Valleys 100 Section 4 - Trallwn to Llanwonno
Section 4 of The Valleys Hundred leaves Pontypridd and heads to the Rhondda, the most famous of all the Welsh valleys. The route climbs steeply to Ynyshir and ends at the delightful Brynffynnon Arms Hotel, a pub that has been named as one of the 10 best pubs in Wales!
From the community hall in Trallwn, the route skirts the northern edge of Pontypridd. The route climbs into an area that was once a spoil tip, but has now been landscaped and planted with tens of thousands of silver birch trees. The route descends towards Trehafod and on entering Hafod Lane, a remnant of the Rhondda’s industrial past can be seen ahead as the colliery wheel of Trehafod Quarry has been left as a reminder of the past. This is located very close to the Rhondda Heritage Park.
A 1.25 mile walk along Hafod Lane then follows before turning right to climb steeply towards the trig point on Ynyshir Hill. Here the views on a clear day will be exceptional. The Rhondda Valleys spread out to the north and west, and views of the Brecon Beacons further north will be enjoyed. We anticipate that many will enjoy the warm light often associated with a setting sun as walkers head north along this whale back ridge.
The famous Tylorstown Tip will be clearly seen ahead. The Aberfan Tip was the same shape, and following this disaster in 1966, virtually all mountain top tips were removed. The Tylorstown Tip was left and is so noticeable that it can be seen from as far away as Exmoor. This tip is always ascended on our Rhondda Rollercoaster Challenge Walk, but not on the Valleys 100, and soon the route will enter the Llanwonno Forest before arriving at checkpoint 4 at the Brynffynnon Hotel.
Opposite the hotel is St. Gwynno’s Church where the last resting place of the legendary Welsh runner, Guto Nyth Bran can be found. Born Griffith Morgan, he lived at Nyth Bran farm, hence his nickname, and was so fast that he could outrun a hare and catch birds in flight. In races he beat all comers until he ran out of opposition but came out of retirement at the ripe old age of 37 to race against a new runner called Prince. Triumphant, as ever, unfortunately a congratulatory slap on the back from Sian-O-Shop, his trainer and sweetheart, caused Guto to collapse and die. He completed the 12 mile course in 53 minutes - the current world best time for 3 miles is about 12 minutes 12 seconds and that's on a level track!! His achievements inspired the annual Nos Galan races near Mountain Ash.