This was our 3rd walk on the South Wales section of the Wales Coast Path, joining the path at the Newport Wetlands Reserve at Nash.

From there we walked through rural countryside, around the outside of an industrial area, before emerging on the bank of the River Usk and Newport’s iconic Transporter Bridge. The bridge, constructed in the early 1900s is considered one of the man-made wonders of Wales.

Walk highlights

Crossing a footbridge into farm fields we walked towards Nash Village. The parish church St. Mary’s, dates back to the 12th century and the 16th century spire is a landmark on the flat landscape.

As at Goldcliff, the fields are linked by numerous footbridges, which cross the extensive network of ‘reens’ that drain the farmland across the Gwent Levels.

From Nash it’s a pleasant walk across fields of grazing sheep as the path winds its way towards a local nature reserve, Great Traston Meadows.

From the meadows the route follows along a hedgerow lined cycle path then leaving the countryside scenery behind, passes by an industrial area and dry dock before emerging onto the eastern bank of the River Usk.

The grassy path continues along the top of the east bank of the River Usk, as we approach one of the most iconic structures on the Wales Coast Path…..

Newport Transporter Bridge

This marvellous feat of engineering was constructed in the early 1900s and opened in 1906. It is one of only two operational transporter bridges in Britain, the other being in Middlesbrough on the River Tees.

Newport Transporter bridge is currently closed for renovations and construction of a new visitor centre ( at time of this post).

A ‘must do’ experience when the bridge is operational is to visit on one of the ‘open day’ events. These events provide a fantastic opportunity to take an exhilarating walk across the top deck.

Below are some photos taken at an open day in recent years, when you could walk over the top walkway and travel back across the river on the cable suspended gondola.

Whilst the bridge is out of action, to follow the Wales Coast Path entails a 2 mile pavement walk along an industrial estate road, crossing over the modern Newport City Bridge, to the west side of the River Usk.

On the Pillgwenlly side of the bridge is a plaque commemorating the opening with the story of how and why the design for a transporter bridge was chosen for crossing the River Usk at this point.

The walk to the western bank provides a view of the bridge and the wonderful cable suspended gondola on the Pillgwenlly side of the River Usk.

The return walk takes us back over City Bridge and an opportunity to look back to enjoy a view of the setting sun providing a golden glow to silhouette the Transporter Bridge.

If you’d like to read more about The Transporter Bridge, click on this link for all the key facts, figures and details.

Finally, this wonderful photo in the visitor exhibition dates from c. 1905 of the construction workers taking a break on the top deck of the bridge. They had nerves of steel in those days!

Route Stats

It’s just under 4 miles to the eastern side of the Transporter Bridge, then a further 2 miles pavement walking alongside busy roads to the west side at Pillgwenlly.

This walk covered just under 6 miles on the Wales Coast Path.

NOTE ~ Newport Transporter Bridge is currently closed, due to undergoing extensive renovation and exciting development of a new Visitor Experience building on the Pillgwenlly, western bank of the River Usk. Due for completion in 2026 this will undoubtedly become a superb attraction for walkers on the Wales Coast Path in future years.