If you want action-packed cycling and walking adventures, combined with panoramic views, wildlife-rich country parks, fascinating heritage sites and attractions, and quirky café and pub stops, then explore the east section of the Celtic Trail.
Celtic Trail East travels right into the heart of the South Wales Valleys, following many of the very same railways, tram roads and towpaths that once transported the raw materials of the industrial revolution.
It offers a fantastic mixture of traffic-free rides and challenging adventures taking in breath-taking Valleys landscapes, and brilliant historical and natural attractions including Chepstow, Caldicot and Caerphilly Castles, Newport Wetlands, and the mighty Hengoed viaduct.
Discover the stunning country parks of Sirhowy, Penelta and Taff Bargoed along a completely traffic-free and gorgeously scenic Three Parcs Trail.
Learn about the myth of the Green Lady who resides in Caerphilly Castle, Europe’s second-largest castle along the Nantgarw to Machen section of Route 4.
And explore Margam Park’s beautiful Deer Park, ornamental gardens and magnificent estate.
Both Route 47 and Route 4 of the Celtic Trail also link up with the popular Taff Trail allowing you to take your adventure north towards Brecon, or south to Cardiff.
Daily stages
If you’re looking to tackle long stretches of the Celtic Trail over a few days, the route can easily be broken down into a number of daily stages most of which are approximately 30-45 miles long.
Our suggested stages for the Celtic Trail East are outlined below, but you may choose to do more than one stage per day or you may prefer to do a half-day and take a break to visit some of the attractions along the way.
The stages start and finish in towns where there will be a reasonable choice of accommodation and refreshments.
The route is best ridden from west to east to make use of the prevailing westerly winds.
- Stage 1: Swansea to Pontypridd via High-Level Route
- Stage 1A: Swansea to Pontypridd via Low-Level Route
- Stage 2: Pontypridd (Quakers Yard) to Chepstow.
If you want to tackle the Celtic Trail from Fishguard to Swansea, please go to Celtic Trail West.
Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.
However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.
Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.
Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.