Activity adventures in the South Wales Valleys

The South Wales Valleys have a wealth of activities for families, individuals, couples or groups of friends.

Whatever the size of your clan or cycling ability, the South Wales Valleys sport dozens of glorious cycle routes to suit. There is good reason why the thrilling ascents and descents of the region have been selected for the conclusion of Stage Three of the 2027 Tour de France!

You can cycle or walk along the famous Taff Trail, which threads through the Valleys from Bae Caerdydd (Cardiff Bay) via Merthyr to Aberhonddu (Brecon) in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. 

Where the region really shines though, is with its mountain biking, with a wealth of dazzling, steep-sided forests just perfect for a pedal. Cwmcarn Forest in the Caerffili (Caerphilly) region gives impressive views across the Severn Estuary, while many of the 40 routes at Merthyr's BikePark Wales, the best selection of all-weather mountain bike trails in one place anywhere in the UK, give stunning views into the Bannau Brycheiniog.

The Three Parks Trail is a largely traffic-free family ride on the Celtic Trail, taking in three of Wales’ picturesque parks. Look out for the eight-metre high 'Wheel o Drams' artwork in Maesycwmmer or catch a glimpse of Sultan the Pit Pony, the UK’s largest figurative earth sculpture, in the Rhymney Valley north of Caerffili. 

Outside the part of the South Wales Valleys we primarily focus on yet nevertheless in the wider Valleys region and absolutely worth a visit is Afan Forest Park. Its revered trails have been called 'the best biking in Britain' by The Guardian and 'world-class' by the Daily Telegraph. At the head of a beautiful valley, its 60 miles of world-class biking span from child-friendly circuits to a 44km epic to make your fillings rattle. You can hire a bike here too at Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre.

The South Wales Valleys are a walking hotspot with a mix of gentle valley bottom walking and dramatic (if occasionally lung-busting!) longer routes that climb the steep, scenic forested valley sides onto wild open moorland. For a totally unique leg-stretch, walk around the Rhymney Valley's Sultan the Pit Pony sculpture in Parc Penallta. You can walk all over this dramatic 200m-long likeness of a pit pony, including visiting an observatory located in his eye! 

A longer trail in this region is the 28-mile Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk, a memorable loop along ridgeway tracks and woodland paths along the top of the Caerffili basin, with some magical views along the way. Near the highest town in Wales, Brynmawr, on the valley tops of Blaenau Gwent, the wooded valley sides of striking Clydach Gorge cuts past some beautiful waterfalls and the impressive ironworks ruins.

The region is within touching distance of some stunning coastline too. A 20-minute drive from the southwestern edge of the Ely Valley, the 14km coastline between Ogmore and West Aberthaw might be the best-kept walkers’ secret in Cymru. Its fossil-studded Jurassic cliffs sit above beautiful beaches like Dunraven Bay at Southerndown. One minute you’re gazing out across the Severn Estuary to Exmoor, the next you’re ensconced in intimate bluebell woods. There are also the ancient sites of Ogmore Castle and St Donats Castle to explore.

The wider Valleys Region hosts the wonderful Valleys Regional Park, a series of green spaces perfect for a walk, cycle ride or more.

One of these, less than an hour from the Severn Bridge, is Cwmcarn: the forest is not only a must for serious mountain bikers, there are a number of delightful walks in the park too. To take in the full array of spectacular park views, try the 9 mile/14.5km 1807 walk. 

There is also the Twmbarlwm Walk to an ancient hill fort, and the 1.2 miles/1.8 km Bluebell Walk, bursting with wildflowers and wildlife such as woodpeckers and dragonflies on its gentle circuit. Do note that there are some uneven surfaces, and kissing gates might make these walks difficult for wheelchair users or families with pushchairs. An extensive events programme runs throughout the year for children, including themed woodland walks.

Have a wonderful day out in Parc Cwm Darran, to the north of the Rhymney Valley in the little-explored Daran Valley. There are loads of scenic adventures to have on bike and foot across former colliery grounds. The restored lake is part of a major wildlife wetland, with plenty of creatures to spot along the special trail. There’s an obstacle course for older children and playground for the little ones.

Parc Bryn Bach is a 340 acres lakeside countryside park on the edge of Tredegar in the Sirhowy Valley. Explore a nature trail around the lake or jump on bikes to enjoy the extensive cycling facilities. Children will enjoy the adventure playground, while adult adrenalin junkies can sample soaring through the sky, crawling through caves, coasteering, archery, orienteering and a range of watersports.

Dare Valley Country Park near Aberdâr (Aberdare) in the Cynon Valley offers a full list of family events and fun days throughout the year. The Bwllfa Trail is a good choice for those with younger children. The circular walk is about two miles/3.5km and offers stunning views of the lake and the chance to see a wealth of wildlife. The route splits into two at the lake with a shorter accessible route for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Prove your sporting prowess at the Rock UK Summit Centre, in Bargoed in the Rhymney Valley. There are 180 different ways to get to the top of the climbing walls. Other activities on offer include caving, biking, canoeing and kayaking. Younger children will enjoy the outdoor play area. The centre runs a programme of weekend and holiday activities for families and there’s accommodation for group residential trips.

Alternatively, head to Parkwood Outdoors Activity Centre near Pontiscill Reservoir for a range of activities including abseiling, hiking, canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding. 

You could also go quad biking at Taff Valley Activity Centre near Pontypridd. There’s a dedicated 150m children's circuit for juniors aged from seven to 11 years. Other activities include an assault course, archery, laser shooting and clay pigeon shooting, plus gorge walking in the stunning Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

There are loads of opportunities for water sports or just generally splashing around - even in the middle of the South Wales Valleys away from the coast. How about kayaking at Parc Bryn Bach or activities such as stand up paddleboarding (SUP) at Llandegfedd Reservoir? Smaller kids will love the splash pad at Merthyr's fascinating Cyfarthfa Park, while Cwmbran Boating Lake offers boating, watersports and abundant opportunities for wildlife spotting in Cwmbran in the Torfaen and Llwyd Valley region.

Lido Ponty, the National Lido of Wales, is a great place for a family adventure with hand boats and zorbing wheels, as well as lots of opportunities for swimming and playing in the sunshine. When you're done, you can explore the rest of Pontypridd, gateway to the Rhondda, Cynon and Taff Valleys.

One of the premium adrenaline rushes anywhere in Wales is Zip World Tower, situated on Rhigos Mountain at the head of the Rhondda and Cynon Valleys. The Phoenix zip-line ride is the fastest seated zip line in the world and the ride has excellent accessibility provision. There are a trio of other vertiginous thrills too, such as the heart-in-mouth three-level assault course of the Tower Climber.