THIS is a breathtaking 2.5km (1.6 mile) walk with some steep inclines and declines requiring sturdy footwear but fine views to encourage you to get to the top.
There are many other paths to explore to lengthen and vary the walk.
Known locally as the Gollars, the ramparts of this huge fort near Newport are situated in an excellent defensive position overlooking the lower reaches of the Ebbw river, perfect for seeing an enemy approach.
It is a large circular site comprising multiple enclosures, the outer of which may have been used for stock. The inner enclosure is roughly pentagonal and surrounded by a single bank and ditch. The outer enclosure was defended by a large bank and ditch.
Start at gate entrance on Bassaleg Road...
A. Enter the gate and bear right, keeping the hedge boundary on the right before taking the muddy path through the wood onto the grassy path.
B. Keep on the wide grassy path on the outer edge boundary, down the slope then along the fence next to the railway line on the right. (Note: there are many paths leading uphill on the left).
C. At the gate bear around to the left and follow the wide grassy footpath leading uphill on the left (not the path next to the outer railings of the park). (Note: there are fine views over Newport to the left and behind you as you walk up the hill).
D. At the top of the slope, a path joins from the right but keep to the main path straight ahead.
View: Aerial shot from the Gaer looking onto Tredegar Park. Picture: Jack Bird, South Wales Argus Camera Club
E. At the path crossroads turn right uphill between the trees.
F. At the path crossroads keep straight ahead uphill on the main path. (Note: there are fine views of the Transporter Bridge and Newport city centre to the right).
G. At open, level ground keep to the path on the right hand side. (Note: there are fine views of the hillsides to the left).
H. At the end of the open ground, keep to the smaller path straight ahead through the woodland.
I. At the path crossroad, with houses on your right, turn left towards the top of the hill fort through a small wooded area. (Note: Fine view of hillsides ahead).
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Gaer Newport. Picture: Angharad Lake, South Wales Argus Camera Club
J. Bear left and continue along the main path leading down the slope.
K. At the crossroads turn right heading down the grassy slope. Keep straight ahead on the main path leading downhill.
L. At the bottom of the slope turn right and head back to the start.
This and many other walks in and around Newport can be found on the Newport City Council website at https://www.newport.gov.uk/en/Leisure-Tourism/Activities/Walking.aspx.
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