The Valleys of South Wales

Head for the hills - Walkers can also head for the hills and follow long-distance paths over the mountain tops - the Ogwr Ridgeway Walk above Bridgend, the Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk north from Caerphilly or the Sirhowy Valley Walk from Tredegar to Newport. The fascinating Taff Trail, which follows the historic Taff Valley north from Cardiff via Merthyr Tydfil to Brecon, is ideal for walkers and cyclists - so take your pick! Don't worry if you haven't brought your bike! Cycle hire is available at Cyfarthfa Castle Visitor Centre and Garwnant Visitor Centre.

The Valleys area is also proud of its proximity to the Brecon Beacons National Park. For a taste of the forest, visit Gethin Woodlands Park in Merthyr Tydfil. Here you will find a variety of attractive waymarked walks, including an easy access trail, picnic and BBQ facilities. Just north of Merthyr lies Garwnant Visitor Centre - nestled between the forests and reservoirs of the scenic Taff Valley, the Centre offers opportunities for outdoor activities, educational facilities, an adventure playground and BBQ areas, as well as a restaurant and gift shop. The Centre is a good base for exploring the many forest walks and trails.

The historic valleys of Rhondda Cynon Taff are reverting to their pre-industrial beauty, making the diverse and often spectacular built and natural environments one of the area's greatest assets. Majestic mountains, country parks, forests, waterfalls, natural and man-made lakes contrast with the unique built environment to produce an intriguing landscape.

A wealth of available activities include walking, cycling, horse riding, fishing, 'Fairways to Heaven' Golf packages and cross country nature trails on all terrain vehicles.

Forests and Country Parks - The scenic splendour of the Valleys is shown off to its fullest at Cwmcarn Forest Drive, a seven mile forested route which includes panoramic views over eight counties of England and Wales across the Bristol Channel and towards the Brecon Beacons.

The Valleys' many country parks provide wonderful outdoor playgrounds for all kinds of activities. Enjoy walks along four miles of the Sirhowy Valley Country Park near Risca. Cycling, walking and fishing are on offer at Parc Cwm Darren near Bargoed and Parc Bryn Bach near Tredegar which have touring caravan and camping facilities. Bryngarw House and Country Park near Bridgend boasts an exotic Oriental Garden, a super new children's play area and a full summer programme of events including Jazz in the Park, Outdoor Shakespeare, Antique and Craft Fairs, Big Fun Circus Week and Environmental Fun Days.

A day at Greenmeadow Community Farm is full of excitement and fun for the whole family. Children have the chance to make friends with animals, be surprised by the variety of wildlife along the trails, and enjoy the play area. After your visit, relax and enjoy some traditional homemade fayre in the Farmhouse Café.

Situated just outside the town of Aberdare, Dare Valley Country Park has lakes, woodland, waymarked walks, a Valley Inheritance Centre, exhibition gallery, café/restaurant, small theatre facility, caravan and campsite plus en-suite residential accommodation.

To the East the rolling splendour of Pontypool Park combines heritage, beauty and modern recreational facilities in a pleasant environment. The 158 acre former home of the Handbury ironmasters contains the historical curios of the Folly Tower and Shell Grotto, a leisure centre and the longest dry ski-slope in Wales, plus many walking routes through the outstanding scenery. Also situated in the Georgian stable block, is the Valley Inheritance Museum, which documents the proud history of the area. Industrial heritage also meets natural beauty at Bedford Park near Bridgend. Centred on the former iron works set up in the 1780's it is an interesting mix of industrial archaeology, rare plants, flowers and countryside walks.

Time Travel - Time travel is possible at the award winning Llancaiach Fawr Manor, Nelson, where you are transported back to the 17th century in a most convincing and imaginative way. A household of servants delight in showing visitors around the manor house and explaining aspects of their life in 1645. You may even come away from the manor with a herbal cure for chilblains or knowing how to load and fire a musket! Many major events add to the excitement during the summer months.

Just a few miles away at the Old Mill and Candle Workshop, Gelligroes, visitors can travel back to the year 1912 and the fateful voyage of the Titanic. In a tiny attic room of the mill amateur radio enthusiast, Arthur Moore, received the first distress messages from the doomed liner. Whilst next door, visitors can watch candlemaker, David Constable, at work, crafting the candles which have received a Royal Warrant and are made "By Appointment to HRH, The Prince of Wales", as well as being used in many period films such as "Braveheart" and "Pride and Prejudice".

Visit: Wisdom and Walks