Things to do
Looking for adventure? Look no further. Merthyr Tydfil, the Welsh Valleys and Bannau Brycheiniog/Brecon Beacons National Park have so much to offer
What to do and see, where to eat and drink
The South Wales valleys and the Bannau Brycheiniog/Brecon Beacons National Park is a stunning area with an abundance of things to do, whatever you're into. Expect mountains, breathtaking views, waterfalls and natural and man-made wonders. We've created a Google map to highlight some of the activities and places to visit/eat. Get outdoors, get your heart pumping and take it all in.
Adventures await
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 its part of the long distance trail, Lôn Las Cymru, national cycle route 8, which runs 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.
Mountain biking
If mountain biking is your thing, there are plenty of places to hit the trails nearby:
- BikePark Wales is just over a mile away by bike, off road, or 10 minutes by car
- Mountain View - 28 minutes by car
- CwmCarn Bike Park - 35 minutes by car
- Dirt Farm - 35 minutes by car
- Afan Forest Park - 55 minutes by car
- There are also plenty of trails within the National Park including the Gap, a red grade 30+km ride.
Rainy days
Merthyr Tydfil and the valleys are an historic and beautiful region of Wales with plenty of things to do on rainy and dry days.
- 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 include:
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- Abergavenny, renowned for its foodie scene and stunning backdrop
- Scenic Brecon with its canal, shops and jazz festival
- Picturesque Crickhowell with its castle, walks and cosy pubs
- For some city life, visit the Welsh capital, Cardiff, a 35 minute drive away or 50 minutes by train from Troedyrhiw station (a 5min walk from the Roost).
For more information and ideas, visit:
visitwales.com
visitmerthyr.co.uk
breconbeacons.org
cadw.gov.wales
southernwales.com
mbwales.com
adventuresmart.uk
