TWO Gwent men who are taking part in a pilgrimage across Wales as part of celebrations ahead of this summer’s London 2012 Olympics took a pit stop in Blaenavon yesterday.

Andrew Dugmore, of Abercarn, and Mike Erskine, 27, originally from Llanvihangel Crucorney, started their three-week trek from Llanthony Priory, Abergavenny, to St David’s Cathedral, Pembrokeshire, on Saturday, as part of an initiative called Cauldron and Furnaces.

The men, who will be joined along the well known 200-mile pilgrim route by local ramblers, artists and storytellers, will pass ancient sites, holy wells and Cadw monuments until they reach their destination where they will be welcomed with fanfares, music and artworks created by hundreds of local children.

The pair will stay in churches, or wherever they can get a bed, and even spent Monday night camping on top of Mynydd Llanhilleth.

Along the way there will be special events, performances and educational workshops so walkers can engage in Wales’ history and Mr Redline will document the walk through photographs, with a view to publish a book.

Cauldrons and Furnaces is a partnership between Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, and the Arts Council of Wales.

It is part of the Power of the Flame, funded by Legacy Trust UK, which is creating a lasting impact from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games by funding local talent to inspire creativity across the UK.

For more information visit pilgrimage2012.co.uk or ramblers.org.uk for details on how you can join the walk.