Cycling from Merthyr Tydfil to Pontsticill Reservoir

Great cycle route to Pontsticill Reservoir - The Taff Trail

One of the most rewarding rides around Merthyr begins on the legendary Taff Trail, heading northwards into the heart of the Brecon Beacons. Starting just beyond Merthyr’s centre, this roughly 6.9-kilometre (4.3-mile) section runs from Cefn Coed Viaduct to Pontsticill Reservoir, making it an ideal half-day outing — striking just the right balance between scenic escape and accessible adventure. 

Leaving Merthyr, the Taff Trail effortlessly transitions into woodland. It threads past Cyfarthfa Park, where the paths brush by the ornamental lake and castle, before climbing slowly through trees. The gradient remains modest — nothing too punishing.

The smooth path follows a disused railway line for much of the way. Shortly after passing over the valley-spanning Cefn Coed Viaduct, the woodland opens, and with it, the first view of Pontsticill Reservoir appears between the trees. 

Arriving at Pontsticill Reservoir

Pontsticill Reservoir delivers a sense of arrival. The reservoir stretches out calmly, backed by pine-clad slopes and open sky. Bikers often pause at the dam to take in the vista, while grassy verges and lay-bys invite a moment to rest or picnic. On calm days, the water’s mirror-like surface reflects the surrounding hills — in wind, it adds a restless, shimmering energy to the scene.

Pontsticill Reservoir

This ride covers somewhere between 6.9 km one way or around 9.6 km, depending on your precise route and where you begin, with an ascent of around 105 metres (350 ft) from Merthyr’s Rhydycar Leisure Centre to the end of the railway path. It’s a gentle climb for anyone used to valley riding, and the steady gradient rewards exploration without exhausting the legs.

Cyclists have options at Pontsticill: the path can be the turnaround point for a satisfying out-and-back loop, or it can be a stepping stone to further adventures north, such as rides continuing to Talybont Reservoir or deeper into the Beacons.

Staying in accommodation near the Taff Trail, like ours offered by Trailblazer Stays, turns this outing from a logistical effort into a daily adventure. Properties such as Norkle House, Mulberry House, and Silver Birch can put you within minutes of the trailhead — no car loading, no busy parking, just a few pedal strokes and you’re heading into the hills. It’s ideal for a cycle at any time of day, whether sunrise, afternoon, or golden light.

From the urban fringe of Merthyr, through shaded woodland and across historic viaducts, arriving at tranquil upland water — it tells the story of South Wales in a way no car journey could. With home base just around the corner, the ride becomes not just another route, but part of a relaxed, immersive weekend in the Valleys.