Lluest-Wen Reservoir to Trehafod
Leaving Route 47 just south of the Lluest-Wen Reservoir, this route takes you on a traffic-free path, past Castell Nos Reservoir and onto Maerdy.
From here the route continues onto Blaenllechau, Tylorstown and Pontygwaith.
After leaving Pontygwaith there is a short on-road section before arriving in Wattstown.
The route takes you onto another on-road section at Ynyshir all the way to Llwyncelyn via Porth. Please see below for information on a route closure between Ynyshir and Porth.
From Llwyncelyn to Trahafod the route is once again traffic-free.
Trehafod - Pontypridd
Starting at Barry Sidings, a beautiful country park based in Trehafod, this lovely route is great for children and adults of all ages.
The park has two small fishing lakes and loads of places to picnic.
Families can also take advantage of the children’s play area and stock up on refreshments at the café located in the visitor centre.
Further along the route, the old pit workings at Trehafod in the Rhondda Heritage Park are well worth a visit.
The centre is an indoor reconstruction of a period Village Street displaying the domestic and commercial life of the valleys.
There is also an art gallery with a regularly changing programme of exhibitions from both local and national artists, a café and the renowned Black Gold Tour, led by bona fide ex-miners.
Route closures
Due to a landslip in the Tylorstown area in February 2020, the section of Route 881 between Stanley Town and the Station Road Bridge at Ferndale is closed for the foreseeable future.
For more information, please contact the local Sustrans office.
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.