Cycling

Traffic jams - who needs them?Here in Rhondda Cynon Taf we like to slow the pace down and enjoy our scenery. We have plenty of it.

High mountain ridges, forests and waterfalls linked by a network of cycle paths to take you to your favourite view. So, pack a picnic and maybe a bicycle pump, and enjoy some freewheeling.

We have over 40 km of cycle paths, so you can stop whenever you like and admire the view. The Taff Trail in Rhondda Cynon Taf connects with cycle routes all over South Wales.

Cyclists Llynfawr

Pontypridd

Pontypridd is a great central point to begin your journey from. The historic market town is at the intersection of 3 national level routes, Route 4, Route 47 and Route 8 (which includes the Taff Trail). Pontypridd is easily accessibly by both road and rail and makes a great base to explore the South Wales Valleys from.

Celtic Trail - Route 4

The Celtic Trail forms part of the National Cycle Network (NCN) which is a national strategy to construct 6500 miles of signed, safe and cyclist friendly routes throughout the United Kingdom. The Celtic Trail cycle route takes you across 220 miles of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in south and west Wales, from Chepstow to the Pembrokeshire National Park.

In Rhondda Cynon Taf the Celtic Trail crosses the Taff Trail near Pontypridd. If you cross the eastern border, the route will pass through the grounds of Caerphilly Castle - one of the greatest surviving fortresses of the medieval world. You will find further information about the cycle routes in our area at www.sustrans.org.uk.

High Level Route - Route 47

The route is one braid of the National Cycle Network and spans 24 miles (38km) of pure nature and high-forested grounds between Pontypridd and Neath. Made up of mainly forest roads and single tracks, it has several steep gradients and rough surfaces in parts.

You will find further information about the High Level Route and about other cycle routes in our area on the sustrans website, here.

family cycling Barry Sidings

St Gwynno - Mountain-Bike Area

The St. Gwynno mountain-bike route is a terrific trail right in the centre of Rhondda Cynon Taf, situated near Pontypridd. The trail is surrounded by the unspoilt area of St. Gwynno Forest where the lush green environment is home to many rare birds and animals.

The trail starts at Llanwynno picnic grounds and the following 12 kms/ 7.5 mls of the trail passes points of interest like St. Gwynno Church, Pistyll Goleu Waterfall and the Clydach Reservoir.

How to find St. Gwynno Forest: Once you are in Pontypridd, situated to the north of Cardiff, the B4273 to Ynysybwl and then to St. Gwynno Forest. There is a car park close to the start at Llanwynno picnic grounds.

mountain bikers in Rhondda Cynon Taf

Loops and Links

loops and links waymarkerLoops and Links is a new network of over 250km of way marked trails exploring the valleys, forests and hilltops of the Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taf areas of South Wales. The routes included are suitable for cyclists, walkers or horse riders and range from just a few kilometres to over 70km’s for the brave. To purchase a copy of this exemplary guide to waymarked trails in the area, please follow this link to the loops and links website.

To find out more about Destination Rhondda Cynon Taf and to enter one of our draws, please click here

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