Pontypridd Circular Walk
This town in Rhondda Cynon Taf has some nice walking trails along the River Taff and through the countryside of the Rhymney Valley.
This route uses sections of the Taff Trail and the Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk to create a circular walk around the town.
The walk starts on the Pontypridd Old Bridge in the town centre. It's a structure of some note having been built by William Edwards in 1756. The arched single span footbridge is a scheduled ancient monument and Grade I listed. Just south of the bridge you can enjoy a stroll around Ynysangharad War Memorial Park where there are some nice trails around the site where the River Rhondda meets the River Taff. The opening section also passes Pontypridd Common where you can see the The Rocking Stone - a glacial boulder remaining from the Ice Age. From here you can pick up the Taff Trail and follow it south east towards Glyntaff and Rhydyfellin. At Upper Boat you leave the trail to climb to Groes-wen where you meet with the Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk. Follow the trail north west and it will take you past Hendredenny Park before climbing to Mynydd Meio which stands at a height of 322 m (1,056 ft). From here you can enjoy wonderful views over the Taff Valley.
The route then descends to Pentrebach before returning to the town centre.
Pontypridd Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Pontypridd Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Pontypridd OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Pontypridd Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Bunch Of Grapes is a good choice for some post walk refreshments in the town. They are specialists in cask beers, craft beers and authentic Gastropub food. The pub dates from the 19th century and includes a small outdoor seating area for warmer weather. They can be found on Ynysangharad Road with a postcode of CF37 4DA for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The country trails are a good one for fit dogs though there are cyclists to be aware of on the Taff Trail. The Bunch Of Grapes mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To continue your walking near Pontypridd you could head south along the Taff Trail into Cardiff. Here you could enjoy a stroll around the riverside Bute Park or visit the settlements of Penarth and Dinas Powys.
Just to the south east is the neighbouring town of Caerphilly. Here you can try the Caerphilly Mountain Walk which climbs to the viewpoint and visits Caerphilly Common. The climb to Rudry Mountain is also located in this area.
Just to the west of the town there's Barry Sidings Country Park near Trehafod and Hopkinstown. There's some popular woodland mountain bike trails and lovely walks along the park's streams and waterfalls to try. There's also good views of the River Rhonnda at the northern end of the park.
Just to the north west is Llanwonno where there's some peaceful trails through the St Gwynno Forest. The forest includes a secluded waterfall, a small resevoir and a forestry commission picnic area/car park.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Brecon Beacons Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
The Old Bridge and Victoria Bridge, Pontypridd. Dates from 1756 and is a nice place to start a walk in the town.
Bandstand and War Monuments, Ynysangharad Park. The memorials in the park include the War Memorial and the Evan and James James statues, as well as some smaller ones. Evan James and his son James were weavers who lived in Pontypridd when they composed the Welsh National Anthem in 1856.
Sign on the Taff Trail in Rhydyfelin
Hillside overlooking Taff Valley. The lower half of the image is characteristic of the square and shows mainly enclosed hill pasture for sheep and cattle. The brownish strip at the centre and right is an old colliery spoil tip, poor quality grazing which is slowly improving. Beyond (squares ST1284-85), the A470 trunk road from Merthyr Tydfil to Cardiff snakes around the foot of the hill called Craig yr Allt. Next, in the valley of the River Taff, lies the town of Taffs Well, with Garth Wood on the hill behind, and the Vale of Glamorgan beyond it.
Taff view. View looking towards the NW from the bridge that carries traffic up into the Rhondda on the A4058.
The Rocking Stone, The Common, Pontypridd
The River Taff, Pontypridd
