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Three new climbing stones are set to come to Parc Penallta, near Ystrad Mynach.

The stones can be used by climbers of different abilities, ranging from beginners to more advanced climbers and will be free to use.

They have been paid for by Caerphilly County Borough Council after it secured Welsh Government funding for the project.

The money comes from the Welsh Government’s Rural Development – Rural Communities 2014-2020 Programme.

The climbing stones are currently being installed and are expected to be ready in the coming weeks, according to the council.

Cllr Chris Morgan, the council’s cabinet member for leisure and green spaces, said: “The new climbing features will be fantastic additions to one of the borough’s much loved parks. As well as offering something new for regular visitors, we also hope it will encourage new people to explore what’s on offer at Parc Penallta.

“I’d like to thank the efforts of our Rural Development and Countryside Services teams and contractor Bendcrete for bringing the project to fruition.”

Last month, the council confirmed it had scrapped plans for a visitor centre at Parc Penallta.

In March 2022, the council estimated the visitor centre would cost £2.1 million, but in a second tendering exercise this had risen to £2.8 million.

Additionally, a tourism and education facility is nearing completion at Colliers Farm Park, just off the A472 near Nelson. At a council meeting, senior council officer Mark S. Williams said the proposed visitor centre would be in competition with the private development if it went ahead.

Instead of building a rival centre, the council is now set to refurbish the steps which lead to the new tourism and education facility through Parc Penallta – this is expected to cost £321,000.

Additional reporting by the Local Democracy Reporting Service