In composing our three short walks around Govilon there were points of interest which were too far off the core route to allow inclusion. We did not want to forget these village treasures and so have included them here. To visit them you will have to spend a little more time and walk a little further, but the effort will be worthwhile. Some, like private houses, may have restricted access, but can be viewed from a distance. We have described this in the text. To maintain the style of the three original walks we start the Black routes from the original trail Car Parks.
Black Route 1 uses the Purple Trail start: Turn right at the rear of the Govilon Wharf Car Park and follow the old Railway Line down slope towards Llanfoist. There are good views to your left out across the Usk Valley towards Llanwenarth Citra on the far side of the River Usk. Soon you reach a bridge over the B4246 road to Blaenavon. Look to your right to pick out the high masonary walls which surrounded the modern detached housing. These walls are part of the lime kilns which operated in Govilon, Situated below, but backing onto the canal the kilns were built to allow limestone and fuel to be brought to site by canal boat and then loaded in from above.
Take the steps at the far side of the bridge down towards the kilns. Take the track running up and left until you reach the canal towpath. Cross the bridge. Ahead and to the left is Glebe wood with its majestic Beech trees. You can also spot excavations within the wood which mark out the many small sandstone quarries that developed alongside the canal. Follow the towpath to the right towards Govilon wharf.
Just before the next canal bridge look to the far side of the canal to see the Lanvihangel Wharf. This was the starting point of the tramroad that eventually connected this wharf with Hereford.
Pass under the canal bridge to enter Govilon Wharf. If you look closely at the underside of this bridge you can see how it was extended to take road traffic. Originally this was built to allow Baileys tramroad to cross the canal into Govilon wharf. Continue along the towpath alongside the wharf and take time to look at Baileys three-storeys high ware-house built in 1820.
At the next bridge you join the Purple Trail. To follow this trail carry on along the tow path, or alternatively turn left and climb up onto the bridge. Turn right to follow the railway track back down to the car park.
Black Route 2 uses the Red Trail. Follow the trail until it reaches the village store. Instead of ascending Station Road towards the Baptist Chapel continue along the main road. After about 400 metres Ty Clyd, one of the older houses in the village, can be seen on the left at the end of its drive way. This is a private house. Follow on along the pavement for a little further as the road leaves the village. Around the corner you will find the Unicorns Rest. This was originally the Butchers Arms, one of a number of Pubic Houses in Govilon. Today this is also a private house. Retrace your route back to the village centre to continue along the Red Trail or return to the Red Trail car park.
Black Route 3 uses the Red Trail detour to the War Memorial. Continue along the road towards Gilwern. Glanbaiden Lodge and Glanbaiden house are situated on the far side of the Heads of the Valleys trunk road. They are visible from the road. Current road widening work restricts easy pedestrian access to this part of the village. Retrace your steps to the War Memorial and the village centre for the Red Trail. Alternatively cross the road before returning back to War Memorial and climb the single track lane to the canal and beyond to Llanwenarth House. This is a detour on the Green Trail.
