Glamorgan Ridgeway Walk
A 33-mile long-distance walk in South Wales following public footpaths, bridleways, forest tracks, and minor roadways along the ridge line from Margam Country Park near Port Talbot to Caerphilly Castle. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: SS 806 862
Distance: 33 miles (53 km)
Time: 12–16 hours
Duration: 1–3 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
151 Cardiff and Bridgend, Caerdydd a Pen-y-Bont Ar Ogwr
165 Swansea / Abertawe
166 Rhondda, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly and Pontypridd
Summary
The Glamorgan Ridgeway Walk is a waymarked long-distance path in South Wales following public footpaths, bridleways, forest tracks, and minor roadways along the ridge line from Margam Country Park near Port Talbot to Caerphilly Castle. The 33-mile route traverses wild upland and picturesque valleys along the southern edge of the South Wales Coalfield, which is undergoing ongoing redevelopment and rewilding. The walk offers views of the Brecon Beacons to the north and across the Vale to the Bristol Channel, with Devon and Somerset beyond. From start to finish, the route visits Mynydd Castle, Mynydd Ty-talwyn, Mynydd Baedan, Betws, Blackmill, Mynydd y Gaer, Mynydd Maendy, St Peter’s Church, Mynydd Meiros, Mynydd Garthmaelwg, Llantrisant, Taffs Well, Craig yr Allt, and Caerphilly.
Important note from a walker who attempted the Glamorgan Ridgeway Walk on Thursday, 4th July 2018: “We walked part of the Glamorgan Ridgeway path today. It is in shocking condition. Signs either absent entirely or inadequate. The stretch from Blackmill to Betws is choked with ferns and thistles and impassable. Very frustrating. If they are not prepared to maintain it, please do not advertise it as a genuine long-distance footpath.”