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Trevithick Trail: Merthyr Tydfil to Abercynon

On this tramway the Penydarren locomotive entered World history by becoming the first ever steam-powered railway locomotive to pull a load on rails. A 500 guinea bet was made by local iron masters that it couldn't haul 10 tonnes of iron. The stakes were high, but on the 21st of January 1804, after 4 hours and a broken track, Richard Trevithick's engine completed the 9 miles from Penydarren to Abercynon! Today you should be able to complete the 9 miles quite a bit faster but we promise you will find plenty to distract you along the way.

The trail is as true to the original alignment as over 200 years of development has permitted but you will find short hills and sections on quiet residential roads breaking up the journey. There are sweeping views of the mountains and valleys that will take your breath away. The Trevithick Trail project has placed pieces of original artwork all along the route and the area around Trevithick's Tunnels is especially well worth exploring.

If you need to come off the trail at Pentrebach - perhaps to access the local business park, or to stock up on picnic supplies at the nearby supermarket - you'll be greeted by the iconic Puddlers Bridge, named after the iron workers who once lived in the area. Take five on the Portrait Bench, featuring life sized models of Merthyr born fashions designers Julien Macdonald, Laura Ashley and the trail's namesake, Richard Trevithick. 

At Pontygwaith Nature Reserve the Trevithick Trail joins NCN 8 where you can return to Merthyr Tydfil on the Taff Trail without having to retrace your steps. Or else, stick to the Trevithick Trail south along NCN 8 to Abercynon and you'll find yourself on an amazing piece of old tram road that runs parallel to the River Taff. Be sure to look down to catch a glimpse of the original sleepers - now over 200 years old!

Natural attractions:

  • Woodlands at Trevithick’s Tunnel
  • Pontygwaith Nature Reserve

Visitor attractions:

  • Trevithick’s Tunnels

Route submitted by:

Sustrans

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Key route details

Region/Area:

South Wales Valleys

Distance:

9 miles

Time needed:

1.5 hours

Classification:

Medium

Traffic:

Mostly Traffic Free. Some sections on quiet residential roads.

Surface:

Mixed

NCN Route:

8

Start:

Merthyr Tydfil

Finish:

Abercynon

Cycle hire:

The Summit Centre, The Old Drift Mine, Trelewis, CF46 6RD. 01443 710749 www.summitcentre.co.uk

Access:

Train stations at Merthyr Tydfil, Abercynon and several stations in between.

Maps and guides:

Celtic Trail - East NN4B £6.99
Celtic Trail Guidebook – £6.99
Taff Trail Leaflet – Free PDF
Celtic Trail Leaflet – Free PDF

Guides & publications:

Celtic Trail East NN4B

Links with:

  • Taff Trail (NCN 8) at Merthyr Tydfil and Quakers Yard.
  • The Celtic Trail (NCN 47) at Quakers Yard.

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Sustrans