What a fantastic day we had on our "Taff Trail and Vaynor Church" walk! Led by the wonderful Hilda, we had a bumper turnout of 22 walkers and 9 dogs for a 9-mile journey filled with history, nature, and camaraderie. We set off northward from the B&Q overspill car park, following the Taff Trail. Our first treat was a glimpse of Cyfarthfa Castle and its grounds. Built in 1824, this grand mansion was once the home of ironmaster William Crawshay II and now serves as a museum and art gallery. As we continued, we enjoyed far-reaching views of the limestone quarries and the remains of Morlais Castle. This 13th-century fortress, perched atop a hill, was built by Gilbert de Clare but fell into ruin after a series of conflicts. Our path took us over the Cefn Coed Viaduct, an impressive structure built in 1866 to carry the Brecon and Merthyr Railway over the Taff Valley. Standing 115 feet high, it's a marvel of Victorian engineering. Descending into the Taff Fechan Nature Reserve, we followed the river for a while, soaking in the serene beauty of this protected area. The reserve is home to diverse wildlife and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. After a welcome tea break, we crossed the Pontsarn Viaduct, another stunning piece of railway architecture from the 1860s. This viaduct spans the Taff Fechan Gorge and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Passing the entrance to Morlais Tunnel, we learned about its history as part of the Brecon and Merthyr Railway. The tunnel, completed in 1879, was a vital link for transporting goods and passengers through the region. Leaving the trail, we headed across farmland where we encountered friendly donkeys, horses, and camera-shy alpacas. We even witnessed the birth of a newborn lamb, a truly special moment. Our journey took us to Vaynor Church, where we stopped for a chilly lunch as the sun disappeared behind clouds. The old ruined church, formerly known as St Gwynno's Church, dates back to the 12th century and was abandoned in the 19th century. Nearby, the former Church Tavern, once a lively pub, has been beautifully converted into a family home. We also visited the grave of Iron Master Robert Thomas Crawshay, who is buried in the churchyard. His grave is marked by a massive stone slab weighing around 10 tons, inscribed with the poignant words "God forgive me". Suitably refreshed, we headed back to the Taff Trail for the homeward leg of our walk. A huge thank you to everyone who came and made the day special, and to Hilda for leading us on this memorable adventure.