Merthyr Tydfil DISCOVER THE REAL PLACE Action-packed family days out Adventure activities Fascinating heritage How we make memories in Mountaintop vistas Merthyr Tydfil and an International in s Britain e highest peak outhern Dark Sky Reserve Fan, th n y w of Pe Best vie Did you know? Part Brecon Merthyr Tydfil had the world's first cast iron railway bridge, of Beaco ns Na world’s largest ironworks, and the world’s first steam locomotive Riv tional park sites of Special ers, lakes and r Park and Fforest Fawr Geo journey took place here eserv Scientific Interest oirs 3 long-distance trails: Taff Trail, Trevithick Trail, Musical Celtic Trail, & Coed Morgannwg Way tradition BRECON MOUNTAIN RAILWAY Cyfarthfa Castle Cradle of working class politics Cymraeg UK’s premier 19th century mountain bike ironmaster’s mansion See the Welsh language Cradle destination, Green Flag for Parc Taf in place names, hear it of working f class politics BikePark Wales f at Canolfan Soar a Bargoed, former site of T ver three coal mines Ri 2 sites of Special Scien 60 tific Interest WALES’S LARGEST areas o On the doorstep of Cardiff: f nature conservatio INDOOR CLIMBING n 30 minutes by car, under an hour by train WALL, ROCK UK SUMMIT CENTRE www.visitmerthyr.co.uk 01 Adventure guaranteed mud optional So many activities to do, so many experiences to share. All within a few short miles. Bike Park Wales 2014 World Enduro Champion and downhill legend Tracy Moseley explains all. What is it? The UK’s first full-scale mountain bike park set in wooded terrain on the side of the valley overlooking Merthyr Tydfil. Imagine a ski resort without the snow, and replace the pistes with a broad mix of natural trails that meander to the bottom of the mountain. Built by riders for riders, it rivals the best in the world. Who’s it for? It’s designed to make mountain biking accessible to everyone including young children. Yes, it’s a world class venue that has hosted the National Downhill Championships, but it’s also a great day out for anyone who can ride a bike and would like to try one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports. Where is it? Off the A470 at the Pentrebach roundabout, Merthyr Tydfil. Pentrebach train station is nearby. Highlights • Uplift service – you and your bike get transported to the top of the mountain by minibus so you can enjoy the descents. Pedal to the top if you’d rather. • The visitor centre, reminiscent of a ski lodge, includes a café and bike shop. • There 28 trails and the elevation drop is up to 240m. • There are five grades of trails including the family-friendly Badgers Run. • Bring your own bike or hire high-quality Trek bikes at the park. Tracy’s tips • Book the uplift service well in advance. • Familiarise yourself with the trails before you arrive. “ One of my favourite trails is Vicious Valley... such a fun, tight • If you’re new to mountain biking, book a half-day coaching course. twisty section of trail that when you get it right you can go so • After a hard ride, refuel and warm up in the café. • For information and online booking go to www.bikeparkwales.com fast and feel like a ninja flying through the trees!Tracy ” Moseley 02 Merthyr Tydfil Visitor Guide www.visitmerthyr.co.uk 03 Rock UK Summit Centre Explorer, mountaineer and Guinness World Record holder Jo Gambi puts us in the picture. What is it? The largest indoor climbing wall in Wales, with indoor caving and bouldering facilities. Outside there’s a high ropes course, kayaking, canoeing, bushcraft and archery. All set in a beautiful green valley. Who’s it for? All ages. Families, groups and outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re trying an activity for the first time, they provide tuition and equipment. If you’re experienced and want to improve further, there’s expert coaching to hand. For groups who want an action-packed weekend away, they put together a range of activities that can include raft building and night hikes. Where is it? Near Trelewis, just 10 minutes off the A470 at Treharris. Highlights • Huge range of activities on one site. • Over 180 indoor climbing routes up to 18 metres high. • Safe environment for beginners to try out activities with experienced instructors. • Everything’s provided, from kayaks to archery equipment and wood for the bushcraft fires. • Changing facilities/showers if you get dirty or wet while having fun! Jo’s tips • Try out the new Aerial Adventure - it’s a great challenge. • Perfect place for a group getaway or a birthday party. • Follow the advice about what type of clothes to wear. • Bring the whole family – perfect for ages eight to 88. • Find out more at www.summitcentre.org.uk “The dedicated team at the Summit Centre are stars, providing just the right balance of tuition, enthusiasm and fun. Beginners are encouraged, skilled climbers are challenged, everyone leaves having experienced a real taste ofJo adventure. Gambi” 04 Merthyr Tydfil Visitor Guide www.visitmerthyr.co.uk 05 What is it? Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer A multi-activity centre alongside Ponsticill Resevoir in the Brecon Beacons National Park, with accommodation on site - the former Dolygaer Outdoor Activities Centre re-opened in the summer 2015 following a major refurbishment Centre Manager and keen kayaker Mike Smith gets by new owners, Parkwood Leisure. Specialist instructors offer gorge adventure, enthusiastic about adventures in the Brecon Beacons. canoeing, kayaking, raft building, rock climbing, caving, orienteering and more. Who’s it for? Adults, kids, schools, scouts, guides, stag groups, hen groups, corporate and military groups. From a birthday activity for eight year olds to a challenging team-building exercise, Dolygaer can put it together for you. Where is it? 10 minutes off the A470, right next to Pontsticill Reservoir, north of Merthyr Tydfil Highlights • Variety of activities with everything supplied. • Spectacular views of Pen y Fan mountain from our site. • Fun, friendly and safe atmosphere to try out a new activity. • Range of accommodation for families and groups. • Open all year – the weather may change but the activities never stop. Mike’s tips • Tackle the full-day Gorge Adventure with its 18-foot pool jump. “ • Ask about our Mix and Match days - a great way to try a couple of activities. • Book accommodation at Dolygaer and get discounts on activities. • Stay an extra night to explore the Merthyr Tydfil area. “We’re a happy bunch – each with a favourite activity and • Find out more at www.parkwoodoutdoors.co.uk specialist skills, all with a huge passion for adventure. Seeing visitors enjoy the great outdoors makes us smile! ” Mike Smith Up for a challenge? • Climb the highest mountain in Southern Britain, Pen y Fan (886m) • Enter the Merthyr Half Marathon www.merthyrrunningclub.org.uk • Cycle the Three Parks Trail that links country parks in three valleys www.sustrans.org.uk • Tackle any number of walks in the Valleys Walking Festival each September www.walesvalleyswalking.org.uk 06 Merthyr Tydfil Visitor Guide www.visitmerthyr.co.uk 07 The making of Merthyr Tydfil 1066 Battle of Hastings c.1760 Industrial 1215 Magna Carta revolution began 500-100 BC 43 AD The Romans invaded 1348-1350 Black Death 1781 Iron Bridge, the The Celts started to Britain and stayed until 410. 1485 Welshman Henry VII world’s first cast iron arrive in Britain. The crowned King of England arch bridge, was built c. 785 AD Construction of Offa’s Welsh language after the Battle of Bosworth in Shropshire Dyke began - a linear earthwork developed from a created by the King of Mercia to 1642-1649 English Civil War branch of Celtic known separate his Kingdom from Wales. Britain as Brythonic. Early 1st - 10th 11th -17th 18th history centuries centuries century 1270 Morlais Castle was 69 - 96AD Penydarren Roman Fort 1759 built by the Normans. housed over 500 soldiers on a site The overlooking the River Taff. Taff valley was sparsely 480 AD Tudful, daughter of populated but within 25 years From 6,000 BC Brychan, King of Breconshire, four ironworks were established: people lived in was martyred during a pagan raid. Dowlais, Plymouth, Cyfarthfa and the Merthyr Tydfil Merthyr Tydfil’s name is derived Penydarren. This marked the area. Stone Age from this event. beginning of ‘industrial Merthyr’. arrowheads and The communities that developed Bronze Age pottery around the ironworks grew to form found locally one large town, Merthyr Tydfil. are on display in the museum at 1793 The world’s oldest cast iron Cyfarthfa Castle. tramroad bridge and aqueduct, Merthyr Tydfil Pont y Cafnau, was erected to supply Cyfarthfa Ironworks with limestone and water. It is still in use by pedestrians today. 1798 The Glamorganshire Canal from Merthyr Tydfil to Cardiff opened. It’s now part of the Taff Trail cycling and walking route. 08 Merthyr Tydfil Visitor Guide www.visitmerthyr.co.uk 09 1801 First British census 1904 Welsh religious revival 1805 Admiral Lord Nelson killed at the battle of Trafalgar 1916 Lloyd George became the first 1833 Abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire Welshman to be Prime Minister 1845-52 Irish potato famine 1948 The National Health Service was born 1871 Trade unions legalised 1930-31 The Great Depression 1897 Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee 1939-45 World War II 1984-85 Miners’ Strike 19th 20th 21st century century century 1801 Merthyr Tydfil established 1900 James Keir Hardie became MP New tourist attractions as largest town in Wales with a 1911 Highest ever population: 80,991 include: population of 7,705.