Day One 3 August 2008
MERTHYR COMMON

On this page you will find details of the terrain, a map extract, a few ideas of things to do after you have run, and a few photos of the area.

The terrain

Merthyr Common is a complex open limestone area with many rock features such as sink holes, pits and depressions. It is a great technical area.

Whilst extremly complex in parts it is also very runnable.

The map

The area was remapped in 2005 and was used for the recent Veteran Home international championships.

A bit about Merthyr and some things to do

Merthyr Tydfil was once known as the Iron Capital of the world. It has an industrial heritage that is difficult to match anywhere in the world. Much of this past is can still be seen today.

Visitor attractions include the Cyfartha Ironworks, the Pontycafnau Bridge (first iron railway bridge from 1793), Cyfartha Castel and the route of the first ever steam hauled railway line.

Merthyr is also the gateway to the Brecon Beacons and the black mountains. A wide range of activities are avilable nearby, including the Brecon Mountain Railway. If you want a cycle, the Taff Trail provides a route from Brecon to Cardiff that passes through Merthyr.

Look at these links for a detailed guide of what you can do around Merthyr.

This is a great site to find out about the industrial heritage.

http://www.merthyr.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/8EB885B6-130D-4A38-BEEC-93A844EF2546/0/e1307_MTCBC_English.pdf


http://www.iknow-wales.co.uk/tourist_information/cardiff_south_wales/the_valleys/coal_mining_wales.htm


http://www.brecon-beacons.com/places-merthyr-tydfil-guide.htm


http://www.southernwales.com/en/valleys.php

A few more photos of Merthyr Common

One of the larger ponds on the moor.

A typical pit that can be found on parts of the moor.

One of the cairns on a hill top. If the clouds are high, the views are exceptional.