Craig yr Allt (273m) [P-154]

Overview

Craig yr Allt (273m) [P-154] is a small and narrow ridge-peak situated on the East bank of the river Taff, above Taff’s Well in South Glamorgan, South Wales. It is much less imposing than its neighbor The Garth (307m) [P-211] and vegetated almost in its entirety, nonetheless, its surroundings offer lush forests and rolling hills that name the area to the ENE Caerphilly Mountain. All considered, it makes a compelling proposition for a double Marilyn day.

Craig yr Allt (273m) as seen from the overpass.

Craig yr Allt (273m) from Taff’s Well train station.

This Marilyn is not particularly attractive, although it sure did draw my attention on the topographic map. It is both literally and figuratively overshadowed by The Garth (307m) [P-211], with a lot of the local historical details covered in that post, acting as an informal Part I. The double ascent which links The Garth (307m) with Craig yr Allt (273m) is very much recommended and can be extended to reach Caerphilly or Cardiff, visit Castell Coch, or simply enjoy a half-day out.

Route

Expecting to be ‘starting’ (more like continuing) from the North Taff Bridge, it was logical to plot the most direct course using the streets and trails on the West foot. From there I would follow a direct ridge ascent, completing 75% of this famous ‘ridge-traverse’. Upon retracing my steps I hoped that the more popular Taff Trail would offer a comfortable return back to the Taff’s Well train station.

From the North Taff Bridge, I crossed Cardiff Road (A4054), at Taff’s Well Pub, and unknowingly near the thermal spring, which I wish I had visited. Instead I continued east towards industrial estates, passing over the train tracks, and later the A407 road. For once the route had done away with any charm, but at least it was short lived. Within 5 minutes I reached a quainter residential estate, and only worried I’d look weird, I kept up face, walking through long and overgrown lanes. In 12 minutes total I was back onto trails.

Craig yr Allt (273m) as seen from the railway.

Overgrown back lanes.

A set of diagonal trails brought my up to higher rungs of the main trails, first a curious asphalted track, some more forest, and then the wide dirt track of Taff’s trail. These connecting section were not particularly steep but require a keen eye for navigation since they tend to be very overgrown (T1+). Above Taff’s Trail, the final trailhead for my ascent was almost completely swallowed by the foliage, and although entry was difficult, the forest within was spacious, and the trail clean enough (T2). The temperature had now risen significantly and the lack of wind within the forest was being felt. Here I ran into a couple of trail runners and their dog, all from nearby Caerphilly, and we took turns passing each other and resting as we bolted up the switchbacks to the base of the ridge. We were there after another 10 minutes.

Overgrown trail-head off Taff’s Trail.

The start of the Craig yr Allt (273m) ‘ridge’.

I honestly expected the ridge of Craig yr Allt (273m) to be at least less forested, instead the tall trees blocked much of the views except behind. The trail however is very good and conductive for these speeds (T1+), navigation is also no issue. At around 210m a low fore summit is reached and the views are partially improved since the ridge proper is gained, once again the route is obvious, but the terrain can be a bit more difficult, also featuring sections of sand (T2). There is a characteristic steep rise of no higher difficulty at the exit of Craig yr Allt Common, which brings one to the airy summit ridge (T2-). I reached it after 32 minutes. Wide as it is, it offers excellent views and a perfect spot for a lunch break.

The Garth (307m) as seen from Craig yr Allt (273m).

Runner at the top of Craig yr Allt (273m).

The summit itself features no marker besides some stones, which made for the perfect lunch break with more bucolic views of The Gap and Cardiff to the South. The sun was now hidden behind clouds, so I tended to eating my sandwich, but not before the trail-runner’s dog also tried to have some. They left leaving me all alone, and with plenty of time until the next trail, I took a leisurely 13 minute summit break before heading back down.

View from the summit of Craig yr Allt (273m).

I retraced my steps along the ridgeline, making really fast time and putting my new shoes to the test. The long switchbacks, and good trail were perfect for this, and I was back within the lower forest by Taff’s Trail in just 10 minutes. From there I carefully made my way to the exit using some GPS navigation and having to jump some logs (T2). I passed Taff’s Trail proper and instead turned left and onto the paved walking lane which leads progressively to the train station. I could take it easy, it was nearly an hour until the next train.

On the lush Craig yr Allt Common.

On the quaint paved road into Taff’s Well.

Seeing how much time I had, I found and old train overpass which served as the perfect lunch break. I still had about half of my sandwich left, as well as some snacks. It was also the perfect opportunity to air out myself after the long effort, dry my technical t-shirt, and change into something more civil as I made my way onto the return train. It took me 23 minutes to reach that overpass on the descent, and spent 20 minutes there before walking just 5 more down to the train station. I didn’t wait more than 5 minutes at the platform, and as we departed back South to Cardiff, it started to rain.

Interactive Map

Logistics

This was the second Marilyn for my South Wales May 2026 trip, and I went for my preferred style of a solo eco-point ascent from Newport. Although we had been at a wedding party the night before, I felt fresh enough for a good half-day out.

Public Transport

I left from Newport train station at around 9:30, taking the direct train to Cardiff Central. There I was able to make a short changeover onto the Northbound line passing through Taff’s Well. In total it took about 1 hour each way, and at a total cost of GBP 18.35 for the return journey. This cost covers both ascents of The Garth (307m) and Craig yr Allt (273m).

Cost per Km: €1.23

Nearby Peaks