Posted: 15/12/2017

Pen-pych Mountain By Tracy Purnell – Ordnance Survey GetOutside Champion

Experience the spectacular views of Pen-pych circular walk. This is such a varied walk, which is steeped in history. It passes by some large dramatic waterfalls, two of which are Nant Carnfoesan and Nant Melyn. You can visit an Iron Age settlement of hut circles, views of a former colliery and an old disused railway tunnel.

The walk starts at the far east of the large forestry car park. The path is well defined and gradually takes you up through the pine trees to the first dramatic waterfall. It should take approximately 20 minutes to reach the waterfall. Stop to catch your breath before the path becomes steeper and narrow.

The section of footpath from the waterfall to the summit of Pen-pych Mountain can get muddy and slippery after prolonged rain, so take care as this section is also very steep.

 It’s only a short scramble to the top as the flat summit of Pen-pych is reached. The views from the summit are fantastic! The Rhondda Fawr Valley lies before you, villages as far as the eye can see, with steep forest covered hills that make up the valley sides.

After taking in the fantastic views turn around and head away from the edge of the mountain towards an old dry stone wall.

Once you pass the wall you will see a path descending into a dense forest. The former site of the old colliery will now come into view below. It has now been landscaped to blend in with the surrounding area.

Walking through the dense forestry below can be a little wet and muddy. Its quite dark as you make your way through the moss covered trees, this adds to the beauty of this wooded area.

Once you reach the clearing the path becomes a little rocky. Walk towards the stream up ahead and the large metal bridge.

This stream travels down a narrow valley before pouring out at the head of the old colliery below. This is another large dramatic waterfall that can be seen later on the walk. After crossing the bridge it’s a short walk to Nant Carnfoesan and Nant Melyn waterfall.

Cross over the narrow concrete bridge and head towards the stone steps at the base of the bank on your left. Climb these steps and make your way up the steep bank through the heather towards the Rhigos mountain road.

When you reach the top the footpath is well defined and you will see a wooden sign post directing you to the right, heading down hill once

more to the old colliery site. The path passes the Iron Age stone hut circle and there are usually goats grazing in this area.

Keep following the footpath down the hill where the old landscaped colliery can be seen below. To the side of the colliery in the mountain side is the entrance to the Rhondda tunnel. An old disused railway tunnel that carried coal to the Afan valley. This tunnel is approximately 2 miles long and is cut into the mountain nearly 1000 feet underground. There are currently plans underway to reopen this tunnel as a cycle track.

When you reach the base of the mountain, follow the lane to the barrier onto Coldra Road. It’s from here you walk through a residential area onto the main road and back to Blaen-y-Cwm Road, back to the car park.

Walk information

Start location – Pen Pych Woodland Car Park, Blaencwm Rd, Blaencwm (follow brown and white signs)

Start point grid Ref - SS 924 991

Grade - Moderate

Distance - 5.7 miles / 9.1km

Duration - 2 hours 40 mins

Ordnance Survey map–

Disclaimer: Walks are taken at individuals own risk.  The terrain in some places can be steep and uneven, and paths will include tracks, pavement and steps.  There may be gates and stiles which will be unsuitable for wheelchairs, buggies and prams.

Please make adequate preparation for refreshments and wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

 To read more of Tracy’s walking blogs visit: Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales (weebly.com)