Historical Trefil and the Charterist Caves

Location

Tredegar, South Wales

OutdoorLads shares the exact meeting point with people who have signed up, closer to the date. See the OutdoorLads listing for details.

About this event

A varied and interesting route taking in a range of historical and culturally important locations against the backdrop of stunning views of the Bannau Brycheiniog.Starting in Trefil -  at 409m the highest village in Wales - we follow the old Bryn Oer tram road north past the limestone quarries of the area. After a slight detour to the Duke's Table, we head to the other worldly abandoned North Quarry. This strange landscape is a favoured filming location and has appeared on many TV series and films, including Dr Who, Torchwood, Wrath of the Titans, Merlin and the Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Here we will visit the curios Naughty Stone and take in the views down Duffryn Crawnon and across the Bannau Brycheiniog - described as one of the most beautiful views in Wales. This area was a favourite place of Aneurin 'Nye' Bevan - a former coal miner in the area, he became Minister of Health and spearheaded the creation of the National Health Service in 1948. He loved to roam in these hills and his ashes are scattered on this unique landscape. We head back through the woods before heading across to Mynydd Llangynidr. Here we will be off the path and crossing open moorland taking in more sweeping views as we climb Garn Fach and then onto Garn Fawr - a large bronze age burial Cairn. From here we navigate across to Ogof Fawr  - more commonly known as Charterist Caves. We will gather at the mouth of the caves to learn about its role in the Charterist Uprising of 1839 and its role in modern British democracy. After we descend across a limestone landscape back to the eerie disused western quarry before heading back to the village for optional refreshments in the Quarrymen's Arms pub. This is a great walk to get a feel of the wilderness of the Bannau Brycheiniog without committing to a long day in the hills, while learning how local communities have worked, lived and been inspired by the landscape.All pictures by David Pugh/Caerphilly Adventure Group and used with permission.