Ride on to Caegarw and Mountain Ash past where a statue in honour of local running legend Guto Nyth Bran - a farmer's son born in 1700 - can be discovered. Every New Year's Eve the town holds the Nos Galon road races in his honour.
Follow the trail to Cwmbach, famous for its male voice choir, and on to the former mining town of Aberdare - the gateway to 500 acres of stunning countryside at the Dare Valley Country Park. There are lake centred activities and an interactive visitor centre. An ideal place for a picnic, there is also the enticingly-named Cwtch Cafe.
The route is linked to the Cynon River Park where a labyrinth of cycle paths is under development. The Abercynon end also connects with the Taff Trail.
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Route closure
The Cynon Trail will be closed from around Monday 8 August 2022 for at least six months to ensure public safety, during works undertaken by Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water on a combined sewer and water mains affected by the highway scheme, and works undertaken by Future Valleys Construction to install a new multi-user bridge.
The works will be carried out in three phases.
The first of the three phases is expected to run from Monday 8 August to Wednesday 31 August.
The length of Cynon Trail to be closed during Phase 1 commences near Cynon Farm, Tramway, Hirwaun, CF44 9NU (NGR 296327, 205247) and continues east for 500m to its junction with Footpath Penywaun 4 (NGR 296804, 205148) near Pentwyn Cynon Farm.
The alternative route during Phase 1 is via Tramroad, Brecon Road, Head of the Valleys Road (A465) underpass, Hirwaun Road (A4059) and Footpath 4 Penywaun following access road to Pentwyn Cynon Farm and the Cynon Trail.
Path users are advised that the proposed alternative route follows the pavement of the adopted highway, which is not ‘shared use’.
Any cyclists wishing to use the pavement will need to dismount and walk their push bike.
All traffic (pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians and private users) shall be prohibited from using the closed length of the Cynon Trail.
Please also note that the Cynon Trail closure will coincide with the Hirwaun Road closure at Trenant which runs from Monday 25 July for approximately four weeks.
For the two weeks where both closures coexist, pedestrian and cyclist access through the road closure works will be maintained.
Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.
However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.
Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.
Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.
To make sure everyone gets the most out of their time by the water, please ensure you follow the Towpath Code