REBELLION is in the air to end a long-standing wrangle which prevents cyclists and walkers enjoying unfettered access to a country path linking Abergavenny to Brynmawr.

Members of Abergavenny Cycle Club are staging a "right to roam and cycle" protest against a short but inconvenient break along the six-mile route linking the two towns.

They will be pedalling to the "no entry" site on the old railway line between Gilwern and Clydach to publicise the impasse - and to persuade the powers-that-be to open up the exasperating gap.

The path through the rural idyll was established more than a decade ago - but it has always been spoiled by the half-mile exclusion zone.

It can only be circumnavigated by plunging down a zig-zag path onto a lower lane and then making a puff-filled ascent onto the track beyond the restriction point.

Cycle club chairman Jack Thurston grumbled, 'It's a bit of a fag - and very off-putting for children or those who are disabled.

"A lot of people just give up and don't complete the run."

He added, "This issue has been rumbling on for so long - and nothing happens. We just want to give it another kick.

"It's such a lovely ride with great views of Sugar Loaf, the Usk and Clydach Gorge."

He revealed that the club planned a ride next month along the contentious stretch to draw attention to the iniquitous "missing link" which denies pleasure to so many.

Ironically, the demonstration will coincide with the opening up of another missing link - a mile-long stretch of the nearby Blaenavon to Brynmawr route which links up to the Abergavenny track.

"Unlike our path, the ride is open to everyone. They are welcome to join us on Sunday, June 7. It's very friendly," said Jack who added that the meeting point is the car park at the start of the old line in Llanfoist at 10.30am.

The sticking point has always been to persuade the two local landowners involved to allow access or simply sell their stake to Sustrans, the cycle path charity group which has established a national cycle network.

Their South East Wales Manager, Gwyn Smith, told the Chronicle, "We remain hopeful of getting a result. There is always room for manoeuvre. Every time we hear a no, we like to think we are a step closer to a yes."

He admitted that no real headway had been made in recent years.

"But we do hope that one day the landowners will change their minds. If there is an opportunity to buy the land in future we will be happy to work with the landowners to move forward. We have been trying for a number of years."

He revealed that the cycle ride was the only one in his region which was still in a position of stalemate.

The Blaenavon to Brynmawr path was due to open imminently once the finishing touches were in place. And another stumbling block route - the Cardiff to Newport run - was also making good progress.

On June 13, about 100 pupils from Cantref Primary School in Abergavenny will be taking to their bikes along the blighted path to help raise PTA funds.

Organiser Sam Charrington said, "It's a great ride - but it would be so much better, safer and easier if it didn't have the missing link."

Jack Thurston said the club would be seeking to add more names to its petition calling for the landowners to have a change of heart.