This walk offers a fresh way of looking at one of the most heavily industrialised and developed areas of Wales. There are stunning views across South Wales from the Bristol Channel to the Brecon Beacons, and while busy roads are never far away, the walker can enjoy travelling along some of the oldest hollow lanes in Wales. These are tracks once walked by pilgrims as they headed towards two of the most important shrines in Wales - one at Penrhys, the other at St David's.

On this stretch of the Cistercian Way begins at Llantarnam Abbey. This is now used as the provincial headquarters of the Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy. The grounds are partially wooded, and the tranquillity of the place explains why so many visitors choose to stay there on retreats.

Accommodation was one of the concerns facing pilgrims who travelled across Wales in Medieval times. For this reason hostels and bunk houses sprang up to cater for their needs. The ruins of one of these establishments remain at Llandderfel, above Cwmbran. If you look closely along the sides of the hollow lane, you can see quartz markers which were placed there as visual navigation aids.

Another stop of interest is the church of Groeswen. The Rev Williams Edwards, the designer of the famous bridge at Pontypridd was the minister here for forty years. Meanwhile, the church and graveyard at Eglwysilan reveal an enormous amount about the history of the area. There are graves from the Sengyhenydd pit disasters, and countless graves of infants.

The shrine at Penrhys is still regularly visited by Christians and other visitors. The statue of the Virgin is visible as you enter the town, while the well is hidden away on the valley side. The well waters are sometimes affected by the mine workings underneath it. Maddy Gray collected some of the water here for the Christening of her daughter in their local parish church.