Merthyr Tydfil

Sean Meek

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Merthyr Tydfil was once a major industrial town in the Welsh Valleys, relying on its iron and coal reserves, but it has suffered from the decline of these industries in recent years. Bearing this in mind, you might think this is going to be a walk through a bleak industrial landscape. And yes, there is some industrial heritage to be seen, including the remains of what was once the largest ironworks in the world, the world’s oldest surviving cast iron railway bridge and a walk across the curving Cefn Coed Viaduct, the third largest in Wales.

But there is more to this walk - it starts well outside of the town, following the Rover Taff, as it tumbles over several small waterfalls. It passes through the Taf Fechan nature reserve, which is home to a wide range of wildlife, including dippers, pied flycatchers, lizards, salmon, heron, otters and bats.

Cynfartha Castle and Park are also visited. The castle is a large mansion once home for the Crawshay family, owners of the ironworks. The grounds have been opened up into a large area of attractive parkland and gardens, with the castle at its centre.

Wales - South Wales - Vale of Glamorgan - Countryside

Features

Birds, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Industrial Archaeology, Lake/Loch, Museum, Play Area, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Stately Home, Waterfall, Wildlife, Woodland