WALKERS from businesses around Gwent are being urged to grab their walking boots in preparation for a charity ramble along the scenic Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.

The walk, which is open to everyone, is the first of its kind organised by St David’s Hospice Care and has been plotted along the tow path of the historic canal in Monmouthshire.

The Mon & Brec Trek takes place on Sunday, October 9.

Organiser Franca Nigra, of St David’s Hospice Care, said: “The ramble gives a great opportunity for people to walk at their own pace along a stretch of this picturesque and tranquil canal surrounded every step of the way by idyllic scenery and immersed in historical points of interest which remind us of its industrial past.

“Whether you fancy a longish hike of 17 miles, a good walk of 8.5 miles or an afternoon stroll of just over 5 miles, all with transport laid on, there is something for you here – along with a barbeque at the finish, to revive you before setting off for home.

“The walk follows the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal from the Coach and Horses pub in Llangynidr to Goytre Wharf. The route takes you along some beautiful and tranquil stretches of the canal, as well as over the Clydach Gorge on the 90ft high embankment where construction of the canal was first started in 1797. It’s an ideal opportunity to walk in memory of a loved one, and to raise funds for our work in the community.”

The Mon Brec Trek is being supported to the tune of £1,200 by ABC Leisure Group Ltd, which owns Red Line Boats which operate the facilities and hire canal boats from its base at Goytre Wharf.

Goytre Wharf Café/Tea Room is sponsoring the end of walk BBQ for participants.

Centre manager Sue Powell, of Red Line Boats, said: “Goytre Wharf is a bit of a hidden gem. We want as many people as possible to know about this fabulous place and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and one way of doing this is to invite people to enjoy a walk along the tow path and to support St David’s Hospice Care along the way.”

The three distances for the walks, which all converge on Goytre Wharf, near Pontypool, start either at 9am at Llangynidr Village Hall for the 17 mile walk; at 11am at Gilwern, near The Bridgend Inn, for the 8.5 mile walk and at 12 noon, at Llanfoist Wharf for the 5.5 mile walk. Transport is provided to take walkers from Goytre Wharf to their chosen starting point. The registration fee is £15, or £25 to include transport. Under 16’s £5, or £10 to include transport.

For more details or to book visit www.stdavidshospicecare.org or call 01633 851051.