Caerphilly Mountain Walks and Caerphilly Castle: Guide, Directions and Parking Tips!
Caerphilly is a town found just outside of Cardiff, it’s not quite a city and not quite the Valleys but somewhere in between with its scenic Caerphilly Mountain walks, history and the biggest castle in Wales!
Read on for the guide to finding Caerphilly Mountain, walking up the mountain and down times and fitness level required, walks in Caerphilly, map, directions, where to park, finding Caerphilly Castle and free parking in Caerphilly.
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Caerphilly Mountain Directions
Caerphilly Mountain is, surprisingly, about 5 minute drive from the edge of Cardiff so it’s very easy to get to when coming from Cardiff centre. To be fair, the mountain road Caerphilly leads from is even scenic, giving you a nice ride on the way.
If driving, use the postcode CF83 1HJ in your sat nav (I use Google maps).
Central Cardiff to Caerphilly by car – 30 mins
Caerphilly to Barry by car – 30 mins (via A4232)
Swansea to Caerphilly by car – 1 hour
Newport to Caerphilly by car – 25 mins
London to Caerphilly by car – 3.5 hours
Public transport to Caerphilly – number 36 bus, train straight from Cardiff Central or number 86X bus.
Caerphilly Map:
Parking at Caerphilly Mountain Car Park
Parking is free at Caerphilly Mountain if you head for Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar and park in the car park. From the car park, if the restaurant is behind you, cross the road and you will come to the start of your Caerphilly Mountain Walks. This is also the starting spot for other short and long walks near Caerphilly.
Postcode – CF83 1JA
The burgers are supposed to be delicious at the snack bar too and we planned to get one after our walk but the queue was an hour minimum wait and we were too hungry to wait. But long queues are always a good sign! Click here for the Caerphilly mountain snack bar menu.
The Main Caerphilly Mountain Walk
Is Caerphilly Mountain a mountain? Yes. It’s just not a humungous one like Snowdon!
- To start the main Caerphilly Mountain walk, cross the road opposite Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar and start your route at the Caerphilly Common sign that looks like this:
- There is a clear path on the left that inclines all the way to the top of Caerphilly Mountain which is easy to follow.
Even before you reach the top there are lovely scenes and places for you to view, take a photo or rest.
- You’ll know you’ve reached the top when you can see all of Caerphilly and other mountains and Valleys. You’ll get a feeling of triumph when you reach these statues:
- The Caerphilly Mountain circular is easy so from the top you can start the walk back to Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar by continuing down the path. You’ll know you’re going the right way because Caerphilly Castle and town should be on your left hand side as you’re walking.
Things to Know – Mountain in Caerphilly Wales
Fitness Level: Average fitness level is fine but you can get out of breath after the first incline. There are rest stops along the way and it’s not a long distance at all.
- Time: The walk including a view at the top took about 20 minutes
- Distance: 1.10 km according to my Apple Watch
- Dogs are welcome
- The summit is 889ft / 271 metres
- Garth Hill can be seen in the distance at the top of Caerphilly Mountain which is another mountain walks South Wales, close to Cardiff
- Caerphilly Mountain cycling is also popular and we gave way to a few bikes on our walk (and also wondered how they cycled over the terrain near the forest!)
Don’t underestimate the power of a good Wales guide book! I have used Wales Lonely Planet to discover my own country and loved it.
Other Caerphilly Mountain Walks
One of the most scenic walks around Caerphilly is not exactly on the mountain but it’s so close that there’s nothing else to call it other than the near-by Caerphilly mountain ranch or Caerphilly forest. Starting again at the snack bar, this time take the paths that are behind the car park and discover the woodland areas of Caerphilly (paths are all signposted with pedestrian symbol).
We walked as far as 1km through the right hand side path that looks like this:
The path is in-between the forest (which looks like something straight out of a fantasy film) and fields full of farm animals. The terrain isn’t flat with stones, uneven gravel, mud and puddles but it was fun walking through and getting 10k steps in a lovely scene like this.
Did you know? Caerphilly pronunciation is kuh-fill-ee
Related Post: Sayings to Learn for South Wales Survival!
Caerphilly Castle
You can’t come to Caerphilly and not visit Caerphilly Castle Wales!
Why?
Because it’s the biggest castle in Wales! And it’s a pretty sight to see.
Join this essential day tour of South Wales castles and mountains!!
The Walking Route Around Caerphilly Castle
Start at the rear of the castle on Crescent Road and walk over the bridge passing swans and trees with Caerphilly Castle in the background.
As you walk down the path toward the castle there are lots of benches or grass area to relax, read a travel book or grab an ice cream.
Don’t miss Caerphilly Castle leaning tower and learn about the castle history with this guided audio tour for just under £5.
Continuing circular around the castle, you can walk up to the large gates, doors and walls and ponder over the history of Caerphilly Castle right on your fingertips.
Continuing the walk, you’re in Caerphilly town centre and you’ll see another glorious side to Caerphilly Castle and lake:
Map of Caerphilly Castle:
Caerphilly Castle Facts – History 101:
- It’s surrounded by lakes in the centre of Caerphilly town
- Dates back to the 13th century
- In 1950, the castle was given to the state
- It can be seen from Caerphilly Mountain
- The largest castle in Wales
- Second largest castle in United Kingdom
- The very best things to do in Caerphilly is visiting the castle
- Caerphilly Castle history also says there’s the green lady which local kids have always searched her in the ground of the castle. Visiting castles is great but visiting haunted castles is even better.
I love this picture of fishing rods on Caerphilly Castle lake. (Read the sign)
Read Next: Discover Castell Coch in Cardiff, Wales
Around the town, in the parks and the perimeter of the castle make for more great Caerphilly walks. The circular walks around the castle is my favourite though because you see the majestic landmark from every angle and you know you’ll always get back to where you started when you follow it around! Here’s my route snapshotted from my watch:
Caerphilly Castle Postcode: CF83 1JD
Free Caerphilly Castle Parking
This is the best tip you’re going to read today about Caerphilly Castle parking. Because it’s free! And I stumbled upon it by accident. As I headed to the car park that google suggested with the above postcode, there was a bit of traffic built up and I seen a little sign for Morgan Jones park as well as cars driving in so we thought lets go to the park first and eat our doughnuts that we brought all the way from Brutons in Cardiff!
There were a few cars parked up along the entrance to the park and there were absolutely no signs for paying or permits and I even checked the other cars to see if they had tickets or permits in their windows (top tip!). There were about 5 free spaces at the end so we parked here for free, enjoyed our doughnuts in the park before walking toward Caerphilly Castle.
Postcode for free parking in Caerphilly Castle – CF83 1AB (Morgan Jones park postcode)
P.s. While you’re in town, pick up some famous Caerphilly cheese and thank me later.
Hope this guide has helped you for your Caerphilly Mountain day trip!
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