your comments
Mike McLeod from Florida
Grew up in the Prefabs on Ridgeway. What a mystical place the distant mountain was. When I come home I always visit "The Top" (Ridgeway that is), and enjoy the view of "Little Switzerland."
Malcolm Hayes, Risca now Florida, USA
School hols camping below Tump - always cold at night, cows came up for a nose. Campfire cooking - wonderful times.
D Hanbury
I lived in the Darran farm on the side of Twmbarlwm. During a bad winter we had heavy snow - we had to carry food stuff for ourselves and the animals. We had pigs ready for Newport market - we made a sledge out of a tin sheet covered with netting and pulled the young pigs to the waiting wagon at the bottom.
Bryn Thomas in Carmarthen
One winter, when I was ten years of age or thereabouts, it snowed in Pontymister. It didn't snow a lot, and it soon began to melt. We thought that the snow would be deeper up on Twmbarlwm, and that it would be lasting longer, so we decided to go and see. My fellow explorers were Michael Coleman and Tony Goodman. (I wonder if they still live in Pontymister?) Equipped with one woollen glove between the three of us we found the snow in the lanes and lower reaches the mountain had blown into drifts three- and four-feet deep. Convinced that the higher we climbed the deeper the snow would become, we continued. Although our glove was soaking wet, we each insisted on our turn to wear it.We were wrong. The higher we climbed, the scarcer the snow became. What had looked like snow from the valley was in fact ice: each blade of grass on Twmbarlwm was locked in a case of transparent ice. We were in a magical world - or so it seemed to us. We made it to the Tump. We stood on the summit beneath a ceiling of low black clouds, icy blasts from the north taking our breath away, surveying a dark landscape patched with faded white. This was around 1950. I've been up Twmbarlwm many times before and after, but never again in winter in the snow.
Lyn, Pontymister
I have always lived below the Tump and enjoyed countless walks to it with various friends and family. The last time I was up there they had just felled a huge chunk of the forest so it looked a bit desolate, although it is now possible to see more of Cwmbran side. It's also a shame about the the scars in the land from the scramblers/quads bikes but I still love the Tump. I went up there to watch the last solar eclipse thinking it would be a very peaceful spot to enjoy it - when I got there it was like the Sermon on the Mount as hundreds of other people obviously had the same idea! Still makes me smile.
Mike from Glasgow
Great 1970s memories of camping in one of the strange hollows below the pimple (people from Bettws called it that). I was told that they were the result of second world war bombing practise?
Danielle Sheahan
Thank you for reminding me of the wonderful walk that we took when our boys were small. We really struggled to get to the top, and we all felt that we have tapped into something magical. It felt really good, better than walking on fire!
Allan from Bettws
Every Easter we would walk through Ogmore Crescent and along the 'Trouty' (trout stream, brook) and up to the bridge by Devil's Hill. We would walk towards Henllys church (dozens of us) with jam sandwiches, packet of custard creams from the Spar and a milk bottle of squash. We wouldn't stop until we got nearly there by the milk churns. Through the woods and onto Twm-Barlwm. We would walk to the top and onto the Pimple. The best fun was to run down as fast as your legs could carry you and slide on your knees along the grass. We would do this all over Easter and the mountain was full of kids. Every place I've lived since has had a view of the mountain, and I still have fond memories of the weekends walking or cycling (on my Raleigh Grifter) to Twm-Barlwm. I now work in the public sector and a part of my job is to look after Twm-Barlwm - strange eh..?
Neil Probert, Abercarn
Love the walk - my grand parents used to live at Ty'n y Ffynnon Farm. Got loads of memories of walking the Tump hunting and on horseback and fishing at Pant yr Eos.
Gordon Bowden, ex Cwmbran now Derby
From the age of 11 I used to look out of the Art class school window in Coed Eva Secondary Modern and love looking at the Tump and thinking back 2000 years to when the ancient Welsh tribes made their camp or Fort and Burial mound (round barrow). Not many people mention the "Incline" - the Inki, the long straight ancient pathway that ran from Dando's Farm, past Rossers Farm and Coed Eva straight to the base of the mountain. All that History now destroyed by the new age developers of Cwmbran all except the memories which no-one can steal.
Karen, Newport Local History Group
What a lovely View from the Tump Hill, as I know would know the Walk, It may have been a small Hill Fort, many years ago then, we use to go Wildlife Bird researching, to see who could see the most Common Birds from the Twmbarlwm Hill, Hope to walk the in the Summer, A light Walk is good for you.
Margaret Simmons, Oklahoma, USA
I was raised in Malpas, and, from my bedroom window, I could look out over the shops and Bettws and up to Twm Barlwm. (1930's). On Good Friday, for many years, the mountain would be on fire, and we knew where my brothers and the neighborhood boys were, sneaking a smoke, and dropping the still burning "butts". My daughter was with me a few years ago, and asked "where is this mountain that you are always talking about?" I took her to my bedroom and pointed to Twmbarlwm. She had the nerve to snikker at my mountain!!! We shall look at it again in July, God willing.
Maldwyn Evans from Pontymister
All my life,I have enjoyed the walks around the mountain tops of the lower Gwent valleys and in particular the land that surrounds the Twm Barlwn 'Tump'. Friends from other parts of the world have joined me in these walks; but I am now embarrassed in their presence by the fly tipping, as well as the large amount litter left by inconsiderate young people, on the land approaching this site. Nobody seems to care anymore, or at least for it to be seen that local authorities take some sort of action to stem the flood of desecration of our countryside.
Jane King, Wiltshire
When I first moved to Wales back in 1995, I lived in Risca, on the side of the Tump in Penrhiw. Penrhiw means 'side of the mountain'. Which is where the house was. The views were terrific, regardless of the season. I would walk up the Tumpo with the dog, and can recommend that walk to anyone. The air is fresh and it isso exhilarating.
Steve Martin, Indiana USA
My grandparents, the Hurn's, lived on Bernard St in Cwmcarn. As a child growing up during the 50's and 60's my family and I made many long trips (6-12 months) to Cwmcarn and lived with my grandparents in #6. My bedroom looked out at the mountain and I have the most pleasant memories of walks up the mountain toward to the tump. When we visit each year now we always make the drive and I relive the fond memories of family and friends who I walked to the top with.
Dai.com from Newport
Whenever we watch the film, An Englishman Went Up a Hill and Came Down a Mountain, with Hugh Grant, we always imagine it being Twmbarlwm.
Kev Preece - Risca & Yeovilton
A fantastic walk, which constantly keeps me in shape - I judge my fitness on how out of breath I am as I reach the pinnacle to take in the glorious views. What a great way to stay healthy.
Alan Fletcher, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
In the early sixties my wife Maureen and I walked up the Scenic Drive to the "Tump" with a number of our peers. We were young Christians and excited about the things we were learning about the return of Christ and the Resurrection. Maureen and I whimsically agreed that if it were possible we would come back to that spot in our resurrection bodies. We must have been very impressed about the experience to have thoughts like that.
Rob Smith, Crosskeys
Twmbarlwm is without doubt a fantastic place to walk on a clear day - the views seem to go on forever! I have fond memories from my childhood that will stay with me forever.
CliveAC, Reading
I visited the old haunt recently and was surprised the amount of litter on the south side. New to me was the approach from the north; the Forestry Commission has developed this into a series of roads along which cars can drive. I presume this is to entice the locals into the hills. It was quite pleasant. But it also denuded the environement of its natural state to some degree! Overall a pleasant experience. Then we travelled back to our rest at Tintern. I will come again to the Good Friday hill. But beware of the lack of empathy many people with bikes and 4x4s appear to have for this location, and, more importantly, the lack of authority executed by the responsible organisations in preserving the environment. I also visited Caerleon amphitheatre. Although this is open to the marauding public it seems to be in health!
Walt Williams from Elk Rapids, Michigan, USA
Part of my heart still lingers in South Wales, where I spent 1944 mostly in Camp Malpas, where I could see the mountain from the camp. Never made it to the top, although I did bicycle up halfway or so. 'Twas much easier coming down! I have wonderful, warm memories of Newport some sixty years later. w
Kenneth Rees
I have really enjoyed reading the memories of Twmbarlwm. I lived on Penrhiw just below the Tump. I too can remember the dozens of people walking past our house on a Good Friday. On Penrhiw our only water supply was a tap outside the front door and people would knock our door and ask "please can we fill our pop bottle we are walking to Twmbarlwm - we have drank all our pop". We often went up the mountain for picnics - it wasn't far for us to go just to climb to the top, sit and look at the views, listen to the birds singing and in the distance the sound of a lamb calling its mother. Wonderfull memories that money cannot buy.
Terry Evans, Risca
I'm up the Tump once or twice a week with my dog Ianto and I'm so pleased to see everybody's fond memories of the Tump. It was great last week when so many people still do the annual Good Friday pilgrimage. BUT ...if everyone is so fond of it why don't they do something to keep it tidy - the amount of litter that is left up there is absolutely shameful - but even worse is the damage that off-road motorbikes and quads are doing. I bet we all remember sliding down those beautiful grassy slopes when we were kids and now they are all but gone. Once the bikes have taken off the top layer of grass the elements do the rest to destroy the landscape. If you enjoy walking up there get proactive and voice your fears to the powers that be and let's keep the Tump as it should be for the generations to come.
Maggie Thomas, Islwyn Ramblers
Although you have Twmbarlwm in one of your walks, it is not the most beautiful way to get to Twmbarlwm. I am trying to get the area Cwmcarn Forest greater recognision for its beauty and the amazing walks in the area. I have produced a pack of walks in the hope that walkers will discover just how many lovely forest paths and tracks there are. I did this because this area is almost totally ignored by the writers of walkbooks.
Donald Anderson from Italy
I grew up in Newport, from 1934 until about 1947. Later living in Llantarnam used to walk up Twm nearly every Sunday. Past The Blackbird Inn, over the canal and up. Wonderful views, but always breezy! We were used to walking then, the family had no car. I was a pupil at Newport High School and when all the buses were full in the morning even had to walk to Malpas to get the Corporation bus, sometims all the way! Living in Newport in the early war days remember the great fire raid on Bristol. which we could see cleasrly from Gold Tops - now opposite the Civic Centre, which I remember being built. Our cat was killed by a piece of shrapnel during a raid one night, and my brother then a med student helping out at a FAP was one of the first to reach Philips the tobacconists when hit by a plane brought down by the barrage balloons. We had one in the school grounds.
Sue Messenger, Pontypool
My friend Jane and I used to get up before dawn, tack up our horses, and ride up the mountain in the moonlight. We would sit on top of Twmbarlwm and wait for the sunrise, now that really was a sight to behold. That was our BIG adventure! Something I will never forget.
Jeremy Thomas from Cwmbran
I can remember that the Good Friday walk was done in the 70's as a sponsored walk organised by one of the priests at St. Mary's RC church on Stow Hill. Started from the Civic Centre car park, up over the hill and down to the canal. Along the canal to Rogerstone and then up. The last time I did it (aged about 14) I ran all the way, and got back before the organisers! My son now uses the mountain biking tracks there regularly, and I live on the downslope in Henllys. At least I'm safe from any flooding.
Alan Morton, Cape Town, South Africa
How many people were on Twmbarlwm before me who are still going? My grandfather George Morton who farmed the Darran Farm carried me before I could walk along the top of the Darran Rocks and I was able to point out later on, when I grew a bit the large rock along the coiker where we rested. On that occasion I can't claim to have climbed to the tump, but in my youth my pals and I were always up there always refreshed by the marvellous view. My most recent climb was last year, not bad for 85! Just about creased me coming back mind you! Grandpa Morton built the first house over the canal up into Taylorstown {Fernlea). My dad Arthur was born there and he and my mother Olive lived there all their lives so my sister Kathleen (Niblett), brother Noel and I were all brought up there. So you might say we had a head start climbing the mountain. Up past Morris's farm, where milk was 3d a pint, over the brook and past the tank, then up to MaesMawr farm through the mountain gate, past the tall beech trees where the unemployed young chaps used to camp in bell tents during the thirties. Then a good stiff climb to the tump for the incomparable views in all directions. The best being down the Bristol Channel, the Flat Holm and Steep Holm and on to Weston Super Mare and beyond and up the channel to Clevedon,Bristol and Chepstow, great! One could even walk over to Pontypool and take in the Mountain Air at Upper Cwmbran which we did at times during the holidays, wonderful days. I have climbed in the Matopos, near Bulawayo on many occasions when I lived in Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) and here, I've been up Table Mountain, Devil's Peak and Lion's Head, all tougher climbs and very much higher than Twmbarlwm, marvellous views too but somehow, not to be compared with the view from the tump.
Nathan Morgan, Fernlea, Risca
I have lived in Risca all my life and living on the side of Twmbarlwm I have spent many good times up Tump. As children we use to walk to the top and then run down the side of the mountain, tumbling most of the way down and then landing in those really spikey bushes. I still enjoy walking and camping up Tump most summers.
Tavis Hurn from High Cross now Reading
I have fond memories of climbing up Twmbarlwm, starting from High Cross. Happy days, apart from when me and a mate decided to camp up there, pitching the tent ON TOP of the groundsheet and getting soaked.
Glyn from Upper Cwmbran
As a Malpas boy I with many friends would go to the tump or as we knew it the pimple most Good Fridays, down Bettws lane, up past Bettws Church, past the four oaks and Henllys Church and then start the long climb to the summit.
I still walk to the pimple often in the summer months but now past the Mountain Air pub above Upper Cwmbran and on to the Mynydd Maen mountain range and the fantastic walk overlooking the Bristol Channel to the pimple, what a view. Happy days.
Mike Peacox, California
Ah yes I do remember those magic times on the pimple ... I see some people remember those same times. Festivals on the mountain there were so magic back in the mid 80s. I do so miss those people, glad to see you have good memories too Samantha...
Cynthia Jones Heesaker
I was born in Canada, however mother, dad and three brothers and sister all born in Rogerstone, near the Tump. I have walked there on several memorable occasions with mother and dad on visits from Califoria and since that time I have taken my own daughter and husband there to walk with the sheep. It was memorable and I will always cherish those moments with nature and all of the beauty it held.
Ray Johnson, Woodley, Berks
I used to spend all my holidays with my Gran in Wood Street, Cwmcarn up until I was 15. My favourite walk was Twmbarlwm with my Uncle Len and the dogs Paddy and Fly. It has to be one of the best views in this country.
Whenever we visit my family in Wales now, we always make a point of going up the Scenic Drive and up onto the ridge walk to the Tump. As a child, the valley below Twmbarlwm was totally industrial with Cwmcarn Pit and its railheadings. There was no short cut but to climb from the bottom. There always was a story that if anyone tried to dig on the Tump then it would keep on raining for! weeks. Mind you, as a child I reckon quite a few people had a go as it always seemed to be raining.!!!
Dave from London
Used to live in Llanfrechfa and the Twmp was the first thing I saw every morning when I opened my curtains. Certainly beats the view I now have of the back of my neighbours flats!
Glyn and Pam Ridge
We went up the mountain, because it truly is a mountain (magnificent) with my wife's brother Fred Parker and wife Judy. We were spellbound by the views. Having emigrated to Perth, Western Australia, in 1974 and returned recently having spent 31 years in Aussie. It was pure nostalgia.
Mark Steele - now Sydney, Australia
When I was a child, in the 70's, we used walk from Llanyravon up there and have picnics... so many great memories. Even when I grew up I would go there with my girlfriend.
Roger from Ystayfera
I have just bought a new house in Cwnllynfell (near the Brecon Beacons) and want to call it "Twmbarlwm" as I have many happy chidhood memories of this mountain and the area in general. Does anyone know what the name means in English?
Lorraine Prentice, Newport
I always looked forward to the traditional Good Friday walk up the Tump. Jam sandwiches and a drink made from kayley (not sure if that is how you spell it). Loved it - what a lovely memory. The comments listed have helped me to recall why I loved growing up in Newport, I am finding difficult to think of anything good about the place at the moment. The good Friday walk was encouraged by most Sunday schools in the area of Malpas, Crindau etc because it was symbolic of Christ's walk up the hill to be crucified.
Graham Waters, Abergavenny
I am old now, and barely able to walk to the end of the garden. But in the '50s this was THE walk. Start off at Factory Trip in Cwmcarn, and walk for a mile past the site of the old pit; then straight up what felt like the sheer west face of the mountain, finally to top the breast of the hill to see the entire universe beneath your feet.
In 1950 (in the days of rationing), my parents took me up that slope on the weekend of my birthday, spoiling me by giving me an entire bottle of lemonade to myself. WOW!! In those days, truly memorable.
On the following morning, I felt very nauseous, and they blamed me for the sickness, claiming that by consuming a big bottle of lemonade while climbing a hill, it was a self-inflicted condition. Six weeks later, after I had been in isolation for a week, and off school for five with a nasty thing called scarlet fever, they finally recanted!
Iain Brunning from Caerleon now Nottingham
I haven't been to it or seen it for years.
I used to like the walk to the top but the run down and then in and around the diggings near the bottom was much more fun!
Chris Cwmbran
It's a must for every visitor to us. Those from London are always amazed and delighted by the views. Does anyone know if it is an iron age hill fort as well as the norman castle mound? Some books say yes, others no!
Clive Counsell, now Reading but was St. Julian's
We went up several times as teenagers. It was one of the locations to meet the local young ladies! I know there there was always Stow Hill!!
The last visit was to my mother's climb on her 60th. My next visit will be on my 60th!!
I hope Cwmbran does encroach onto the mountain.
Regards,
CliveC
K jones from Fernlea
I used to walk up the tump at least twice a week, but I haven't done it for a long time. It's an absolute must for visitors, and my grandfather who used to walk up with me has had his ashes scattered up there because he loved it so much.
Dennis Grant, Newport
With the growing number of new outdoor activities and interest in 'Keeping our children occupied' throughout the year, would it not be a good idea to ceate some kind of outward bound centre along with a motorcycle/Quadricycle/ mountain bike track?
Would it not also benefit the residents and parents of Bettws, Malpas, Crindua, and even Cwmbran - indeed our schools - to provide an area that could be a well-maitained meeting place? Offering competitions, community interaction and even a boost to Newport national tourism. You never know, Newport might even produce a few more sports people to add to our already growing list of honours, recognised worldwide.
mas (bale) in australia (ex newport)
as a young child we would go there as a family, car part way then a lovely walk - then the climb. some years later on we would get a group -my sisters, brother, cousins & set out. seems we did the same as many, though we'd go up over goldtops? drop down to the canal, and go up that way. when down we'd follow the canal again into malpass? and either walk home or get the bus (5 or 6 hrs later). we lived down the lighthouse rd then (new duffryn road), near the stone house pub. what lovely days, when you compare with watching family today. we left in 1979 but can remember it well.
Houdini-JackWalker - Newport
I have walked to the tump, pimple, call what you will, from the Cwmcarn Drive, and it's amazing.
What is more amazing to me is those of you who live overseas and comment on Twm Barlwm.
Until last summer, you could sit in the Red Lion on Stow Hill, Newport, and actually see the top of Twm Barlwm through a particular window. A tree has now grown foliage to obscure the view.
Moggy, Bettws
I always used to walk up the mountain when i was a kid with a group of friends. I recently went with my young children and it was great to get fresh air and have beautiful views.
Thomas Elliott
Takes your breath away. Nothing better than welsh views. I'm only 20 so I got alot more trips left in me! and living 2 minutes from the bottom on pontymason lane, Its a must.
Harry Hamill a 'Ridgeway Kid'
I grew up on the Ridgeway prefab estate on the edge of Newport. The view was spectacular: the Bristol Channel to the south and at the top of the field behind us Twm Barlwm and the hills around it. I remember a gang of us 'Ridgeway Kids' setting off one morning an a whim and walking to the top. It seemed like an incredible adventure, but we didn't half catch it from our parents when we returned at around six in the evening! I've been back there a few times recently. The prefabs on Ridgeway have eventually gone but the magnificent views of and from Twm Barlwm remain.
Sarah, Risca
Having been a Risca girl all my life, many enjoyable walks and picnics up the tump with family and friends. Recently took my boyfriend up there and he was amazed by the views over South Wales and the Severn Estuary. This type of view and feeling makes me very proud to be Welsh.
Robert Fenton ex Malpas now Oz
Great memories of Good Friday walk with friends & snack. Could always drink from the stream. Been back 35 years later, it's still amazing.
Sam from Bucks (formerly Cwmbran)
What a fantastic view without having to yomp too far. Like many people from the area my family would spend many summer days up there. Having lived in the Cotswolds and now in the Chilterns, it competes very well.
Samantha Davies, Cwmbran now Newport
Welsh witch from Cwmbran. I remember as a child my parents taking me to the festival on Twmbarlwm! Have to say I don’t remember much of it as I was only small, but I do remember my parents' friends waking up with a river (ok small brook) running through their tent! Growing up in Cwmbran I have many memories of Twmbarlwm. I lived in Greenmeadow, which at the time was one of the last estates before the mountain. We used to spend all day up the mountain during the summer holidays playing when we were kids, catching (I am ashamed to say) newts, frogs, slow worms etc.
It was, and I hope still is, a haven for animals of all kinds. I live in Newport now but I am fortunate enough to be able to look out of my bathroom window and see the whole of the mountain and the pimple as we called it.
Colin, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, formerly Cwmb
I remember the last time I climbed Twmbarlwm. I took my son, Robert, and my daughter Corinne and my father Eddie, who was 84 at that time, from the Forest Drive right to the very top. The views were magnificient and well worth the effort. Whenever I return to Wales and come along the M4 the first view of the "Tump" tells me that I have arrived home.
Gary and Corinne, Hoddesdon, Herts
We lived in Risca from 91/94 running a sportswear warehouse. Looking up the Tump I always thought one day I will walk it, never did. Roger from the Exchange Inn always stopped me on the way up. Fantastic view of the Tump from his beer garden!
welshwitch from cwmbran
Do anyone remember the amazing music festivals that used to take place up on twmbarlwm once a year,Organized by a young guy & his lovely ex partner my friend wilo wisp,
June Harding from Ottawa
Twmbarlwm. Just the name brings back memories, everyone seems to have gone there on Good Friday , there must have been thousands up there at the same time.
The Jones family now in New Brunswick, Canada
As a family formerly from Caerleon, we have made many a hike to the top of 'our mountain' as my children would affectionally call it. We would often take a picnic on summer days, but I'm still not sure if it was easier going up or coming down.
Tracey, formerly Newport, now Risca
As a child we always visited the senic drive as a family outing, now living so close we often walk to the top. To see the breathtaking views and get good old fashioned fresh air.
Karen from Newport
My husband and I have lived in the Malpas Rd area all our lives and so has my mother. When she was young all the children in the street would walk up 'the pimple' on Good Friday and when I was young we used to too. Why? On Good Friday 'The gang' (we looked like the Famous Five although there were about 15 of us) would pack cheese sandwiches and bottles of squash and tramp our way up via the Canal to the Forteen Locks (the older ones looking after the smaller ones, well most of the time). We used to plan it for weeks.
My husband and I always make walkin up to the pimple a regular thing in the summer and our children love it too. Although because our son is still only 3 we do drive to the base and just walk up the pimple. We visit in the winter but not very often. I love the springy grass and when its windy on top it takes your breath away. I always feel about 10 years younger on my desent. Maybe its a magic mountain.
Gil Z
As a boy from Measglas Newport we took the trip up there many time and always injoy it, living San Diego, California I can tell you it was the best walk I've had ever
Eileen (Payne) Dix
I grew up in Malpas,Newport, leaving for Canada in 1968. We always walked up to the "pimple" on Twm Barlwm every Good Fiday, but why??? Does anyone know the reason? Was there a religious connotation? I remember in my teens (late 50's) kids would set light to the "bracken" growing there and fire trucks would arrive. I remember the water from the running streams tasting so good!
J** from Amsterdam formely of Bettws
I grew up in Bettws and visit Wales about once every two years. When I was living in Wales I used to climb the mountain (its not a hill) almost every weekend . But now every time I am in Wales I always go up to my mountain. This year I will be doing this for the first time with my twin kids. I hope they enjoy it as much as me.
Geoff Lloyd .Ottawa Canada.
What a pleasant surprise to find this on the web. I grew up in Crosskeys and have many fond memories as a child of walking up to the tump and having a picnic with family who are now gone. I did repeat the scenario with my two children on our visits back home. Will have to get up there next visit. Thanks.
Arnold Harris from Risca now Munich!
Living so close the Alps its easy to forget the Mountains back home, but for me Twmbarlwm always brings back fond memories. I believe it is the highest distinct Peak that can be seen from either the M4 or M5 Motorways. A chair lift is an interesting idea, why not add a sley run back down to the Darren Pub??
Stuart Davies from Cheshire
A former resident of the old Gaer, during
the 1950's I used to walk every Good Friday
to the top of Twm Barlwm. I left Newport
in 1967 and hope vist the town again now
that I have retired.
Ashley from Cardiff
As a Bettws boy.. we used to climb to the pimple most summer weekends...with picnics. With the scouts too we did quite a few activities up there like sleeping under stars and many other adventures.
My fave walk in that area is through the forest which comes by the old bridge just outside Bettws.. coming up through the valley. Taking in the reservoir which in summer is a haven for wildlife and is a stunning sight. When on the pimple too if you come over to the other side there is a footpath to the left as you reach the stile to go into forest drive. This path is called the "Darren Road" and will take you down to the canal and a little further on the Darren pub... which is nice for a quick pint or 3, before trailing on down to Fourteen Locks...fantastic all day walk.
Justin from Cwmbran
Perfect for horse riding, beautiful views with loads of different tracks and easy access without using your own legs - and the horses love it.
Russ Wiltshire from Risca
I have just walked up to the top of Twmbarlwm with my three children and partner Caroline. The youngest is 5 and my two live in Barry. They in particular could not believe how much fun it was just walking up a hill, and sliding down the other side in the snow, all finished off with a drink in the Prince of Wales! They are quite keen on the thought of a ski lift.
Terry Brewster formerly from Risca
I now live in Hong Kong with a second home in Brisbane Oz. As a child, my mother and her sister (my aunt Sissy) used to take us kids (about 7 of us altogether), up the tump as us Risca folk used to call it, for picnics. In my teens I went there with my cousins and school mates for hikes and sometimes went up the tump courting. This year after a trip to London I drove to Wales and on seeing the 'tump' come into view felt a wonderful feeling of being home again.
Charles Reynolds from Newport
I used to live in Bettws and could (in the 1980s) make it to the top of Twmbarlwm in just under 1 hour. Probably would take a bit longer now! The distinctive shape of the mountain can be discerned from many locations t'other side of the Bristol Channel. Always a welcome view on any homecoming.
Jim Pope from Malaga, ex Malpas
Walked to the top we used to call the pimple many a Good Friday in the mid forties/fifties. In those days we used to drink the clear water from Henllys brook on the way up. Don't think this would be healthy today.
David Williams, Newport
Used to go up every Good Friday as a boy
from Hewertson Street. Took my granddaughter
up recently - both had a great day. Well worth the efort to see the views.
Mark Edwards from Bettws, now USA & Norwich!
Used to walk it all the time from the Bettws direction. If you want to make a day of it try combining the visit with a tour of the Forest Drive from the Risca direction - was signposted from the M4 not sure if it still is? There are 2 car park areas that can be used to access the top by foot - one easier than the other! And there are numerous barbecue areas to cook lunch at during the Forest Drive.
Cliff Ley from Perth, Australia
Spent many enjoyable days on the mountain as a young lad. I'm 86 now and paid a visit in 2001, and will be there again in 04 - only by car this time!
Gavin Rodway from Newport
Having walked up the tump more times than I can remember, the view still amazes me. It has the best 360 degree views of Gwent, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Avon, Somerset and Devon I have ever seen. You get the full helecopter experience without leaving the ground!!
Jewels from Bettws, Newport
when I was a child I lived in Bettws (my parents still do)and would quite often walk up to the mountain with my friends especially on Good Fridays and would see who could get to the nipple first (that's what we would call the top of the mountain). It was only recently that I found out it used to be a fort..I now find that more interesting than ever and I have passed the info around to those whom I still know at Bettws. Now, having children of my own, I still visit the area, and have on occassions with the children camped up there...but knowing this now I think I might have seconds thoughts. The place means alot to me.
Stan Williams
Excellent walk butt!! Enjoyed every minute.
Steve Leach Malpas, Newport
I have enjoyed the Twmbarlwm trail many times. Usually on Good Friday it has been traditional to walk to the top from Risca Leisure centre as many of my friends in Malpas would know. We organised a 'Boiler Run' one year as a sponsered run from the Centre to the top of Twmbarlwm on 1 August 2000 - the 150th anniversay of the Consecration of St Mary Malpas. The run was completed by a young Newport harrier named Zoe Llewellyn, her father and me. It was difficult in places, but not for Zoe - she flew up the climb.
Sam Porter from Cwmbran
This walk has a amazing surrounding area and spectacular views.
