Merthyr Tydfil to Cardiff

Day 1: Merthyr Tydfil – Iron Capital of the World

Merthyr Tydfil is named after Tydfil, the daughter of King Brychan. Renowned as the “Iron Capital of the World” after the establishment of a group of cutting edge ironworks – Dowlais, Plymouth, Cyfarthfa and Penydarren, from the 1750’s. Two dynasty’s drove the industrial story – the Guests and the Crawshays.

Around Merthyr Tydfil there are many reminders of the industrial past (here is a great walk that picks up many of the sites) including remains of the canal, the route of the first steam engine to pull a load and many buildings. The Virtual tour of Merthyr Tydfil will give you lots of ideas. And local historians can lead you on tours that explore the history in-depth.

Ideas for places to visit:

• Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery – the home of the Crawshay family that now shows the history of the town. ‍
• St Gwynno’s & Old Vaynor Church – where ironmaster Robert Thompson Crawshay is buried under a huge quarry slab inscribed with ‘God forgive me’.
• Joseph Parry’s Cottage - Birthplace of one of Wales’ best known musicians & composers
• Brecon Mountain Railway – steam into the Brecon Beacons.

Day 2: Pontypridd

At the start of the Rhondda Valleys, Pontypridd developed around the coal industry. Before industry arrived, there were farms scattered around the area, and the imposing Old Bridge was a key crossing point. Built by William Edwards in 1756 it took 4 attempts to construct what was the longest single-span bridge in the world.

Ideas for places to visit:

• Understand the history of the area at Pontypridd Museum.
• Discover the story of coal at A Welsh Coal Experience – Rhondda Heritage Park.
• Ynysanghard War Memorial Park – which includes Lido Ponty and also a monument to the Composers of the Welsh National Anthem, ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’, Evan and James James.  
• Try out local produce including Welsh cakes at the Pontypridd Market Quarter.
• Take a walk around Pontypridd Common – past the Rocking Stone and discover the eccentric story of Dr William Price who championed science, Chartism and cremation.

Day 3: Into Cardiff

Continue following the general route of the Glamorganshire Canal (now A470). At Nantgarw you can see a section of the canal as you visit Nantgarw China Works and Museum, where the best porcelain ever created in the UK was made for a few short years. A great group visit.

The canal, and later the trains, wound their way through the city, past the castle to the docks in Bute Town, where a cosmopolitan community from around the world grew up, an area known as “Tiger Bay”.

Places to visit:

• A walk around Cardiff Castle and Bute Park will include some remains of the canal.  
• Your guide can take a route to Cardiff Bay that includes the route of the canal and the early dock structures. A guided walk around Cardiff Bay will bring the history and the stories of the people who made the area to life.
• You can explore the area from the sea on one of the boat trips.
• Imposing historic buildings include the Pierhead Building and the Coal Exchange which is now a hotel.  
• The Norweigan Church and Craft in the Bay are both located in buildings with a fascinating past.