Walk description: We leave the lay by in Pencelli and head towards Llanfrynach, turning left up towards Blaennant Farm. We then take a footpath on our right and we eventually arrive at a stile, (which has a dog gate). We then take a fairly steep route up to a stone wall where we will stop for coffee with views across to Llangorse lake. Heading onward, now with the Bryn in our sight, we make the last remaining climb of any consequence up to the plateau of the Bryn. We head back on ourselves briefly and reach the Cairn shortly. We then descend rapidly towards the southern edge of the Tal-y-Bont Forest and follow a track downwards for about a mile, which eventually becomes a road where we pass close to Pwll-y-Hwyaid (Ducks' Pool) farm. We then join the Usk Valley walk and pass behind Coity Mawr, Cui and Coity Bach Farms. We soon enter a pretty wooded area which should by then be full of bluebells and stop for lunch. After eating we continue along the Usk Valley Walk and eventually join the Barn Lane which is very stony and requires concentration as it is a steep downhill section. We then arrive back at the lay by on the B4558. There is virtually no place to shelter along large parts of this walk, adequate layers and waterproofs are essential along with sturdy boots. If you have any doubts about your ability to complete this walk please give me a ring and I will advise. Of particular note is the significant amount of uneven downhill walking which some people might find difficult - poles (aka 4 wheel drive!) are helpful.

Walk Leader: Geoff Evans

 07545 592860

 Walk leader

Walk classification:

Suitability: Dog friendly.

Surroundings:  River, Woodland, farmland, Moor, Mountain Reservoir.

Facilities: Parking.

View walk on Ramblers National Web Site

Walk description: This walk takes in the high ground surrounding the major town of Pontypridd ,which sits in a broad valley at the confluence of The rivers Rhondda and Taff. There are many viewpoints on the walk with great views down into the town and from some of the higher viewpoints you will also be able to see the Bristol Channel and the Brecon Beacons. We start from the Barry Sidings Country park and cross the river Rhondda using the footbridge we then begin the first climb up to the hill, above the village of Penygraigwen, at the top there is an impressive rock outcrop which forms our first significant viewpoint. We now descend through the woodland of Coed Craig- yr-hesg down to the river Taff. We then take a short riverside walk to the old bridge (there is an option* here to take the bus back see notes at the end) . We now cross the the famous original single span bridge and start climbing again. We use the Penhoel Ely Road (more of a lane than a road) to reach the spring at Paddy's Well . We are now on the high grassland and we climb further to the Trig point on the top of Cefn Eglwysilian , from here there are views in every direction. Having taken all the necessary photos we descend on tracks and country lanes to the Castle Inn footbridge over the river Taff, just after this we reach Treforest Station , (there is an option** here to take the train back, see notes at the end) We now start the third and last climb of the day through the university campus and on to the hills above Treforest its now fairly level as we make our way round above Graig , Maritime Ind est and Measycoed. Then its into the forested slopes of Mynydd Gelliwion and downwards to the start point. We will stop somewhere with a view for both morning coffee (bring your own) at around 11pm and lunch around 1pm Bus option* after 3.2 miles and 500ft back from Pontypridd Bus Station which is a very short walk from the old bridge. Buses run every 15mins to Trehafod (if you don't have a Welsh Bus Pass the Fare is £1). Train option** after 7.4 miles and 1550ft from Treforest Station to Trehafod station, trains every 30mins and the journey takes 11mins . The cost is £3.20 but if you have a Welsh Bus pass its £2.12. Its very easy to find your way back from both the Bus stop and railway station in Trehafod. For those opting to do the shorter walks directions from the bus stop or railway station (back to Barry sidings car park) will be provided on the day. Dogs:- may be allowed on the bus , ask the driver. Dogs - are allowed on trains , must be on a lead and max 2 dogs per passenger

Walk Leader: John Holloway

 07933 795602

 Walk leader

Walk classification:

Suitability: Dog friendly.

Surroundings:  River, Woodland, farmland, Moor, Mountain, Country Park.

Facilities: Parking, Toilets, Refreshments.

View walk on Ramblers National Web Site