Walks from Caerphilly

Amazing views from the Machen; stunning views up the Rhymney Valley. A mostly off-road hill route with easy paths, open mountain and common land, little tarmac or traffic. There is a sustained climb from Risca up the slopes of Mynydd Machen and then a gentle descent; some field and forest sections can be hard to navigate. Follows part of the Machen Forge Trail, which adds some historical interest.

Time: 4h–7h30

Lunch: A couple of small supermarkets where the route passes through Machen.

Warnings: Some footpaths leaving Risca and through the forest near Machen are unclear and easily missed; not ideal for navigating by paper map alone.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Stunning views across the valleys and down to Penarth, Steepholm and the Bristol Channel. A varied valley route following the Taff Trail along the flat, then a long, lung-testing climb through Cilfynydd and up the mountain via fields and the Eglwysilan mountain road and with a moorland crossing over Mynydd Meio. The moorland section is boggy and not clearly marked; the rest is mostly good going on quiet lanes and tracks. Follows the Taff Trail between Abercynon and Cilfynydd.

Time: 4h30–8h30

Lunch: Refreshment options are scarce along the route; the Rose & Crown at Eglwysilan appears permanently closed.

1 end-of-walk reward: the Angel

Warnings: The footpath across Mynydd Meio is unclear, boggy and not well marked, with a stream and bracken that may force detours; not recommended in poor visibility. Can be muddy.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Stunning landscape and views; great walk. A walk with steep climbs at either end and an easy ridgeway in the middle with stunning landscape and views, even reaching a sea view to Somerset. The first footpath out of Ystrad Mynach is very overgrown with bracken, brambles and nettles and badly maintained and with several stiles in poor repair; the ridge path is much of it gravel but very exposed in wet weather. Marred by extensive fly-tipping on the ridgeway. Passes the large coal tips of the area's mining past and the 13th-century Senghenydd Dyke. A plaque marks Tommy Cooper's birthplace in Llwyn-Onn Street near Energlyn & Churchill Park station.

Hilly: two fifths on high ground, rising above the surrounding land.

Time: 3h–6h30

1 end-of-walk reward: the Courthouse

Warnings: The section out of Ystrad Mynach is badly overgrown and poorly maintained, with brambles, nettles and stiles in serious disrepair; one part may require climbing over barbed-wire fences. The route passes a shooting range (which fires away from the path), and the footbridge over the A468 has gone, requiring a residential-streets detour. The ridge is very exposed in bad weather.

Walk details: Slow Ways.