Crosskeys: Architecture, History and Trails

Crosskeys can be discovered through two distinct aspects: its architectural and Methodist history, and the activities available in the surrounding area. Pontywaun Garden Suburbs and Crosskeys Methodist Chapel invite you to explore conservation status, architecture and the evolution of a community. For time outdoors, there is the Three Parks Trail near Crosskeys and the trails in nearby Cwmcarn Forest. This lets you plan your stay around the balance you want between local history, cycling and walks.

Architectural and Community History

Pontywaun Garden Suburbs in Crosskeys is designated a Conservation Area. An Article 4(1) direction applies to the area. It is dated October 1995 and was brought forward in April 1996. For those interested in local architectural history, this conservation status offers a different perspective from the development of the Methodist Chapel.

Crosskeys Methodist Chapel was built in the late 19th century in the Simple Round Headed style and has a gable-entry plan. This means that the entrance is located on the gable end; the plan description adds a specific architectural orientation to the style designation. The chapel was originally called Pontywaun Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. After its congregation merged with Gladstone Street Primitive Methodist Church, it was renamed Crosskeys Methodist Church in the 1970s. Its construction date, former name and subsequent development of the congregation can thus be understood as distinct historical layers.

The Morbitorium is a museum associated with Crosskeys, at 5 Gelli-Unig Place in Pontywaun.

Cycling and Forest Trails

For a cycling trip, the Three Parks Trail starts at Sirhowy Valley Country Park near Crosskeys. It is an easy, traffic-free cycle ride, clearly distinguishing it from the walks in Cwmcarn Forest. If you would like to include a ride without motor traffic in your plans, this route characteristic is a useful point of reference. As trail conditions can change, check the current route status before setting out.

Nearby Cwmcarn Forest offers two trails with different characteristics. The gentle Nantcarn Walk runs alongside the lake. The more challenging 1807 Walk is 9 miles long and features historic landmarks as well as woodland scenery. The distinction is clear when planning your day: the lake shapes the character of the Nantcarn Walk, while the length and more challenging rating are the key points of comparison for the 1807 Walk. Some longer trails may have diversions, so check the current route before setting off on a walk.

Find the Right Holiday Apartment

When looking for a holiday apartment in Crosskeys, the kind of days you want to spend can guide your choice of location. First, consider whether you want to focus more on local history or outdoor excursions during your stay. If cycling is a priority, the traffic-free nature of the Three Parks Trail is a useful selection criterion; if you are planning longer walks, the different lengths and difficulty ratings of the Cwmcarn trails can help you find an option that suits your plans.

Explore more destinations: Rhymney, Cwmfelinfach, Oakdale, Bedwas, Caerphilly, Blackwood.

Return to the main travel overview: Caerphilly.