Things to do

If you love exploring the great outdoors, then The Roost is a great base for your next adventure. 

The Roost sits halfway along the Taff Trail, a popular 55 mile cycle and walking trail running from Cardiff to/from Brecon. There's plenty to do in and around the trail and it's part of the long distance trail, Lôn Las Cymru, national cycle route 8, which runs all the way from Cardiff to Anglesey/Ynys Mon.

Walk in the Bannau Brycheiniog/Brecon Beacons National Park and find waterfalls, wooded gorges and wide open spaces. The big peaks are Corn Du (873m), Pen y Fan (886m), Cribyn (795m) and Fan y Big (719m). Pick them off one by one or do them all in one go. Visit spectacular Henrhyd, the highest waterfall in South Wales. There are legendary walks in the Valleys too.

Zip World Tower is a thrill seeker's dream with high speed zip line rides, the Tower Coaster and the Tower Climber. Adrenaline rushes guaranteed!

For rock climbing and abseiling, the Summit Centre is close by and there’s also some ‘quality rock’ in the Beacons.

You could also do watersports, paddle board on the Taff, go fishing in a reservoir or one of the nearby rivers, horse ride over the hills, moors and fields and so much more.

If you're a mountain biking (MTB) enthusiast, you’ll find plenty of incredible trails within an hour’s drive of The Roost:

• BikePark Wales ( 15 min off road or 10 min) - "home for mountain bikers from novice to professional, with the UK's greatest and most diverse selection of all-weather mountain bike trails"
• Mountain View ( 28 min) "is the perfect place for you to explore the exhilarating trails and breathtaking views"
• CwmCarn Bike Park ( 35 min) - "Get your fix of singletrack fun and downhill action at Cwmcarn’s mountain bike trails"
• Dirt Farm ( 35 min) - "the UK’s most exciting downhill bike park, set in the heart of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)."
• Afan Forest Park ( 55 min) - "Discover our famous mountain bike trails, waymarked walks and family friendly cycle routes set in the backdrop of the stunning Afan Valley."

The National Park has some of the best terrain in Wales for mountain biking including:

• The Gap, a red grade 30+km ride, is a classic that takes in the Brecon Canal, the Taff Trail, the Brinmore Tramway and the Gap road.
• The Black Mountain Blitz, a red grade 55+km ride, for advanced riders and not for the feint hearted!

Merthyr Tydfil and the surrounding valleys boast a rich history and stunning landscapes, offering plenty to see and do, rain or shine. If you're looking for a more relaxed or cultural experience, check out:

• Take an underground mine tour at the Big Pit, the National Coal Museum ( 30min) or the Welsh Coal Mining Experience ( 27min) to see what it would have been like to work underground.
• Visit Cyfartha Castle museum and art gallery ( 14min) to learn more about Merthyr's heritage.
• Head to Dan-yr-Ogof, the National Showcaves Centre for Wales ( 47min) for awe inspiring caverns, dinosaurs and more, a great option for a rainy day.
• Take a tour at the Penderyn Distillery ( 27min), the home of Welsh whiskey.
• Ride the Brecon Mountain Railway ( 17min) through some stunning scenery into the National Park on a vintage steam train.

Nearby towns and villages with options for food and/or retail therapy include:

• Abergavenny ( 30min) renowned for its foodie scene and stunning backdrop
• Scenic Brecon ( 37min) with its canal, shops and jazz festival
• Picturesque Crickhowell ( 30 min) with its castle, walks and cosy pubs
• For some city life, visit the Welsh capital, Cardiff ( 35 min or 50 min from Troedyrhiw station (a 5min walk from the Roost)).