Maerdy Res Walk
This route starts at the beautiful Maerdy Gateway memorial, in commemoration of the coal mining community and those who worked in it. The “Cwtch” is a huge statue of a returning miner being greeted by his family. Carved from wood it weighs more than two tonnes!
It’s great for all the family and the flat, well-maintained paths mean it is suitable for walkers and cyclists.
Travel alongside the Afon Rhondda Fach, passing the Castell Nos Filter house, part of the 19th Century waterways work that introduced the two reservoirs to the area.
See the Blue Plaque marking the ruins of the Medieval Castell Nos, built by the descendants of the last Welsh King of Glamorgan. The castle once stood proud over the hills of the Rhondda, defending the land from the Normans.
Maerdy Reservoir is beautiful and, as you continue along the river there are secret picnic spots you can stop at and enjoy – see if you can spot the old bridge!
After a short, steep climb, you reach Lluest Wen reservoir and more amazing views. You can either carry on to the summit of the Rhigos mountain and enjoy the viewpoint there – see the riders zipping down Phoenix at Zip World Tower – or loop back to the start.