Staging
With miles and miles of stunning scenic tracks, canal towpaths and historic trails that suit all abilities and ages Merthyr Tydfil is the perfect destination if you love the great outdoors.
There's a series of trails running right through the county borough that encapsulates the area's history complemented by the natural beauty. So if you want to take time to stop at one of our amazing adventure attractions, learn about our history, shop, eat, sleep or just take a moment to savour the breathtaking scenery. Merthyr has it all!
The Taff Trail takes you on a 55-mile journey from the waterfront of Cardiff Bay up to the pretty little market town of Brecon through the heart of Merthyr Tydfil’s historic villages.
The Merthyr Tydfil section of the Taff Trail (National Cycle Netwo…
We've put together some of our favourite tried and tested Family Friendly Trails. They're trails for you to walk, run, cycle, ride or skip!
They've been chosen as they're -
Follow in the footsteps of hometown heroes
A series of short town centre walking trails have been developed through we love merthyr. They combine gentle exercise with learning on themed walks in and around the town centre. They'll take no more than 1…
The Cyfarthfa Leat is an old watercourse, running approximately 1000m from its source on the banks of the Taff Fechan to Cyfarthfa Lake and was originally built to also convey water to the ironworks.
The old Tramway running below the Leat on a shelf…
The Celtic Trail is a dedicated cycle network that covers east, south and west Wales. The 360 mile, largely traffic-free route encompasses some of the country’s most diverse scenery taking in Wales’ eastern gateway across to the Pembrokeshire Nationa…
The Trevithick Trail - a walk through history surrounded by the beauty of nature.
The Trevithick trial, which starts in the heart of Merthyr Tydfil, celebrates the first groundbreaking trip into the ‘Age of Steam’ in 1804 and still incorporates the o…
Taf Fechan Nature Reserve
This nature reserve is a 2.5km stretch of dramatic wooded limestone gorge cut by the River Taf Fechan, between the bridges of Pontsarn and Cefn Coed to the North of Merthyr Tydfil.
It lies adjacent to the eastern side of th…
Part of the mighty Celtic Trail, the ‘Three Parks Trail’ takes in three of Wales’ picturesque parks.
Starting from the Sirhowy Valley Country Park near Crosskeys, the route takes you over Hengoed’s impressive 16 arch listed viaduct. Look out for ‘The…
The Red Kite Trail - Gelligaer & Merthyr Common
The trail starts and finished at the Rock UK Summit Centre between the villages of Trelewis and Bedlinog. There are three circular routes of varying distances to choose from, all of which enter Gell…
Penmoelallt Community Woodland.
This SSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) is one of Wales's most ancient woodlands featuring a circular walk with eye-catching sculptures and information way stations that tell the story of its natural history and…
Gethin woodlands covers 850 breathtaking hectares and it’s where you’ll find Bike Park Wales.
The Merthyr Tydfil section is part of a much larger woodland area covering 1,364 hectares between Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare and where you’ll find Webbers …
A circular walk via Pontygwaith and Quaker’s Yard can be made from Cefn Glas utilising the Taff and Trevithick Trails. The ridge leads to a possible cairn at the site of an old trig point.
High above the A470 to the north of Quaker’s Yard, the Giant…
Cilsanws Nature Reserve
Cilsanws Nature Reserve is owned by the Merthyr & District Naturalists Society and is completely open for you to explore and enjoy.
There are a few ways to access the area, situated on the south western side of Cilsanws Mo…
Penmoelallt
Penmoelallt is managed jointly by the Merthyr Tydfil & District Naturalists Society and Natural Resources Wales.
The area is a natural Limestone woodland of particular importance due to the presence of an extremely rare species of Wh…
Llwyn Onn – Reservoir Walk
This 3.4k circular, shore-lined, walk lets you immerse yourself in the fresh smells of the conifer forest and lapping sounds of the deep blue water.
Llwyn Onn reservoir, built in 1926, covers 150 acres and is the largest of…
Garwnant – Walking Trails, Discovery Trails & Animal Sculpture Trails.
Situated just off the A470, five miles north of Merthyr Tydfil, Garwnant Visitor Centre sits in the heart of the beautiful Fforest Fawr and is the starting point for walking t…
© Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council 2024