Paths for People in Rhondda Cynon Taf

Our Paths for People work in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) has been based around Llantrisant and Pontyclun Community Councils. We recently re-launched 6 Community Walks in Llantrisant known locally as ‘the Bunny walks’.

Volunteers from our Taff Ely Ramblers group have been integral to this project, and the partnership between our staff, members and the Community Council has driven this project forward. The recent launch of the walks was attended by the Mayor of RCT with the support of the Local Authority. 

In Pontyclun we are again working with our volunteers from Taff Ely Ramblers, and they have been designing local routes in partnership with the Community Council. The routes which will be called ‘the Badger walks’ will hopefully attract more local volunteers to work on Pontyclun’s local rights of way network. 

The aim is to hold a walking festival based around these new routes to showcase the area and the work of the Taff Ely Group. The Community Council also have an Environmental Group and the aim is to engage this group work on the local path network too.

The guide leaflets for the walks can be downloaded here:

• Walk 1 – Llantrisant Circular – 3.8 miles – (2 hours approx.) – Starting point: Llantrisant town centre - This walk showcases the fine views across Talbot Green and beyond from ‘The Graig’, along with taking in the rugged open landscape of Llantrisant Common. You will also pass a few of Llantrisant’s Boundary Stones along with The Royal Mint. There are a large number of gates and stiles on this route that may hinder access.
  
  
• Walk 2 – Two Rivers Walk – 4 miles – (2 hours approx.) – Starting Point: Llantrisant Leisure Centre - As the walk suggests this route showcases 2 of the local rivers, the Afon Clun and Afon Ely. Along the route you will also experience fine views from ‘The Graig’ along with beautiful woodland surrounding the Royal Glamorgan Hospital. There are no stiles on this route, only kissing gates.
  
  
• Walk 3 – Mynydd Garthmaelwg – 3 miles – (1.5 hours approx.) – Starting Point: Llantrisant Forest - Bunny Walk number 3 is based round Llantrisant Forest which is a Natural Resources Wales managed woodland. The route takes you up through dense woodland but then exposes you to expansive views of the Ewenny Fach Valley and beyond. There are several stiles on this route limiting access.
  
  
• Walk 4 – Hen Felin Wynt – 3.8 miles -  (2 hours approx.) – Starting Point: Cross Inn – This walk includes a steep climb, but at the top of ‘The Graig’ you will find a 14th century windmill where you will experience expansive views over Talbot Green and over to Llantrisant Forest. This route also takes you past the historic Llantrisant Castle and Guildhall along with beautiful woodlands as you descend down to Cross Inn. There are no stiles on this route, only kissing gates.
  
  
• Walk 5 – The Caerau – 2.5 miles – (1hr 45 mins approx.) – Starting Point: Rhiwsaeson – This is a leisurely circular route of the small hamlet of Rhiwsaeson just outside of Llantrisant. The walk takes you through beautiful rural farmland, mixed with lush meadows and deciduous woodlands. You will also pass under a disused railway and near the historic Caerau Hill Fort. There are no stiles on this route.
  
  
• Walk 6 – Castellau – 3.8 miles – (2 hours approx.) – Starting Point: Castellau Congregational Chapel – This route takes you through rural farmland with fine expansive views back towards Llantrisant, along with wonderful woodland walking alongside the Nant Castellau. Keep an eye out for The Cliff of the two Saints along your way which showcases some historic rock sculpture. There are a large number of stiles on this route which might hinder access. 

Note:

These walks are part of the Paths for People community walking project which is managed by Ramblers Cymru with funding from the People's Postcode Lottery.