Chartist Cave

Chartist Cave (Welsh: Ogof y Siartwyr, also called Ogof Fawr) is a limestone cave high on Mynydd Llangynidr, in southern Powys, inside Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. The nearest village is Llangynidr. It pairs open moorland scenery with a notable chapter of Welsh protest history.

What is Chartist Cave?

The entrance is a broad arch cut into Twrch Sandstone, which rests on the Carboniferous Limestone below. The cave runs for roughly 440 metres, and its mouth sits at around 550 m above sea level, close to the mountain's summit. Access is unrestricted and free.

The older Welsh name was Tylles Fawr, "the Great Hole". The current name dates from 1839. Local tradition holds that Chartists, supporters of a movement demanding voting rights for working men, stored weapons here before the November march on Newport. A plaque at the entrance marks the link. Some writers treat the weapons story as legend, but the connection to the Newport Rising is well established; around 22 protesters died when soldiers opened fire.

What can you see there?

Beyond the arched entrance and the plaque, the draw is the wide, empty upland around it. Going inside is for experienced cavers only: between 1969 and 1970 the Severn Valley Caving Club dug open a passage leading down to a lower chamber with many branches. Most visitors stop at the mouth.

How do you get there?

The usual approach is a walking loop from Llangynidr. One published route is about 7.8 miles, while the Ordnance Survey's longer version covers 15.8 km in around five hours, rated medium difficulty. One guide sends drivers along the B4560 to the Llangynidr Moors car park. There is no road to the cave, so the final stretch is on foot across open ground.

When should you go?

Pick a dry, clear day. The route crosses exposed moor with no shelter, so bring a map or GPS, waterproofs and sturdy boots. Mist and winter conditions make the paths hard to follow. Pack a head torch if you plan to look past the entrance.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee for Chartist Cave? No. Access is open and free.

Why is it called Chartist Cave? The name refers to the 1839 Chartists who, by tradition, kept weapons here ahead of the Newport Rising. It was earlier known as Tylles Fawr and Ogof Fawr.

How long does the walk take? The longer loop from Llangynidr takes about five hours; the roughly 7.8-mile versions take less.

Do you need caving experience? Not to see the entrance and plaque. Exploring the passages beyond is a job for experienced cavers with proper equipment.