ST1585 : Rosebay willowherb, silver birch and bracken, Caerphilly Common.

Caerphilly Common

271m Elevation
31m Prominence
Wales Country
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ST1585 : Rosebay willowherb, silver birch and bracken, Caerphilly Common.

John Lord Photo source

Explore routes near Caerphilly Common

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Locking Parklands–Hutton–Christon

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Banwell–Vering Down–Winscombe

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Goblin Coombe

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Lower Failand–Priors wood

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Cwmcarn Forest Drive

This scenic route takes you through the beautiful Cwmcarn forest before leading onto the common, providing a gentle stroll with lovely views.

8.5 km ~2 hours Easy

Caerphilly Mountain Trail

A well-maintained trail that loops around the common, perfect for spotting local wildlife and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

5 km ~1.5 hours Moderate
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Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

200-299m hill

Elevation

271m

888 ft

Prominence

31m

Coordinates

51.5623, -3.2233

ST153855

OS Map

171

Explorer: 151E

At the Summit

The common features a number of summits and grassy knolls with a prominent trig point at the highest elevation, which makes for a lovely photo op – just don't forget to smile!

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly grassy with a mix of patches of heather and some rocky outcrops depending on the area.

Caerphilly Common is primarily composed of sedimentary rocks, mainly shale and coal measures, which reflect the area's rich mining history. The geological features are often viewed as a canvas of Earth's history, waiting for curious minds to decode their stories.

Views & Scenery

From various points on the common, hikers can see Caerphilly Castle, the surrounding hills, and on a clear day, the Bristol Channel can be visible as well.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Caerphilly' is derived from 'Caer' meaning fort, and 'Philly' probably referencing the old Welsh language, indicating a settlement with historical significance.

Historical Significance

Caerphilly Common has been used for grazing and recreation for centuries and is cherished for its historical context alongside the nearby Caerphilly Castle.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There are several lay-bys and small car parks on the edges of Caerphilly Common, particularly along the main roads leading into the common area.

Public Transport

There are regular bus services from Cardiff to Caerphilly and the surrounding areas, with bus stops located around the common.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly on Caerphilly Common, but in Caerphilly town, there are cafes, restaurants, and public toilets available.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for muddy areas, particularly after heavy rainfall. Additionally, be mindful of livestock grazing in the fields.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Caerphilly Common?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Caerphilly Common through the maps

Are there other walkers around Caerphilly Common?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Caerphilly Common search or of course create your own walk for Caerphilly Common

Can I organise a walk to Caerphilly Common?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Caerphilly Common.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Caerphilly Common?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Caerphilly Common here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: ST153855

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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