters.