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Rhondda Cynon Taf, Rhondda Cynon Taf

This county borough is somewhat unique in its characteristics, mainly due to the ribbon development of the towns and villages along each valley. and therefore has been given a different entry to that of other ' Places, Towns and Cities.'

Rhondda Cynon Taf, situated north of the South Wales coastal plain, includes the valleys of the Rhondda Fawr (big), the Rhondda Fach (little) and the rivers Taf and Cynon.

The major towns in this county are, Aberdare, Llantrisant, Pontypridd, Tonypandy and Treorchy, plus many other smaller towns and villages, threaded along each valley with houses, churches, pubs, hotels and shops.

The beautiful green hillsides rise steeply on either side, such as Craig y Llyn at 590 metres (1,935 ft), with streams rushing down to the rivers below, creating a contrast of sparkling light and shade.

To the north of Rhondda Cynon Taf lie the magnificent Brecon Beacons.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the countryside is superb for hill walking and for those who prefer a more sedate life there are many spots for parking where the views are magnificent. Views not to be missed are on the Rhigos Mountain (A4061) and the Bwlch Mountain road (A4107) via Treorchy.

During the 20th Century, the Rhondda, Taf and Cynon Valleys, amongst others in South Wales, were the sources of energy for industries across the globe - coal; mainly steam coal and anthracite. ‘Black Gold’ from the Rhondda Cynon Taf area made Cardiff, Penarth and Barry, the largest coal exporting ports in the world.

It was the coal industry and the people from the valleys that inspired Richard Llewellyn to write, ‘How Green Was My Valley’, a novel about life in the Welsh coalfields. The book became a huge success and was quickly adapted for the screen and became a blockbuster, Hollywood film. It was made by ‘Best Director Oscar’ winner, John Ford. The film had an all-star cast including: Walter Pidgeon, Maureen O’Hara, Donald Crisp, Sara Allgood, Roddy McDowell, Anna Lee, Barry Fitzgerald and Rhys Williams. In 1975-6, the BBC produced a series, taken from the book, which was shown both in the UK and the USA. This all-Welsh cast starred Sian Phillips, Stanley Baker and Gareth Thomas.

The history of the coal mining industry in Rhondda Cynon Taf has not been forgotten, being demonstrated within the Rhondda Heritage Park, at the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery, Trehafod, just north of Pontypridd. This is one of the top heritage and cultural visitor attractions in South Wales, providing a fun-filled and very interesting day out for individuals, groups, school children and students; a visit underground will leave a lasting impression, of working conditions in those days. Above ground there is a fascinating re-creation of a typical ‘Valley’ street, set in the era of coal mining.

The pit-heads no longer exist; the tallest structures now are churches and trees. To a great extent, Rhondda Cynon Taf has reverted back to green valleys and hills.

The close-knit communities, numbering nearly 250,000 people, remain and still ‘keep a welcome in the hillside’.

The towns have retained their own individuality with many independent shops, in addition to the nationally known chain stores, selling all types of merchandise including local produce and gifts and crafts. Many of the towns hold outdoor markets every week.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Tourism Email: TourismEnquiry@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk

Post: Rhondda Cynon Taf Tourism Marketing, The Pavilions, Clydach Vale, Tonypandy, CF40 2XX

Directions

From the M4, jctns 32 on to the A470 dual-carriage, within 7 miles, follow signs for, Pontypridd and the Rhondda Valleys. Still on the A470, 3 miles north of Pontypridd, take the A4059 for approximately 8 miles to Aberdare.

Travelling from the north take the A465 'Heads of the Valleys Road', from the A40 at Abergavenny. Take the A4069 for Aberdare, or within 2 miles further west, the A4061 for Treorchy via the Rhigos Mountain road.