Posted: 03/12/2021
Walk in Rhondda Cynon Taf
Surround yourself with glorious seasonal colours and the freshest of fresh air on an unforgettable walk in Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales.
Whether you fancy a gentle stroll through the loveliest of country parks or a trek to the top of a mountain, we have something for everyone.
We have pulled together some of our favourite walks and added in ideas of where to warm up and recharge. Plus, we have added ideas of other things to do in the area – plus dine and stay inspiration. Find out more in our free Visit guide - get yours now.
Barry Sidings Countryside Park
This huge space near our county town, Pontypridd, has walks and trails galore. Stroll around the lakes and enjoy the local wildlife or hike high up into surrounding mountains.
There’s a unique café on site serving loaded fries and gourmet sausage rolls, plus piping hot tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
If you are visiting with children, they’ll love the adventure playground, BMX course and mini pump track and the nature lakes. Dogs are welcome in the park.
Explore more:
A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park is an award-winning attraction on the site of the old Lewis Merthyr Colliery. Former coal miners will take you on a tour underground and back in time, sharing their personal memories. There are exhibitions, interactive displays and an industrial courtyard filled with original artefacts, plus on-site café, gift shop and craft shop.
Penrhiwllech Trail, Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare
This epic route follows part of the ancient Coed Morgannwg Way 6km up and around Dare Valley Country Park on to high ground with views of the Brecon Beacons.
It’s one of three walks you can take from Dare Valley Country Park, which also has lakes to explore, a family bike park, adventure playground, café and more.
Explore more
Take on the world’s fastest zip line at Zip World Tower. After you have soared off the summit of Rhigos Mountain, Cegin Glo bistro is a great place to relax with a drink or a meal afterwards.
Penpych
Penpych is one of just two table-top mountains in Europe and it is to South Wales what Snowdonia is to the north!
Trek 5km through forestry and past waterfalls to the summit, where an incredible view of the Rhondda Valley unfolds before you.
Explore more
Penpych is close to the award-winning Treorchy, which was named best Independent High Street in the UK: 2019. It has a great range of shops to browse, an ice cream parlour, independent craft and ale shop and loads of places to eat and drink.
Garth Mountain
Close to the fairytale Castell Coch, is Garth Mountain, which is said to be the inspiration behind the Hugh Grant film “The Englishman Who Went Up A Hill And Came Down A Mountain”.
Start in Taff’s Well Park for a steep walk with breathtaking views in all directions.
Explore more
Nantgarw China Works Museum is the only surviving 19th Century porcelain works in the UK and its pieces are considered so precious, they are on display at Cardiff Museum and the V&A Museum in London. To this day there is activity on site, with tours, afternoon tea, craft and more.
Mynydd Gethin
This is a challenging, but rewarding 13km walk from Aberdare to the peak of Mynydd Gethin, nearly 500m above the Cynon Valley. The walk takes you right across the top of the Cynon Valley, with views over the Brecon Beacons.
Explore more
Aberdare was once known as the Queen of the Valleys and is a great town to explore and find somewhere for lunch. A visit to the spectacular town park – home of the first Eisteddfod ever held in Wales – is a must.
Pontypridd Circular
This is an 18km adventure around the mountains, valleys and landscape that surround our county town, Pontypridd. You can follow the route clockwise or anti-clockwise. It’s well signposted and you can enjoy it in a series of smaller hikes if you prefer.
Explore more
Pontypridd has lots to explore – from the 200-year-old Market Quarter that is riding with the times as home to the UK’s best street food at Janet’s Northern Chinese Cuisine, to a large range of independent shops and cafes. Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, home to the National Lido of Wales, is beautiful.
Maerdy Reservoir
This 9km walk starts at the beautiful Miner’s Memorial in Maerdy, taking you through land once used in coal mining to a stunning reservoir and the remains of Castell Nos, which once stood proud on the high land of the Rhondda, long after Normal lords had conquered other parts of South Wales.
Giant’s Bite, Abercynon
Named because of the giant-sized “bite” in the ridge that runs along the mountain-tops – it’s so huge it can be seen from the roads below – this 12.3km walk leads you on the line between the very north east corner of Rhondda Cynon Taf and neighbouring Merthyr Tydfil.
Llanwonno Loop
Take in the myths and legends of Llanwonno forestry on this walk, which can be combined with the St Gwynno Forest walk for a longer adventure. You will see Clydach reservoir, Pistyll Golau waterfall and historic St Gwynno’s Church, former Dr Who film set and the resting place of Guto Nyth Bran, once the fastest man in the world, for whom the Nos Galan Road Races are held in nearby Mountain Ash.
Bwlch Mountain
Adventure to the summit of the Rhondda and enjoy views over Treorchy and Cwmparch on this 12.3km circular route. If you are lucky, the ice cream man – who also serves tea, coffee and cakes – will be in the layby for a refreshing pit stop! Plus the sheep are always up for a photobomb!
Find out more in our free Visit guide - get yours now.
See scores more walk ideas here: