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Taff Ely Group

We are the Taff Ely Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.

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Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking

Overview

Join us as we walk from the village of Trefechan  slow and steady up to the trig and cairns of Cilsanws Mountain (460M).

From here we’ll have fantastic panoramic views of the Merthyr Tydfil Valley, Morlais Castle and the Brecon Beacons in the distance.

After descending the mountain, again slow and steady. We head towards Penmoelallt a natural Limestone woodland and site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) .

Walking back to the start point we follow the Taff Fawr River observing historical points of interest along the way.

Sunday, 22 March 2026
Meeting time:
9:00 am
Start time:
9:45 am
Estimated finish time:
3:00 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
14.5km / 9.0mi
Ascent:
460m / 1509ft
Type:
circular

History and local information snippets along the way.

Some pavement and tarmac path walking.

There’s a small muddy section with  a few fallen thick tree trunks to navigate over, but doable.

Walking poles and gaiters advised, if used.

3 Stiles, some are dog friendly.

Hats and gloves are advised, as its always windy on top of the mountain.

Local grading is moderate plus.

Due to the Merthyr Marathon starting from the town center, there maybe extra traffic, due to road closures on the day. 

As we'll be travelling directly on the A470 to Cefn Coed this shouldn't be a problem.

Features

  • Refreshments available (Pub/cafe)
  • Toilets available
  • Car parking available
  • Car sharing available
  • Dog friendly

Meeting point

Grid reference:
ST 04697 83117
Nearest postcode:
CF72 8AW
what3words:
argued.dove.washed
Meeting time:
9:00 am

Llantrisant Leisure Centre Pontyclun

Starting point

Grid reference:
SO 03306 08426
Nearest postcode:
CF48 2HH
what3words:
chairs.linen.narrow
Start time:
9:45 am

Leave the leisure centre head for the A470 towards Cefn Coed y Cymmer , Merthyr Tydfil. After leaving the last roundabout heading for Brecon take the first right onto the A4054, follow the sign for Cefn Coed y Cymmer. On Upper High St look out for the signpost to Pontsticill, turn sharp left onto Upper Vaynor Rd. Lon Maes Du lay-by is quarter of a mile on your left hand side.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking