Posted: 21/06/2022

Summer adventure in Rhondda Cynon Taf

It’s time to get together and enjoy an unforgettable summer adventure in Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales.

We are fast becoming one of the UK’s most exciting adventure destinations, thanks to our dramatic landscape and adrenaline adventures. Walk, hike, bike or zip line over mountain ranges and open space that goes on for miles.

With great places to stay and some of the best dining around – what are you waiting for?

Get your FREE visitor guide here

Zip World Tower, Rhigos

We are home to the fastest seated zip line IN THE WORLD! Ride Phoenix at Zip World Tower, built on the site of the former Tower Colliery. You can also take on the Tower Coaster, which is the only one of its kind in Europe and the 30m Tower Climber, an elevated obstacle course which opens in July and is said to be the highest four-storey course of its kind in the world– don’t look down!

Book online now

Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare

Welcome to over 200 acres of epic landscape that are your very own adventure playground!

Dare Valley Country Park is home to Gravity Family Bike Park. Take the uplift service to the top of the trails for an exhilarating ride. Don’t worry if you didn’t bring your bike – you can hire one on-site.

Venture up into glacial mountains – there are tracks and trails across the park – or settle down for a burger and a beer – or a coffee and a cake -  in Black Rock Café.

Dare Valley Country Park has a modern caravan, campervan, and motorhome site with electric hook-ups and brand-new shower facilities. Stay a while under the stars – the park is a Dark Sky site, which means it has crystal clear night skies.

Find out more

Penpych

We are home to one of just two “tabletop” mountains in Europe and ours is a good one! Right at the top of the Rhondda is Penpych. Trek through ancient forestry, waterfalls and dipping pools to the top, where you can enjoy one of the best views around – especially at sunrise or sunset.

Penpych is one of many unique walks we have.Get the route and see more

Mountain Biking

There are too many biking trails on our mountains to list! Best to just grab your gear and get exploring – or try the trails at Gravity Family Bike Park above.  Keep an eye out for the Natural Resources Wales car parks, which act as starting points for trails into the forestry and on to the mountains. The main road over the Bwlch is one of the toughest sections of the epic Dragon Ride through South Wales.

Maerdy Reservoir

Wild swimmers, walkers and photographers alike love Maerdy Reservoir. You can access it direct from the town or you can take the Castell Nos walk from the top of Rhigos Mountain. Get the route

As well as being a part of local history, it is part of  many National Cycle Network routes and the reservoir and streams are popular dipping spots.

Bwlch

If you are looking for the right way to start (or end) your day, it has to be The Bwlch Mountain. In between the stunning sunrises and sunsets, it’s a great to explore. It’s one giant rollercoaster for cycling and walking and you can often catch hang glider groups soaring from the summit.

Find more here

Taff Valley Quad Bike and Activity Centre

This incredible team, based in a farmhouse amid the rolling Taff Valley hills will build an adventure for you. They cater for groups of all sizes and offer quad treks, rock climbing, hill walking, gorge walking, archery and more – they can even sort places to stay if you are interested.

Find out more and book

Stay

We have loads of great places in which to relax and rest after a day’s adventures – it all depends on what you and your party fancy. We’ve already mentioned the caravan park at Dare Valley, but how about the huge converted St Alban’s Chapel in Treherbert?

 It’s close to the action, has a bike store and games room and is close to award-winning Treorchy, which has loads of great places to eat and drink, as well as its own microbrewery and ice cream parlour.

For a friendly, local vibe, check in to the Dunraven Hotel, which has a range of rooms and plenty of space to store your kit – and it serves lush food too!

For the ultimate stay experiences, check out Lanelay Hotel and Spa, which has luxurious rooms and an out-of-this world spa –with plenty of photo opportunities
Or historic Miskin Manor Hotel, which also has a health suite and is a decadent restored country manor.

Find out more on all places to stay

Eat

After a day of adrenaline and adventure, you are bound to have worked up an appetite – and we have you covered.

There’s so much to choose from – you can see the full list here

If you fancy a bit of nightlife, then Gatto Lounge in Pontypridd is a great place to start or you could try the cocktails and tapas at La Luna in Talbot Green. The Lion in Treorchy has a great outdoor area and Otley Brewpub and Kitchen in Treforest does immense Sunday roasts.

See all places to eat