Documenting Two Local Routes for a Single Great Ride
As I set out to document the Three Parks Trail, I decided that two sections deserved their own recognition, so I'm creating a shorter version as an excellent beginner sub-route which I plan to add to my Routes to Ride department later this year.
Overview: 2+2 Parks & Trails
Date: August 30, 2023
Distance: 33.3 mi / 53.59 km
Elevation: +1,522 ft / -1,481 ft
Moving Time: 3 hours : 23 mins.
Distance: 33.3 mi / 53.59 km
Elevation: +1,522 ft / -1,481 ft
Moving Time: 3 hours : 23 mins.
The primary purpose of this ride was to explore and document NCN Route(s) 47 & 476 as they connect Hengoed Viaduct and Rock UK Summit Centre. A large portion of the route passes through the lovely and scenic Parc Penalta to Trelewis.
NCN Route 476 then branches off from NCN Route 47 to continue north through Parc Taf Bargoed, another very lovely and scenic park, to where the route ends by the climbing centre.
This planned route is just over 5.5 miles in length, traffic-free, and practically flat the entire distance making it a perfect excusion for a family with children of all ages. There is a train station just by Hengoed Viaduct making access quite easy and additionally, there are car parks at either end, providing more options for starting and/or stopping your adventure.
Note: The map above shows my entire ride for the day as I wandered up & down the valleys
investigating possible options for the route.
investigating possible options for the route.
Another reason I have chosen to create this sub-route from the Three Parks Trail, is that there is a section just north of Sirhowy Country Park which I would not recommend for beginning cyclists or families with small children. Despite being wide and well-paved, this shared-use section of NCN Route 47 running from Gelligroes to Hengoed becomes quite steep for nearly .5 mi. as it follows along the very busy A472.
Hengoed to Parc Penallta
The Hengoed Train Station is one of several hidden gems for the cycle tourist. Sitting roughly halfway up the Rhymney Valley, this station offers excellent access to NCN Route 47 and NCN Route 478. Another bonus is that reservations are not required for bicycles!
Firstly, just outside the station is the massive Hengoed Viaduct. In order to see it as I've shown below, you'll need to first cycle across the viaduct and then down and around toward the lower village of Maesycwmmer.
It's well worth making the short excursion, because the views over the Rhymney River and valley below are lovely.
Also, there's a noteworthy bit of artwork at the far side of the viaduct; the legendary Wheel O' Drams. This iconic sculpture was a significant piece of artwork created for the re-opening of the viaduct and the launching of the National Cycle Network.
Today, the viaduct continues to be a popular time saving route across the Rhymney Valley for walkers and cyclist alike.
Today, the viaduct continues to be a popular time saving route across the Rhymney Valley for walkers and cyclist alike.
Heading back over the viaduct and past the train station, the route becomes very wooded and quiet as the path follows a re-purposed railine toward Parc Penalta.
Once you cross Penallta Road, the path drops down shortly to a junction. Neither path is sign-posted. However, the route you need to follow (NCN Route 47) turns sharply left and climbs a short hill.
Note to Sustrans: The path going staight-ahead (under the bridge) is new and NOT named or sign-posted.
It's hard to imagine now, but this area was once a very busy rail crossing. Not so long ago there were several abandoned buildings scattered about where a small railyard once existed.
The image below is further into the junction, looking up NCN Route 47 in the direction you need to follow.
The image below is further into the junction, looking up NCN Route 47 in the direction you need to follow.
After a short flat section, the path turns sharply and drops under the very busy Penallta Link Road. The hill is not terribly steep but difficult to see other cyclists or walkers, show caution!
Once on the other side, the path contiues up a series of short switchbacks. They're not terribly steep, but they will get your heart pumping!
Then just at the top of the switchbacks, the cycle path turns left again as it enters Parc Penallta (Nice signs Sustrans!).
Parc Penallta to Parc Taf Bargoed
Parc Penalta is a surprisingly large park and NCN Route 47 doesn't pass through the most notable feature; Sultan, the Pit Pony. However, this section is rich and lush and practically flat for nearly three miles.
Less than a mile through the woods, there are a couple of old feeder ponds used by the canal that once came through here.
If you look closely through the brush on the right of the path, you can see that some parts of the canal still exist.
Now popular with local fishermen, there are often men and boys scattered about the banks, lines cast, waiting as fishermen do. (Surprisngly, in over twelve years of cycling past these ponds, I've yet to see anyone pull out a fish!)
Then, after a short rise, the path moves out onto a wide open area. Along here are several smaller unpaved paths which lead off to the right and climb up to the main section of the park. There you'll find the pit pony, as well as several other interesting park features.
The path is smooth, wide, and well sign-posted (Thanks Sustrans!). You'll find plenty of picnic tables and even some secluded side paths to explore!
This short path takes you across a pond by series of raised platforms. Note the sign-boards detailing the various critters to be seen!
As the path circles back around the pond, there is also a lovely arbour to cycle through!
Once back on NCN Route 47 (proper) the path exits Parc Penallta and pulls along side the (controversial) coal freight rail line.
This section is quite unusual too, for it is perfectly flat and runs nearly straight as an arrow for another 1.5 mi. — which you don't see very often in Wales!
There isn't much need for commentary... it's just lovely cycling.
To your left is the town of Nelson and there are a couple access points if you need any services.
As you leave Nelson, the path enters a small housing estate where it then veers to the left and crosses over the rail line using a lovely little bridge.
This is the village of Trelewis. This small greenspace hasn't a name, but it's well-cared for and now you're not far from Parc Taf Bargoed.
Once you pass the area with picnic tables (above), you will find a handsome footbridge (below).
This footbridge is a key landmark as it denotes where NCN Route 476 begins and where NCN Route 47 veers left (over the bridge) to coninue down to Quakers Yard. You'll proceed straight-ahead on NCN Route 476 toward Parc Taf Bargoed.
Note: This fork in the path is obvious, however, the signage is NOT! Just be sure to coninue going straight and NOT pass over the bridge.
Parc Taf Bargoed
You might want to stop at the bridge and poke around a bit. A few years ago I discovered an interesting article about the Taf Bargoed River that passes under this bridge and how the community worked together to re-engineer these ornamental cascades.
"Following the installation of a millennium ornamental water cascade, the Friends of Taff Bargoed Park group began to look into a way to harness the river’s power and to provide a sustainable income for the park for future generations.
Taff Bargoed hydro was finally completed in 2016. It generates a whopping 480 megawatt hours a year – enough to power 150 average-sized households." — Meet the Generator
Leaving the bridge, the path continues along side the river. Interestingly too, they've taken the time to denote the various coal seams that were once mined in this area.
The path curves and climbs slightly as you circle around the park pavillion to the park gates. The pavilion houses the offices for the wardens, visitor information on the history of the park and wildlife which can be found in the area.
The building also provides space for community meetings and events. Walking, cycling, and horse riding is encouraged in the park whilst periodically there are fishing events, canoeing, kayaking, and raft building activities.
Oddly, I've only seen this wonderful piece of architecture open once... and that was back in 2014 when (as a Sustrans volunteer) I gave a cycling lesson to a group of local school children. It's a shame that it's not utilised more, because it's a wonderful facility. The tall wooden doors on the right side roll open to reveal a high glass wall. It's very impressive.
Oddly, I've only seen this wonderful piece of architecture open once... and that was back in 2014 when (as a Sustrans volunteer) I gave a cycling lesson to a group of local school children. It's a shame that it's not utilised more, because it's a wonderful facility. The tall wooden doors on the right side roll open to reveal a high glass wall. It's very impressive.
What was once the site of the former Naviagation Colliery, Parc Taf Bargoed has been regenerated into a parkland and wildlife haven. At the cetnre of the park lie two lovely lakes built with weirs to provide safe waters for canoeing and fishing.
As well as a wonderful spot for a picnic, there are toilets and even a small cafe (seasonal).
Once inside the park, it's worthwhile getting off your bicycles to explore a bit. There are many interesting places waiting to be discovered!
However, this is not the end of the route. The path changes over to packed gravel and continues for another. 5 mi. up to the climbing centre.
The Rock UK Summit Centre not only boasts having 18 metre high climbing walls (the tallest indoor climbing walls in the UK!), but they also have an outside 8m high aerial adventure as well.
You can grab a coffee, cake or light lunch in the cafe, where the centre also offers everything from gym memberships, showers, dressing rooms, and toilets.
After a short break for lunch by the climbing centre, I turned around to head back just as I came.
However, there's a small footbridge that crosses the lake. This had been closed for repairs the last time I was here, so it's worthwhile to explore a little to see what's on the other side!
The views from the bridge are simply charming... classic British landscapes.
Not only have they improved the path, but they've added benches, information boards, and some wonderful stands for bird watching, picnics, or just waiting out a passing shower.
Then it's one last look back at this lovely little park... a true hidden gem, before I head back along NCN Route 47.
It's an easy ride back with just as lovely scenery.
I took a short side-trip along a new cycle path heading up to Cefn Hengoed. It's not numbered (yet?) but it's quiet and offers an additional couple of miles to my trip... plus the chance to take a gratuitous bike shot!
Then it's back into Hengoed to the start by the train station. Easy-peazy.
Summary: 2+2 Parks & Trails
I can't say enough good things about this little route. Its perfect for families with small children, new cyclists looking to build their confidence... or anyone wanting a short, simple, yet lovely adventure.
It was a great day... not too warm with mixed clouds and sun, perfect really. It was nice to just spend the day meandering and if you notice my average speed (9.8 mph), I wasn't too concerned with my time.
It was a great day... not too warm with mixed clouds and sun, perfect really. It was nice to just spend the day meandering and if you notice my average speed (9.8 mph), I wasn't too concerned with my time.
You can see in the map (shown above) that my ride today included cycling down from Oakdale to the Hengoed Train Station, as well as, my return trip home. This makes it a little longer than the final route will be.
I took an exorbitant number of photos for such a short ride, but since I had another project in mind, I just shot whatever inspired me. Be sure to look for this route in my Route to Ride coming soon!
I hope you enjoyed this little write-up and as always, thanks for spending your time with me & Bike Wales.
Cheers! - muse kidd
I took an exorbitant number of photos for such a short ride, but since I had another project in mind, I just shot whatever inspired me. Be sure to look for this route in my Route to Ride coming soon!
I hope you enjoyed this little write-up and as always, thanks for spending your time with me & Bike Wales.
Cheers! - muse kidd
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