Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights & Activities
Cyfarthfa Castle
( 01685-723112; Brecon Rd; 10am-5.30pm Apr-Sep, 10am-4pm Tue-Fri, noon-4pm Sat & Sun Oct-Mar; )
For a measure of the wealth that accumulated at the top of the industrial pile, check
out this castle, built in 1824 by William Crawshay II, overlooking his ironworks. Across
the river from the castle are the Cyfarthfa Blast Furnaces, all that remains of them. The
house is packed with stuff, from Egyptian and Roman artefacts to Wedgwood porcelain to
a George Best tie rack.
CASTLE
Joseph Parry's Cottage
( 01685-723112; 4 Chapel Row; 2-5pm Thu-Sun Apr-Sep)
To the south of the castle a row
of 19th-century ironworkers' houses stands in bald contrast to Cyfarthfa Castle. At No 4 is
Joseph Parry's Cottage, furnished in 1840s style and birthplace of Welsh composer and
songwriter Joseph Parry (1841-1903).
HISTORIC BUILDING
Ynysfach Engine House
Across the river from the bus station is Ynysfach Engine House, a distinctive landmark
that housed the huge beam engines that created the blast of hot air for the iron furnaces.
HISTORIC BUILDING
Trevithick's Tunnel
Trainspotters will love Trevithick's Tunnel, site of the first test of Richard Trevithick's
steam-powered locomotive. In 1804 it was the first in the world to haul a load on rails -
10 tonnes of iron for 9.5 miles, at a speed of 4mph. It's off the A470 in Pentrebach.
HISTORIC SITE
Brecon Mountain Railway
( 01685-722988;
www.breconmountainrailway.co.uk
; adult/child £11/5.50)
Between 1859 and 1964 this
narrow-gauge railway hauled coal and people between Merthyr and Brecon. A 5.5-mile
section of track, between Pant Station and Torpantau at the head of Pontsticill Reservoir,
has been restored and operates steam locomotive trips. From April to October there are
five departures. It takes 65 minutes with 20 minutes at Pontsticill (you can stay longer and
return on a later train).
Pant Station is 3.5 miles north of Merthyr bus station; take bus 35 (20 minutes, four
hourly Monday to Saturday) to Pant Cemetery stop, from where it's a five-minute walk.
HERITAGE RAILWAY
