Pontypridd Circular
The Pontypridd Circular is a 12-mile round trip up and around some of the most beautiful scenery in South Wales, taking in historic sites and great places to eat and drink.
Taking on the route in one go is not for the faint-hearted, but the beauty of the route is you can join at any point and walk as far as you would like to! Follow the signs in any direction for a 360 loop around Pontypridd and the surrounding area.
A suggested starting point is the historic Llanover Arms, the oldest pub in the town. Follow the route up and over Pontypridd Common, where you can see the historic Rocking Stone and Gorsedd Circle with views over Ynysangharad War Memorial Park and the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty.
Continue to scale Eglwysilan Road and mountain, stopping to enjoy views over the town and the Graig.
At the highest point of the walk you can see across Pen Y Fan and the Brecon Beacons and, continue to the Trig Point, which offers views over the Bristol Channel, and Flat Holme and Steep Holme Islands on a clear day.
Continue through Treforest and Taff’s Well, taking in the weir. Nearby attractions include Nantgarw Chinaworks Museum, the oldest surviving chinaworks in the UK, where fine porcelain that graced the tables of royalty was made. It’s a fascinating tour and there are tearooms to enjoy.
Continue back into Pontypridd and make a stop at the Otley Arms, which has won numerous awards for its Sunday roasts – it also has its own microbrewery on site.
From here it’s through the Graig and up to Trehafod and down into beautiful Barry Sidings County Park, which has an amazing café, lakes, play area for the kids and more. Just a short walk from here is A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum. Set in the footprint of the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery, this award-winning experience sees men who worked as coal miners when they were boys take you on a tour back in time. They will share their personal stories and memories with you. Interactive and digital displays bring to life the history of the industry that shaped the landscapes you are exploring. Caffe Bracchi on site serves hot and cold drinks, meals, snacks and amazing cakes!
You will head back into town near the iconic Old Bridge, once the longest single-span bridge in the world.