Caedra one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Caedra here.

An enjoyable route, but with issues in a couple of places. Walked from Draethen to Caerphilly as phase 2 of a potential Rail Walks route from Risca. The woods to the east of Penhow Farm were being dug up, so the direct right of way was impossible, although a winding track through the forest arrived at the right place. I can see how a previous reviewer got lost here. I also had great difficulty to the south-west of Gwern-y-Domen farm, nearer Caerphilly. I could not find the route - the right of way goes through a reedy bog then disappears. Some sign of a path through brambles and over a broken gate but not advisable. I've created an alternative route using an existing promoted route to make it easier to follow.

August 2022. Direction Caerphilly to Draethen.

Mixed feelings about this walk. The first part as far as Rudry was excellent, with some lovely views across the Rhymney Valley and the hidden valley with the Nant Gwaunybara running through it. After Rudry, I couldn`t find the path - or maybe it had just become overgrown, given the time of year. The path I took brought me out at the Maen Clwyd pub (not complaining - it was a hot day!). I re-joined the path by going up the lane next to the Maen-Clwyd and following the lane to just past Penhow farm, where it enters the forestry. Here, there are quite a few forestry tracks and paths and I got down into Draethen in a different place to the planned point.

The first half was easy to navigate, but after Rudry there are no signs or waymarkers once you leave to roads / lanes. I would recommend the walk from a scenic point of view alone, but take care with the footpath choices.

Photo 1 - A welcome seat at the top of the walk up the breast of Rudry Mountain, with views over the Rhymney Valley.

I walked from Caerphilly to Draethen - easy to navigate, peaceful surroundings & good views. Some stiles were a bit wobbly, but overall it was an easy route.
At Penhow Farm the right of way is shown on the map as going through the farmyard, prompting lots of barking from (enclosed) dogs. A nice woman appeared and said it’s better to go through the field just below the farm, north of the buildings.

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