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CIRCULAR
WALK ONE.
Pontsarn to Cefn Coed returning through the
Taf
Fechan Nature Reserve.
Distance 4 miles
Time 2 hours.
Moderate with one steep descent and two short but
steep climbs.
1. From the Pontsarn Hotel follow the sign onto the old railway station platform and along
the disused railway track over an arched wooden bridge. Continue along the railway track
for one mile.
2. After passing Trefechan village you will reach a point where the
railway track is immediately below a road. Take a downhill path on your sharp left that
leads directly to the river. Take the footbridge across the river and turn left to follow
the path along the bank of the Taf Fechan river.
3. The path is easily recognisable and follows the route of the
riverside along an old tramway for nearly two miles. (In places the path may be muddy and
covered with slippery leaves. Care should be taken as one section of the path overhangs a
beautiful but hazardous river gorge).
4. As you near Pontsarn after walking for two miles the Glais Brook
enters the Taf Fechan on your left and the path bears up a moderately steep bank to the
right. The path will take you up a short steep hill. On top of the hill cross over a stile
which brings you into a car park/picnic area.
5. Leave the Car Park, turn left onto the road, downhill and over the
small stone Bridge above the Blue Pool.
6. On the other side of the bridge and some ten yards ahead bear to your
right and take the "100 steps". At the top of the steps you have returned to
your starting point at the Pontsarn Hotel.
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CIRCULAR
WALK TWO.
Pontsarn to Vaynor including the
Taf Fechan valley.
Distance 4 miles
Time 2 hours
Moderate with two short steep ascents.
1. As you leave the car park turn right and walk downhill for 20
meters.
Take the route to your left that leads down the "100 steps".
2. After reaching the bottom of the steps walk some ten
meters straight
ahead and cross the stone bridge. Immediately you reach the other side of the stone bridge
cross over the stile on your left. TAKE CARE THERE IS A DANGEROUS DROP INTO THE RIVER
GORGE ALONGSIDE THIS STILE. Follow the path along the eastern bank of the Taf Fechan as it
journeys underneath the Pontsarn railway viaduct.
3. Continue along the path the route of which now passes on top of a
concrete covered water pipe making a useful walkway.
4. One mile later cross the footbridge over the river and walk straight
ahead up the hill. Bear to your left at the top of the hill and cross over the metal
stile.
5. Walk towards the Church Tavern public house on your right with Vaynor
Church on your left. Continue down the path alongside the church wall, bear left across a
brook and follow a curving path to the top of the hill.
6. Walk on past a burial mound or motte on your left as far as the road.
Turn right and follow the road for 50 yards and turn left along a track that leads behind
Hy Brasail house.
7. Follow the track as far as Pen-rhiw Glais farmhouse. Turn left
through the farmyard and then through a gate at the far side.
8. Go down the path ahead which follows a route above the road to emerge
just above the Pontsarn Hotel. The car park and information board is a few meters
ahead of
you.
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