Pontypool Park and the Folly Tower
Torfaen
Pontypool Park, known locally as the People's Park, was laid out around 1703 as the private grounds of the Hanbury family and covers 64 hectares of parkland beneath the Folly Tower, with open grassland where dogs can be let off the lead away from the sports pitches. Restored heritage features include the Italian Gardens of 1849, the Shell Grotto built as a summerhouse around 1829, and Britain's only known double-chamber ice houses, all set among avenues of veteran sweet chestnuts planted to fuel the valley's iron forges. This 6.1km circular route climbs out of the park on a public footpath through farmland to the rebuilt Folly Tower, 220 metres above the surrounding land with views across the Afon Lwyd valley to the Severn Estuary, before descending back through the park past the Nant-y-Gollen Ponds. The climb to the tower accounts for most of the 209 metres of ascent on an otherwise gentle route.
This is a dog friendly park where dogs are welcome throughout provided they are kept under control, with moderate off-lead potential in the open grassland areas away from the sports pitches. The farmland link up to the Folly Tower does carry occasional sheep, so dogs should be kept close or on a lead there. The Nant-y-Gollen Ponds and the tree cover offer shade and water lower down, while the climb to the tower gives a proper stretch of the legs. Cycling, horses and unlicensed fishing are not permitted in the park. There is parking near the entrance, and Pontypool town centre is a short walk away.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.1 km (3.8 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr 50 min
- Walk Type
- Park, Historic, Peak
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Childrens play area and cafe kiosk near the park entrance; no cafe at the Folly Tower.
- Parking
- Free car parking near the Pontypool Park entrance on Park Road.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Pontypool Park and the Folly Tower, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pontypool Park and the Folly Tower dog friendly?
Yes, Pontypool Park welcomes dogs throughout, as long as they're kept under control, and it earns a solid 7/10 on our dog-friendly rating. The 6.1km circular route takes in 64 hectares of parkland, heritage features like the Italian Gardens and Shell Grotto, and a climb up to the hilltop Folly Tower with views stretching to the Severn Estuary.
Can dogs be off lead at Pontypool Park and the Folly Tower?
There's good off-lead potential in the open grassland areas of the park, provided you keep clear of the sports pitches. The footpath section up to the Folly Tower passes through farmland that can carry sheep, so you'll want to keep dogs on the lead or close to heel for that stretch of the route.
What should I know before visiting Pontypool Park and the Folly Tower with my dog?
The route involves a decent climb — 209 metres of ascent — with most of that on the way up to the Folly Tower, so it's worth bearing your dog's fitness in mind. The Nant-y-Gollen Ponds and the tree cover lower in the park offer shade and a chance for dogs to drink, which is handy after the exposed hilltop section. Parking is free near the park entrance on Park Road, and there's a café kiosk close by if you need a post-walk coffee.
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