We are delighted that you can now view the Ruperra walking map in two of Natural Resources Wales carparks:
Huge thanks to Natural Resources Wales who helped to make this possible alongside funding from the local community. You can’t visit Ruperra Castle as it is privately owned and a dangerous ruin but there are public footpaths which allow good views of the Castle. The closest car park is the Woodland car park at Coed Craig Ruperra which is a 30 minute walk. Download walking maps and find out more about visiting the area Improving walking routes around Ruperra Castle
We are often told that people are unsure which paths are rights of way and get lost trying to find the Castle. We want to improve sustainable access so that everyone can enjoy our heritage and countryside, which can have a positive impact on wellbeing. We have raised over £1,200 of our £4,000 target and have already: • produced a new map of the area showing sustainable access routes on public rights of way • shared the map with the community, making it available to download from our website and by giving away 5,000 new map leaflets for those who need a physical map to follow and keep • put up map signage in local carparks. Our next steps are to: • create an information panel about the Castle at a good viewing point • introduce Ruperra Castle waymarkers on some walking routes. Donate to our campaign
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Despite objections, we were disappointed that Caerphilly Council’s planners recommended approval of plans for Ruperra which - as well as the heritage and nature conservation issues - ignored the public right of way that we have been waiting patiently to be re-opened. We still await Welsh Government’s decision on whether to call in one or more of the applications for its own determination.
Public right of way LLanfedw FP1 goes through the Castle grounds between the locked gates at the North to the South of the site (purple line on image on the left). This path forms part of the Rhymney River Circular walk, which is enjoyed by many. To continue the walk, walkers must currently take a path outside the west wall of the Castle grounds which is very steep and uneven at one end, with the other end being very muddy in the winter. Welsh Government planning guidance for local authorities states the need for adequate consideration of the rights of way before the decision on a planning application is taken; and the need, once planning permission has been granted, for the right of way to be kept open and unobstructed unless the statutory procedures authorising closure or diversion have been completed. LLanfedw FP1 wasn’t indicated on any of the proposed site plans (latest site plan - image on the right). Despite objections being made to this there was not adequate consideration given to it so that walkers can navigate it safely. The gates approved are not permitted on a public right of way. They would act as a physical and psychological deterrent to walkers. There are currently ‘holding directions’ on these applications while the Welsh Government decide whether to call them in for their own determination. Holding directions are issued infrequently and indicate that the proposed development is likely to raise planning issues of more than local importance. We believe there are very good grounds to call in the applications for a national decision as they:
Find out more about Rhymney River Circular walk and visiting the area Purchase your Christmas cards from the Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust and give a little to our charity at the same time. Our beautiful Ruperra Castle: stag in the snow cards were designed by Jan Teagle. Did you know the first Sir Thomas Morgan enlarged the 16th century deer park at Ruperra and there were still deer on the park at the beginning of the 20th century?
Cards are A6 and come with envelopes. They are blank inside for your own message so could also be used as note cards. If you live locally, we will deliver for free, or we will confirm postage costs if you live a bit further away. Any profits raised will support the Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust, a registered charity whose aim is to save Ruperra Castle and surrounding buildings and gardens by campaigning to secure them to use for community benefit, and to ensure a better future for our precious local heritage. Find the order form for cards and books at the bottom of this page Or email [email protected] with your address and postcode. Ruperra Castle books We have a range of books that will make wonderful Christmas presents which we are also happy to deliver locally for free:
You can buy all four books for £15 tied together with Christmas ribbon. Find out more about our books Orders Find the order form for cards and books at the bottom of this page Or email [email protected] with your address and postcode. We are offering a free copy of Pat Jones-Jenkins' book, Serving under Ruperra, for any new members that join before the end of 2022. Serving under Ruperra,1900 - 1939: A collection of memories, is an illustrated account taken from recorded testimonies of people who worked on the Ruperra Estate in the 19th and 20th centuries up to 1939. Ruperra provided employment for locals and specialist roles from further afield. MembershipThe Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust membership community is open to everyone. It is an easy and inexpensive way for you to support the work of the Trust and help us save Ruperra Castle and surrounding buildings and gardens by campaigning to secure them to use for community benefit. By becoming a member, you can play your part in trying to ensure a better future for our precious local heritage.
£10 annual membership (£5 concessions, £15 family): find out the benefits of membership and register before the end of 2022 to receive a free book £6: Just buy the book and learn more about local history |
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