| 1. This route starts at the Rhondda Sports centre, and then runs South through the lower streets of Tylorstown to take a left turn over the river Fach to begin a steep climb up through Stanleytown and on up to Llanwanno forest.
The route then turns North after topping out on the ridge above the valley, and continues North past the Tylorstown tip. Continuing on good forestry roads along the ridge to the East of ferndale to cross the main Meardy Aberdare road and then on down now to meet the Meardy reservoir road to begin a long fast cycle back south down the valley.
As you run south down the valley towards the town of Ferndale, you will pass the former site of the last deep pit in the Rhondda, Meardy Colliery. Before this though take time to admire the peace & tranquility of the lower Meardy reservoir.
On now to meet the outskirts of Ferndale and again touching the coal producing heritage of the Rhondda as you pass through the reamains of ferndale railway station and through the site of Ferndale 6 & 7 colliery's.
As you head south down the long gradient that was once the main Porth Meardy railway, you can see the meandering of the valley as it snakes down towards Pontypridd, showing the workings of the Ice during the last ice age.
Running down beside the river Rhondda fach there is plenty of wildlife to be seen, including the resident Heron's. Finishing back at the Rhondda Sports Centre allows for refreshments and the chance to take a swim of sauna.
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