Llechryd

Castell Coch

Tongwynlais · 17 miles

Perched above Tongwynlais in the Taff Gorge, Castell Coch presents a 19th-century Gothic Revival structure that rests on the foundations of earlier medieval fortifications. The first stronghold on the site dates from shortly after 1081, when the Normans erected an earth-work motte to defend the newly taken town of Cardiff and to oversee the river route. A stone castle was later added by Gilbert de Clare between 1267 and 1277, incorporating a shell wall, towers and a gatehouse, before being probably destroyed during the Welsh uprising of 1314. The ruins passed into the possession of the Bute family in 1760; in 1875 the 3rd Marquess of Bute commissioned architect William Burges to rebuild the exterior as a summer country residence, with interior decoration completed by Burges’s team in 1891. The property entered state care in 1950 and is now administered by Cadw. Visitors can explore the dramatic silhouette of the three stone towers and the richly ornamented Victorian interiors, which feature bespoke furniture and symbolic motifs drawn from classical and legendary sources. The surrounding beech woods, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, contain rare plants and notable geological formations. Access is provided by footpaths from the nearby car park, although the site is not wheelchair accessible. Opening times are published on the Cadw listing, and admission is managed by the heritage agency. No on-site facilities such as cafés or shops are recorded, so visitors may wish to bring refreshments.

Soar-Y-Graig Welsh Independent Chapel

Llechryd · 0.1 miles

Built in 1839 but had fallen derelict by 1997. All that remains are the stone walls.

The Forgotten 53 Memorial

Tafarnaubach · 1.2 miles

Memorial to the 53 lives lost in the 4 mining desasters within Tredegar including Bedwellty Pits and Pochin Colliery

Crescent Cave

Trefil · 3.7 miles

Swallow hole cave, ends about 5-6m below ground in a clay mound

Chartist Cave

Trefil · 3.7 miles

Historic cave with plaque. Every chamber is easily accessible to all. The deeper passages via trained cavers only via crawl spaces

Holocaust Remembrance Garden

Merthyr Tydfil · 4.3 miles

Gated public garden, with seating, planting and wildlife features .(key available from Merthyr Library)