There are hundreds of beautiful walking routes in the South Wales Valleys for walkers of all abilities. Valleys life takes a look at what's out there.

WALK THIS WAY

The Valleys are among the most beautiful places to walk in the UK and, with the creation of the Wales Walking Festival, there's never been a better time to get out there and explore.

The first thing you need to consider before walking anywhere in the Valleys is the right clothing and footwear. Clothing clearly depends on the weather but the weather can change quickly when we're out in the countryside so it pays to take some light waterproofs with you just in case. Stout walking shoes or boots are an essential and it pays to take professional advice. That said, let's talk about some great walks in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

There are many wonderful walks and trails to discover around each bend and over each hill. The network of canals and railways that powered the Industrial Revolution have been transformed into footpaths and trails that tell an incredibly powerful story and the sights and scenery will leave you speechless.



There is plenty on offer to tempt walkers of all abilities - from walks for the serious enthusiast looking to stretch themselves whilst basking in the breathtaking beauty of The Valleys scenery to shorter walks suitable for the less experienced and for all the family to enjoy.

Many trails tell the stories of the powerful families that owned the works and the mines. Trails like The Cwm Hafod Trail near Trehafod, The Cynon Valley Trail from Abercynon to Penderyn or the 55 miles (88km) multi-purpose Taff Trail. Stretching between the Cardiff Bay to the Market Town of Brecon.

Running from Brecon to Cardiff and passing through the heart of Rhondda Cynon Taf, the Taff Trail is Wales' longest established walking and cycling route. Taking in some of south Wales most varied and beautiful landscapes, the route follows rivers and railways and runs through forests. It also links up with Rhondda Cynon Taf's network of trails, including the Cynon and Rhondda Fach routes, as well as the spectacular Trevithick Trail in neighbouring Merthyr Tydfil.

Several train stations along the Taff Trail make it very easy to access. From Merthyr, the route takes walkers high above the valley, offering sweeping views and passing through former mining communities. The trail runs through pretty woodland as it passes Abercynon, then joins a new section of path alongside the river Taff. Traces of the old Glamorgan canal are hidden in the woodlands along the route.

In the market town of Pontypridd, the Taff Trail passes Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, which has a popular outdoor pool (seasonal opening only) and hosts a range of summer festivals and shows. The trail then leads to Taffs Well and past the landmark fairytale castle of Castell Coch before continuing through Cardiff to the waterfront.

The other important point to raise here is the health benefits; walking is excellent exercise and with obesity and heart disease on the rise in the valleys, walking could be an excellent activity to help keep us all fit and well.

The social benefits are enormous too. Walking and being interested in local history and heritage is a great way to meet new friends. You could even set up your own walking group. As the song goes, these boots are made for walking... perhaps that's what we could all do a little more of.

So what are you waiting for? There's a beautiful world out there waiting to be explored and, with RCT's guides and websites, you won't be running out of places to visit any time soon.

UNTIL 18 SEPTEMBER 2011 The Wales Valleys Walking Festival 2011 The Wales Valleys Walking Festival is a celebration of walking and the outdoor life in the Valleys of South Wales. This is the seventh year of this popular walking festival and to celebrate the organisers have included a greater number of walks covering a significantly larger geographical area. This year they have introduced four new walks in the west and a new longer distance walk. There are three grades: Easy Suitable for most levels of fitness. Some Exertion A moderate level of fitness is required because of hilly sections. Strenuous A good level of fitness is required because of steep sections. Reassuringly, all the walks are led by experienced leaders whose local knowledge will almost certainly add to the experience so you'll be in safe hands. All the walks are free but some have restrictions on numbers so you need to book as early as possible to ensure your place. The Wales Valleys Walking Festival 01443 838632 www.thevalleys.co.uk