The smallest hill on the list for Caerphilly at just 140m in height. Whilst the map indicates that the top is on private land, I was surprised to find access open from multiple directions and the whole area riddled with well-walked and well-worn footpaths.

Pen Castell y Van
Pen Castell y Van viewed from Mynydd Rudry. | Tamron Adaptall 2 35-135 (40A) @ 80mm, f11.

I completed this hill using the route above, starting in a car park near Mynydd Rudry and walking down via the forest across open fields to the top of Pen Castell y Van.

Woodland
Winding woodland paths could be very muddy after rain. | Tamron Adaptall 2 35-135 (40A) @ 35mm, f8.
Woodland
The woodland path levels out towards a small stream before you reach the open fields. | Tamron Adaptall 2 35-135 (40A) @ 35mm, f11.

The highest point is now fully accessible, contrary to what hill-bagging sites might tell you. Just walk around and you will find clear access with no need to climb any walls. There is bracken and trees at the highest point, views are limited because of this.

Pen Castell y Van
The open fields towards Pen Castell y Van. | Tamron Adaptall 2 35-135 (40A) @ 35mm, f11.
Pen Castell y Van
The top is pretty much marked by this tree. | Tamron Adaptall 2 35-135 (40A) @ 35mm, f11.

Minor tumps such as this are not as satisfying to walk as larger hills, largely because they don’t really have a defined top. However, the walk there and back was good and as I live in Caerphilly I felt I had to do the full list of hills, including all the minor tumps.

Pen Castell y Van
Looking East from Pen Castell y Van. | Tamron Adaptall 2 35-135 (40A) @ 35mm, f11.

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