We are the Taff Ely Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Peter L.
From the remote Mynydd Maen Common car park the walk takes in the Mynydd Maen communication mast before continuing along a ridge and then down towards Abercarn before entering the Gwyddon valley. The terrain is not difficult but on a good day the almost Alpine views are outstanding. Following the Nant Gwyddon we reach Brook Bungalow for a lunch stop before tackling the long but not too steep climb back to the start.
With few stiles, fairly firm ground and very little road walking the walk is not overly challenging but given reasonable weather conditions very rewarding in terms of views. The area seems to be largely undiscovered compared to the very popular adjacent Cwmcarn Country Park. There is no actual bungalow at the Brook Bungalow lunch stop but there is a beautiful clearing with picnic benches next to a stream.
Best access is from A472 travelling north towards Crumlin and Pontypool. Take RH turn through Pantside and uphill past Spar shop. Continue on rural lane to a right turn. Take this turn and after 1/2 mile the lane bends to the right and over a cattle grid. Car park will then appear on RH side.
