Walking and Cycling Weekend 27-29 June 2014 Sponsored by Investing in the local community [email protected] BE active, FEEL better, ENJOY the outdoors MERTHYR TYDFIL

Merthyr Tydfil is ideally placed between the Brecon Beacons National Park and Cardiff, the Welsh capital. It was once known as the iron making centre of the world but today it is the industrial heritage, visitor attractions, stunning scenery and warm Valleys welcome that attract visitors to the town.

The county borough of Merthyr Tydfil has approximately eighty five miles of Public right of way plus a vast national cycling network winding through the valley. This provides abundant opportunity for family strolls and bike rides or more challenging hikes and exhilarating mountain biking sessions.

Whether experienced or a novice the Merthyr Tydfil Walking and Cycling weekend has something to offer everyone whilst enabling you to explore beautiful landscapes, learn about the area’s rich history and make important strides towards improving your health.

Most events are free and cover a range of times, durations and distances - all you have to do is book!

To book on an event telephone (01685) 724445 Or email [email protected]

This weekend has been sponsored by 1

Friday 27th June

Gethin Woods and Beyond (Walk) - Led by Kevin Oates

Start 4.30pm at Bike Park , Merthyr Tydfil Duration - 2 hours Distance - 3 Miles Ability - Novice Requirements - Appropriate footwear required, dogs must be kept on a lead Spaces available - 12 To book a place contact - [email protected]

This charming walk will take you along the rights of way within Gethin Woods, offering stunning views and much of historical interest. Start your weekend off on this walk followed by a BBQ back at Bike Park Wales. 2

Friday 27th June

Gethin Woods and Beyond (Bike) - Led by Gethin MTB and Sustrans

Start - 4.30pm at Bike Park Wales, Merthyr Tydfil Duration - 1.5 hours Ability - Confident Cyclist’s Requirements - Own bike and helmet compulsory Spaces available - 24 To book a place contact - [email protected]

Leaving Bike Park Wales, you will head up the valley on the bridleway network, conserving your energy until you commence sharp climb on a bridleway through Gethin Woods until you return to the woodland café at Bikepark Wales. 3

Saturday 28th June

Follow the Red Brick Road (Walk) - Led by Ian Everett Woolston

Start - 10am from Cyfarthfa Castle, Merthyr Tydfil Duration - 2 hours Distance - 2 Miles Ability - Novice Requirements - Appropriate footwear, dogs to be kept on lead Spaces available - 12 To book a place contact - [email protected]

This lovely walk will take you around the newly constructed paths of the Cyfarthfa Woods behind the Castle. During the walk you will be able to compare photographs of how the grounds looked in the 19th century and how they look today. 4

Saturday 28th June

Castle to Castle (Walk) - Led by Harri Evans

Start - 10am from Cyfarthfa Castle, Merthyr Tydfil Duration - 5-6 hours Distance - 7 miles Ability - Arduous Requirements - Appropriate footwear required, dogs to be kept on lead Spaces available - 12 To book a place contact - [email protected]

Follow Derek Brockway’s footsteps and discover Masters of Iron, Medieval Marcher Lords and millstones on this 8 mile circular route. The walk will take you along the , visit the remains of Morlais Castle and return through the stunning Taf Fechan Nature Reserve. 5

Saturday 28th June

Walk with the Warden (Walk) - Led by Paul Virgin

Start - 11am from the Pavilion, Parc Taf Bargoed, Trelewis Duration - 2 hours Distance - 2 miles Ability - Easy Requirements - Appropriate footwear required, dogs to be kept on lead Spaces available - 12 To book a place contact - [email protected]

Enjoy the pleasant surroundings and company of the Taff Bargoed Warden, who’ll give you a guided tour around the parc. Enjoying the breath taking views of the lake and the valley, taking you alongside what was one of the first and Europe’s largest reed filtration beds, that host many rare and protected species of bird like the reed warbler. 6

Saturday 28th June

Loops and Links (Walk) - Led by Merthyr Tydfil Ramblers

Start - 10am from the Pavilion, Parc Taf Bargoed, Trelewis Distance - 7 Miles Duration - Approx 4 hours Ability - Moderate Requirements - Appropriate footwear required, dogs to be kept on lead Spaces available - 12 To book a place contact - [email protected] [email protected]

A Merthyr Tydfil Ramblers led walk which will take in Mynydd y Capel via Coed Cae and continue along the ridge to Penddaugae fach. The route will include Taff, Trevithick and Celtic Trails which will ensure you witness breath-taking scenery. 7

Saturday 28th June

Family Taff Trail Circular bike ride (Bike) - Led by Gethin MTB

Start - 10am from Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre Duration - 2 Hours Distance - Approx 3-4 miles Ability - Families/ Novices Requirements - Own bike and helmets compulsory Spaces available - 24 To book a place contact - [email protected]

Fancy a family bike ride on a Saturday morning? This is the one for you!

Leaving Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre you will travel along the Taff Trail passing through the village of Abercanaid (built in the 1860’s to sustain the collieries) and continue on the bridleway to the foothills of Bikepark Wales before looping back to the Leisure Village. 8

Saturday 28th June

Parc to Parc (Bike) - Led by David Jones & Ian Everett Woolston Start - 1pm from the Pavilion, Parc Taf Bargoed, Trelewis Distance - 8 Miles Duration - Approx 2 hours Ability - Moderate with 3 small inclines Requirements - Own bike and helmet compulsory Spaces - 20 To book a place contact - [email protected] For those who haven’t experienced the Celtic Trail this ride is a must. Starting from Taff Bargoed Park the guided tour will take you to see the wonderful sights of both parks. The cascades of Taff Bargoed onwards to the Lakes and wetlands of Penallta hosting a large collection of many Dragonflies, where you may dismount and walk along the decked paths through the reed bed to have an even closer look at the wildlife. 9

Saturday 28th June

Taff Trail to the (Bike) - Led by Gethin MTB

Start - 1pm from Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre Duration - Approx 2 hours Distance - 16 Miles Ability - Strenuous Requirements - Own bike and helmet compulsory Spaces - 24 To book a place contact - [email protected]

This ride departs from Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Village and follows the Taff Trail north to picturesque village of Ponsticill. Along with the physical challenge of the cycle ride the journey will take in many elements of the nationally important Cyfarthfa Heritage Area and the incredible views of the Brecon Beacons from the reservoir. 10

Saturday 28th June

Taff Trail to the Giants Bite (Bike) - Led by Gethin MTB

Start - 10am from Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre Duration - 2 hours Distance - 2 Miles Ability - Confident Cyclists Requirements - Own bike and helmet compulsory Spaces - 24 To book a place contact - [email protected]

If you have ever driven along the A470 and seen the Giants Bite in the distance then this is the ride for you. From the Taff Trail you will steadily climb to take (a well-earned) rest at the mouth of this recognisable feature before riding down to the picturesque Pontygwaith area. 11

Sunday 29th June

Roman Trail Brecon to Merthyr Tydfil (Bike) - Led by Gethin MTB

Start - 10am from Silver Street, Brecon Duration - 2-3 hours Distance - 20 Miles Ability - Confident able mountain bikers Requirements - Own bike and helmet compulsory Spaces - 24 To book a place contact - [email protected] Cost - £10.00, all proceeds go to Mayor’s Appeal

This is a must for every serious mountain biker as you travel along the old Roman Road from Brecon to Merthyr. Starting at Silver Street in Brecon you will ride cycle through the Pen-y-fan Gap down the taff trail to Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre. Please contact the Mayor’s Office on (01685) 725320 for further details and registration/Sponsor forms.

Limited transport is available from Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre but must be booked in advance. 12

Sunday 29th June

Mayor’s Family Fun Walk/Cycle Ride

Start - 11 am from the Fynnon Dwyn, Pontsticill Duration - 1-2 hours Distance - 6 Miles Ability - Easy Flat all along route Requirements - Appropriate footwear, dogs to be kept on lead Spaces - Not Applicable To book a place contact - [email protected] Cost - £3.00 - all proceeds to Mayor’s Appeal

Enjoy the fun and friendly atmosphere of the Mayor’s annual walking and cycle event!

Starting at the Fynnon Dwyn you will take in fascinating elements of Merthyr’s past as you gently descend to the Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Village. Furthermore upon completion you can claim your “finisher’s medal” - available for participating dogs too!

Please contact the Mayor’s Office on (01685) 725320 for further details and registration/Sponsor forms.

Limited transport is available from Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre but must be booked in advance. 13

Sunday 29th June

Family Funday

Come along to Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre on Sunday 29th June for the annual family fun day following the “Roman Trail event”.

There will be lots of things to see and do including fossil hunting, the opportunity to try various bikes such as unicycles, and much more.

We would like to thank our Partners

- Gethin MTB - BPW - Merthyr Ramblers - Sustrans - Merthyr Tydfil Camera Club We would like to thank our sponsor Miller Argent for supporting us in this event, and our partners and leaders who have made this event a possibility.

We are proud to sponsor the Walking & Cycling Festival as it is connecting the community with the great outdoors. We hope you enjoy the weekend! As a major local business, employing many local people, Miller Argent is committed to continuing to support the community directly and through the Ffos-y-fran Community Benefit Fund, as evidenced by the many beneficiaries to date. If you would like more information, please contact us on 0870 111 5600.

Investing in the Local Community

Useful information

For further details contact: [email protected] For accommodation visit www.visitmerthyr.co.uk

For up to date travel information www.traveline-cymru.org.uk To book on an event telephone (01685) 724445 Or email [email protected]