Community project pitches a circular walking route for Caerphilly Castle

A grassroots community project is exploring the idea of a circular walking route around Caerphilly Castle.

Social enterprise Caerphilly Eco Hub is currently seeking views from the community thanks to funding from the National Lottery and economic development agency Cwmpas.

The idea was spawned through a series of meetings with residents, community groups and social enterprises in the town to explore ideas to boost tourism.

The circular walk, or Cylchdaith Y Castell as it is being termed, could take the form of an attractive boardwalk around the part of the castle that is currently inaccessible for pedestrians.

This, Caerphilly Eco Hub say, would solve the problem of providing a safer walking route around the castle and one which avoids traffic.

It would also promote active travel for walkers and runners, an accessible route for families with buggies and wheelchair users, and education opportunities for schools.

So far, the concept has received wide support. In addition to surveys, an event was held in December at the Caerphilly Miners Centre for the Community and a display of images of what the boardwalk could look like are currently on display at Coffi Vista.

Lynn Gazal, one of the founders of Caerphilly Eco Hub, has been involved in the idea from the start.

She said: “I participated in a visioning day organised by Cwmpas, where representatives from social enterprise groups and enthusiastic locals collaborated to generate ideas.

“Among them, the circular route suggestion stood out. It was an idea which had previously come up in local consultations and public meetings on environmental issues. Its appeal resonated with all attendees. All the feedback so far has been positive.”

Martin Downes is the Cwmpas Project Manager for the Lottery Fund Community Tourism Project. He is also a councillor on Caerphilly Town Council.

He said: “It has been exciting to see this grassroots initiative to explore a simple but transformative idea for Caerphilly town. The circular route boardwalk would be attractive for visitors, but would also make an enormous difference to the local community.

“It would make for a safer experience and if it becomes a reality, it will enhance what the town offers for everyone.”

Conversations with relevant authorities, such as Cadw, are planned for the future.