Merthyr Tydfil Area
"Merthyr Tydfil and the South Wales Valleys"
Among the closest are the Big Pit Mining Museum, Cefn Coed Colliery Museum and the Blaenafon Iron works. Cyfartha Castle was built by the iron-master William Crawshay 11 in 1824. It is a grand castellated mansion set in 160 acres of parkland and overlooked his iron making empire and has been called "the most impressive monument of the Industrial Iron Age in Southern Wales". There is now a museum and art gallery providing a fascinating glimpse into 3000 years of history. Nearby is the Taff Fechan Nature Reserve, which is an SSSI (a special site of scientific interest). There is the Brecon Mountain Railway, which children love, where you travel back to the age of steam, taking a seven mile round trip with a stop where visitors can enjoy a forest. The railway passes through beautiful scenery into the Brecon Beacons National Park and also the full length of the Taff Fechan Reservoir with the razor sharp profile of Pen-y-fan at 2906 feet dominating the horizon. The Taff Trail, is a long distance path linking Cardiff to Brecon via Merthyr Tydfil, is specifically designed for cyclists and walkers. The trail passes through a variety of landscapes allowing the user to explore beautiful countryside. Merthyr Tydfil is an idea location for people wishing to be in the South Wales area for touring or for visiting friends and relatives. However, it is perhaps not suitable for holidaymakers who have no previous knowledge of the location. There is an excellent golf club only ½ mile away which has an excellent "cordon bleu" chef. There are country public houses serving good family meals in the near vicinity. It is only 30 minutes on dual carriageway to Cardiff with its theatres, waterside restaurants, and Millennium Stadium. Brecon and Abergavenny are 20 miles.
