Walks from Abercynon

Stunning views across the valleys and down to Penarth, Steepholm and the Bristol Channel. A varied valley route following the Taff Trail along the flat, then a long, lung-testing climb through Cilfynydd and up the mountain via fields and the Eglwysilan mountain road and with a moorland crossing over Mynydd Meio. The moorland section is boggy and not clearly marked; the rest is mostly good going on quiet lanes and tracks. Follows the Taff Trail between Abercynon and Cilfynydd.

Time: 4h30–8h30

Lunch: Refreshment options are scarce along the route; the Rose & Crown at Eglwysilan appears permanently closed.

1 end-of-walk reward: the Angel

Warnings: The footpath across Mynydd Meio is unclear, boggy and not well marked, with a stream and bracken that may force detours; not recommended in poor visibility. Can be muddy.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Woodland: a fifth under tree cover.

Time: 5h30–11h30

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Great views. Disused railway path with woodland and with substantial climbs; surfaced.

Hilly: a quarter on high ground, rising above the surrounding land.

Woodland: two fifths under tree cover.

Time: 4h–8h

Walk details: Railwalks.

Great views, Scenic. A very good but hilly mountain route, mostly on well-established forestry and farm tracks and with two climbs rewarded by great views over the Rhondda and Cynon valleys. Mostly open country with some forestry; the descent is steep at times and varies from stony forestry tracks to narrow rocky tracks. A couple of overgrown stiles and one overgrown 80m path section. Part of this Slow Way links in with the Great Glamorgan Way.

Hilly: two fifths on high ground, rising above the surrounding land.

Woodland: two fifths under tree cover.

Time: 3h30–7h

Warnings: A footpath near the top of Penrhiwgwynt Road into Porth is well overgrown at both ends and not accessible without clearing; the water-tanks access road is a good alternative. The path through Carreg Barn goes right through a property's yard.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Lovely views from the top, all the way up the Cynon and Merthyr valleys to the Beacons. Begins on a paved off-road cycle path between Ystrad Mynach and Nelson, then climbs to Whitehall Farm and over open hilltop common with lovely valley views. Navigation is tricky in places due to a shortage of waymarkers and farm gates and overgrown paths. The path out of Nelson is a mudbath through horse fields with a stream crossing that can be a raging torrent after rain. There is a quiet freight-only railway crossing with only one or two trains a day.

Woodland: a quarter under tree cover.

Time: 2h–4h30

Warnings: There is no bridge over the Nant Mafon stream near Nelson, which can be a raging torrent after rain; the fields here are very muddy and following the road may be easier. A gate near Whitehall Farm needs climbing, and some marked footpaths are overgrown.

Walk details: Slow Ways.