Abercynon to Ystrad Mynach
A station-to-station walkGlamorganWales
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.
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.
Credits
Walk details: Slow Ways.