Festival of Change – Ebbw Vale

Step into one of the UK’s boldest regeneration stories on this 4.8 km guided wellbeing walk across the former steelworks site in Ebbw Vale – home of the 1992 National Garden Festival. Once defined by smoke and steel, this land now tells a powerful story of renewal, innovation, and community pride, where nature has reclaimed space and sparked new life.

Step into one of the UK’s boldest regeneration stories on this 4.8 km guided wellbeing walk across the former steelworks site in Ebbw Vale – home of the 1992 National Garden Festival. Once defined by smoke and steel, this land now tells a powerful story of renewal, innovation, and community pride, where nature has reclaimed space and sparked new life.

Led by The Wellsynergy Project, with support from ROC Adventure, this walk explores the evolving identity of a place that transformed its industrial past into a living landscape of creativity, resilience and green design.

What to Expect:

A mostly flat and accessible route, with a few short, steep sections to reach key viewpoints and features. We’ll follow landscaped paths and green corridors through the former festival grounds, pausing to explore how memory, regeneration and nature shape this unique post-industrial space.

Walk Highlights Include:

• Former steelworks and festival grounds – Explore the legacy of heavy industry and the landmark event that reimagined the landscape

• Modern green infrastructure – Discover how nature-based solutions and sustainable design contribute to positive urban transformation

• Stories of transition and resilience – Learn how local people adapted and redefined community identity

• Nature rediscovered – Celebrate the return of wildlife, planting schemes, and green spaces that support wellbeing and biodiversity

• Mindful pauses – Reflect on change, renewal and the role of nature in reshaping our environment

Distance:

Approximately 4.8 km

Mostly flat walking route with some gentle inclines and a few short, steep sections. Walk includes regular stops and is suitable for most fitness levels.

Who Is It For?

This walk is perfect for adults who:

• Are interested in urban regeneration and placemaking

• Want to explore community identity after industrial decline

• Enjoy reconnecting with nature in unexpected places

• Appreciate relaxed, reflective walking experiences in a group setting

What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip

• Weather-appropriate layers and waterproofs if needed

• A refillable water bottle

• Curiosity and a reflective mindset

Led By:

Delivered by The Wellsynergy Project, promoting inclusive wellbeing and sustainability through nature and community-based activities.In collaboration with ROC Adventure, experts in safe, engaging outdoor experiences.

Location & Meeting Point:

Full meeting point and route details will be provided via email after booking. The walk takes place on and around the former steelworks site and Garden Festival Park in Ebbw Vale.

Booking Information:

• Limited spaces – advance booking required

• Free to attend (donations welcomed to support Brecon Mountain Rescue wellbeing work)• Suitable for ages 16+. Under-16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult

• Please share any accessibility needs when booking