Rambling from and to the Rose and Crown Eglwysilan

There’s nothing like a good walk to build up an appetite and feel like you’ve earned your pint of real ale. At Rose and Crown Eglwysilan (Ilan's Church) you can do both.

The pub itself is the starting point for your ramble. Park in the large car park opposite the 12th century church, which in itself is worth a visit: it has the graves of many of the 81 men and boys that died in the 1901 Senghenydd colliery disaster and also an 8th century warrior stone.

Start your walk by heading left out of the pub then left again, the round trip is about four miles and there are a lot of steep sections. The first stretch will take you to the top of the hill above the pub - here you’ll have fantastic views of the Bristol Channel, Cardiff, Flat Holm and Steep Holm. Carry on the walk and you’ll be above Pontypridd and Cilfynydd with views up to the Beacons and the Rhondda valley. Follow the path around through a glade with a lovely stream then follow the line of the golf course; this will bring you back to the Rose and Crown and your well deserved pint.

The Rose and Crown is a traditional pub, it has a comfortable bar area with a big real fire: ideal to come into if you do the walk or in winter. The landlord and landlady are very helpful and friendly and will give you any history you want on the pub or the church. The meals are home cooked and very nice. It’s the usual pub grub but the home made curries are very nice and huge. Whether you are rambling, visiting the church or just taking a drive to the pub for lunch or dinner you won’t be disappointed.