South Wales Attractions

Gelligaer Roman Fort

Good for New in 2011

The Romans and Silures fought over South Wales, and Gelligaer Roman Fort is one of the most imporant remains from this period. The site helps you explore this story and to interpret the lumps and bumps that hide the Gelligaer Fort. This hidden Roman Fort has been brought to life by the community creating new interpretation, a walk route, children’s clue trail and a guidebook, so that all visitors can discover a story about south Wales that is often forgotten – the story of the Romans and the Silures.

The site is not just of historical interest. It's also ideal for family walks and picnics. Like many forts, it commands extensive views over the surrounding area. That might have been strategically important back in the days when the fort was in use, but now it just means superb views for visitors. Kids will loving playing where there are visible reminders of the distant but exciting past, and they might just learn something too!

If you have already enjoyed Gelligaer Fort, why not take a look at some of the other Roman sites in South Wales? There is an excellent museum in Caerleon, for example, on what was once another major Roman site.

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Visitor Information:

Contact details: Church Road, Gelligaer Nr Ystrad Mynach.

Tel: 01443 821322

Email: send us an email

Website: Visit our web site

Opening hours: Open at all times.

Admission charges: Free Admission.

Group Information:

Gelligaer Roman Fort is a great place for a school visit – on the website there are a variety of materials for use in the classroom or on site. Also, Winding House, New Tredegar can organise 2 centre visits exploring the Romans and the Edwardian Archaeologists who uncovered the fort – contact the education officer on 01443 822666 for more information.

Groups interested in exploring the Roman heritage of the area can also follow a longer walk route onto Gelligaer Common where they can visit the Practice Camps as well as other remnants of the areas early history.

Groups can organise to use St Catwgs Hall for lunch/comfort breaks – contact 01443 834022.

Accessibility:

Access has been improved to allow all visitors to overlook the Fort remains. The walk is on country lanes and paths. Toilets are available at the Church Hall.

Getting here

By road:

By road Gelligaer is easy to find. Leave A470 at Abercynon on A472 towards Ystrad mynach. Follow signs to Llancaiach Fawr – continue on Gelligaer Road B4254 to Gelligaer.