You can’t visit Ruperra Castle as it is privately owned and a dangerous ruin but there are a number of view points from public footpaths, and suggested walks and maps.
The Castle is located not far from the village of Draethen and is inaccessible to the public as it is privately owned. Views can be obtained from public footpaths and from Coed Craig Ruperra, the woodland to the north owned by the sister Trust, Ruperra Conservation Trust.
Map of walking routes with views of Ruperra Castle
Iron Bridge Circular Walk - 4.5km
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The Iron Bridge Circular Walk is a 4.5km circular heritage trail that follows the footsteps of the Morgan family, who were connected to this area from the 15th Century. The route passes through Coed Craig Ruperra woodland, Ruperra Castle, the Iron Bridge and St Michaels and All Angels Church. The route follows permissive paths and public footpaths, passing important features associated with the rich archaeological heritage of the area. The paths can become quite muddy during bad weather so suitable footwear is strongly recommended. The trail is signed with the distinctive Iron Bridge Waymarking Disc and should take around 2.5 hours to complete.
Download and print the Iron Bridge Circular walk map leaflet (pdf) for a self-guided walk in the stunning setting of Draethan, Ruperra Castle and Lower Machen. Please note the Hollybush Inn located in Draethen is not currently open. The leaflet is print friendly so some parts appear upside down when viewed online to allow for folding of the map. With thanks to Newport City Council - Walking |
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Rhymney River Circular Walk - 14.5 km
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The Rhymney River Circular Walk is a 14.5km (9 mile) circular walk around the mid valley area of the River Rhymney with short climbs through dappled woodland rewarding the walker with panoramic views of the valley floor and the archaeological heritage of the area. The walk follows footpaths, bridleways and cycleways with only short sections on roads or lanes. The paths are mainly dry in summer but can get boggy in winter and after wet weather. The weather in the valleys is changeable, so you’ll need to pack waterproofs and stout footwear. The path is waymarked with the distinctive dragonfly Rhymney River Circular Walk logo. Walking the route in one day will take upwards of 4 hours. The majority of the walk is relatively flat with one or two short, sharp climbs giving excellent views of the valley floor.
Download and print the Rhymney River Circular Walk map leaflet (pdf) for a self guided walk in the villages of Machen, Draethen and Michaelston-y-Fedw. Please note the Hollybush Inn located in Draethen is not currently open. With thanks to Green Spaces Caerphilly - Walking Trails |
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Coed Craig Ruperra
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A fantastic, recovering broadleaved woodland of 153 acres, Coed Craig Ruperra is close to the villages of Draethen and Rudry in a triangle between Caerphilly, Newport and Cardiff. Until the mid-1990s, it was covered in conifers and was a dark and unwelcoming place. Now, after clear-felling, and with massive amounts of work since 2000 from volunteers and many other supporters, it is fast becoming one of the most interesting places in the area to enjoy a walk, take in the panoramic views, and appreciate the recovering wildlife.
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Coed Craig Ruperra is owned by Ruperra Conservation Trust, a registered charity based near Caerphilly, in South Wales. Our aim is to conserve and restore the biodiversity and built heritage of Coed Craig Ruperra, which was bought by the Trust in 2000. Ruperra Conservation Trust is made up of ten trustees and about 250 members, all of whom pay an annual subscription to help support the ongoing woodland work.
The Trust was formed in 1996, and after purchasing the woodland, we were successful in bids for Heritage Lottery Fund and other grants which allowed us to begin the major task of conserving and restoring both the native woodland and the Scheduled Ancient Monument, an Iron Age hill fort, which surmounts the ridge.
The woodland lies in a Special Landscape Area, and for a long time formed part of the estate of Ruperra Castle, which lies to the south. It has had a long history of occupation and use by man, and as such it has interest both for wildlife enthusiasts and those interested in history. Find out more about Coed Craig Ruperra and the Ruperra Conservation Trust
The Trust was formed in 1996, and after purchasing the woodland, we were successful in bids for Heritage Lottery Fund and other grants which allowed us to begin the major task of conserving and restoring both the native woodland and the Scheduled Ancient Monument, an Iron Age hill fort, which surmounts the ridge.
The woodland lies in a Special Landscape Area, and for a long time formed part of the estate of Ruperra Castle, which lies to the south. It has had a long history of occupation and use by man, and as such it has interest both for wildlife enthusiasts and those interested in history. Find out more about Coed Craig Ruperra and the Ruperra Conservation Trust
St Michaels and All Angels Church, Lower Machen
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If you are in the area, do not miss a visit to this beautiful ancient church which is linked to the Morgans of Ruperra and houses the recently restored Morgan Chapel where many of the family have been laid to rest. The church has many remarkable historical artefacts including the largest collection of hatchments in Wales, marking the death of several members of the Morgan family. The site has been a place of continuous worship for over 1,500 years.
The walk from the Church to the Castle takes about 45 minutes, along public footpaths and over the Iron Bridge. The reason the Sunday morning service still starts at 11.15 and not 11.00, was originally to enable the servants of Ruperra Castle to clear away breakfast and walk to church in time to meet the family who would arrive by coach. The church is happy for walkers and cyclists to use the toilet anytime, which is situated in the building at the back of the graveyard behind a red door. Please respectfully leave it clean and tidy! To arrange a visit to view the chapel and hatchments please email: [email protected] If you are unable to visit you can take a virtual tour and view the hatchments and chapel: Heritage – St. Michael & All Angels Church, Lower Machen |
Hatchment
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