Chartist's Cave

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Chartist cave is a well known landmark high on the Llangynidr moors above Trefil. Below the upper entrance chamber is a large chamber with radiating passages that gives a clue to the size of cave that is still to be found under Mynydd Llangynidr.
Length 440m
Altitude 533m
Grid SO 12770 15231
The Chartist Cave has long been known, originally under the name of Tylles Fawr - The Great Hole. In 1839 the cave was used by Chartist Rebels to prepare and stockpile weapons such as pikes for their attack and seizure of Newport in November of that year. Since this time it has been known as The Chartist Cave or Chartists' Cave. In 1969 the SVCC excavated the floor in the cave to find a descending passage that entered a lower level chamber with a multitude of passages radiating off it. Chartist Cave is located high on the moors above Trefil and is a prominent landmark noted on most maps.
Central Northern Outcrop Google map showing the location of Chartist Cave and other caves in the area. No known access restrictions. Chartist Cave sits high on the moors above Trefil near the summit of Mynydd Llangynidr its arched entrance being formed by the gritstones that cap the limestone in this area. A plaque by the entrance commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Chartists' act of treason.
Two passages lead off from the large entrance chamber, the one to the right closing down after about 30m. The passage to the left leads to a high level rift that closes down and a hole in the floor that leads to a crawl that enters a lower chamber. The route down to the lower chamber is tight and emerges as a low crawl, that can be difficult to spot on the return. Once in the Lower Main Chamber a multitude of passages and rifts radiate from this chamber but all close down with sand or rock fill. There must be great potential for much more cave beyond this chamber. No tackle is required. Cambrian Cave Registry for Chartist Cave
Caves of South Wales | Tim Stratford | ISBN: 1-871890-03-9 | Published by Cordee
The Caves of the Central Northern Outcrop | Tony Oldham
The entrance chamber is a popular local landmark and a visit to this first chamber often forms part of walks to this area. Beyond the first chamber the route through to the rest of the cave is via a tight descending slot, and once in the Lower Main Chamber the way out is not obvious so is best only tackled by experienced cavers. The photographs and information of this page has been provided to help cavers planning trips. Caving can be a dangerous activity, if you are interested in exploring caves please join a caving club so you can enjoy a safe introduction to this sport. Local caving clubs are listed on the links page or you can visit the 'New To Caving' website for more options.
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