This 29-mile (46 km) hike takes in the most majestic sights of the Rhymney Valley, one of South Wales’ historic industrial valleys. The walk takes you in a giant loop around the town of Caerphilly, with hilltop summits, vibrant woodlands, open moors and ancient earthworks. This is a walk that blends human history and glorious upland terrain and reveals how the landscape changed during the Industrial Revolution.

As the name might suggest, you hike along a lot of ridges on this adventure. Some wooded and some exposed, you’re treated to plenty of peaceful stretches in forests as well as some glorious views. Out of the landscape spring viaducts, castles and pretty churches, all posing for photos.

In this Collection, I’ve split the route into two stages. Using this itinerary, you could easily hike the Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk in a weekend, particularly during summer’s longer days. Of course, you can split the route up into as many stages as you like.

I recommend hiking from late spring to early autumn as the weather can be very inclement in winter. Regardless of when you walk, always take waterproofs with you as South Wales is prone to rain showers at a moment’s notice.

This itinerary starts at The Rowan Tree inn between Nelson and Ystrad Mynach. As this trail is a loop, you can begin wherever is easiest for you. The biggest challenge is finding somewhere to leave your car if that’s how you choose to arrive. Negotiating a parking space with your accommodation could be a good solution, or you can take public transport to the trail start.

If starting at The Rowan Tree, it’s a stop on the number 7 bus between Pontypridd and Blackwood. The first stage ends near Rudry and the Maenllwyd Inn where you can catch the J bus to Caerphilly (15-minute journey time) for accommodation. Always check the buses before you travel because some services end in the afternoon.

If you’d rather arrive by train, it’s worth altering this itinerary a little and beginning from Ystrad Mynach, which has a railway station with direct links to Cardiff.