Caerphilly

Caerphilly County Borough sits in South Wales, stretching north from the M4 into the South Wales Valleys. The borough contains towns such as Caerphilly, Ystrad Mynach, Rhymney, Bargoed and Blackwood, and the River Rhymney runs south through the area. Much of the district occupies former coalfield ground, with colliery sites, ironworks and miners’ housing marking the landscape. Rail and road links connect the borough to Cardiff and the Valleys, and former railway lines have been repurposed for walking and cycling along valley floors and ridgelines.

Caerphilly town is best known for its medieval castle, begun by Gilbert de Clare in the late 13th century, with its water-filled defensive lakes and a large gatehouse. Local food history includes Caerphilly cheese, which was made for miners and remains associated with the area; the town’s castle hosts an annual food festival that draws local producers. Small museums, former industrial sites and valley paths document and give access to the borough’s mining, transport and rural farming history.