NCN Route 47 / Celtic trail

The National Cycle Route Network (NCN) Route 47 runs from Newport to Fishguard, a total of 134 miles.

The 12-mile (19km) stretch within Caerphilly County Borough runs through the Mid Valleys Corridor from Risca via the Sirhowy Valley across to the Rhymney Valley through the newly reclaimed colliery, Parc Penallta to Treharris. The route takes you through varied landscape from the valley floor in Nelson to spectacular views high on the hills in the Sirhowy Valley. It is a relatively easy flat route following many of the old dismantled railways.  The route is suitable for a wide variety of users. There are a few steep sections along the route including the areas of Parc Penallta and the Sirhowy Valley Country Park.

The route starts to the west of the county borough just outside the village of Nelson. The trail passes the old Penallta Colliery site towards Hengoed and then over the Maesycwmmer Viaduct passing the interesting 'Wheel of Dram' artwork. The route then heads south towards Wyllie past the coal mining villages of Ynysddu, Cwmfelinfach and Wattsville. The route within Caerphilly county borough ends in Risca. There are a number of attractions cyclists and walkers will pass on the route including Llancaiach Fawr Manor, Penallta Country Park, Gelligroes Mill, Sirhowy Valley Country Park, Cwmcarn Forest Drive, Ynys Hywel Activity Centre, Capel y Babel, Maesycwmmer Viaduct and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.

Following this route will take you into Newport and onto the extraordinary famous Transporter Bridge where Route 47 links to Route 4. Continuing easterly on Route 4 will then take you to Chepstow.

For more information on the National Cycle Route Network Route 47 visit the Sustrans website.