A Scenic Ride Through South Wales
The Three Parks Trail is a picturesque, mostly traffic-free cycling route that forms part of National Cycle Route 47 and the wider Celtic Trail. Spanning 13 miles, it connects Sirhowy Valley Country Park near Crosskeys with Parc Taff Bargoed in Merthyr Tydfil, passing through some of South Wales’ most beautiful reclaimed landscapes.
What You'll See
Sirhowy Valley Country Park – A peaceful starting point with woodland trails and wildlife.
Hengoed Viaduct – A stunning 16-arch listed structure offering panoramic views.
Wheel of Drams – An 8-metre sculpture made from coal carts, symbolising the region’s industrial past.
Parc Penallta – A former coal pit transformed into a vibrant green space, home to Sultan the Pit Pony, the UK’s largest earth sculpture.
High Point Observatory – Enjoy sweeping views across Caerphilly county borough.
Parc Taff Bargoed – Once a coal mining site, now a haven for wildlife and a perfect picnic spot.
Trail Features
Length - 13 miles (21 km)
Surface - 98% asphalt, 87.5% traffic-free
Difficulty - Easy – suitable for families, leisure riders, and walkers
Activities Nearby - Climbing, kayaking, orienteering at Rock UK: Summit Centre
Connectivity
The trail links directly to Merthyr Tydfil via Route 476, making it a gateway to the Taff Trail and the Heads of the Valleys Cycle Network.
Alternatively, continue on Route 47 to Quakers Yard to join the Taff Trail heading north or south.
A Trail of Transformation
The Three Parks Trail is a celebration of South Wales’ regeneration, where coalfields have become green spaces, rivers have been revived, and communities have reconnected with nature.
For maps and updates, visit the official Sustrans Three Parks Trail page.
