Rhondda Rollercoaster – Porth, Penrhys & Cefn Gwyngul Loop
Details
Description
Rhondda Rollercoaster – Porth, Penrhys & Cefn Gwyngul Loop
Distance: 7.5 miles
⏱ Estimated time: Approximately 6 hours
This week’s walk is a proper Rhondda leg-burner — big climbs, big views, and classic valley scenery throughout.
We’ll start in Porth, right at the bottom of the valley, before heading straight into our first challenge: a steep climb up Mynydd Troed y Rhiw. It’s a sustained ascent, but the higher we go the more the views open up across the Rhondda.
From the top we’ll make our way across to Penrhys, enjoying the ridge and panoramic views stretching across the valleys. Then it’s a sharp descent down into Tylorstown — take care on this section as it’s steep underfoot.
After a brief breather in the valley, we tackle climb number three: up the opposite side towards Cefn Gwyngul. Another tough ascent, but well worth it for the sweeping views back across where we’ve already been.
Finally, we descend the steep hillside back down into Porth, completing a full valley-to-valley loop.
⚠️ Expect:
Multiple steep climbs and descents
Rough hillside paths
Significant elevation gain
Incredible Rhondda views
Best suited for: Regular walkers comfortable with sustained climbs.
A challenging but rewarding circuit — a true Rhondda up-and-down day out!
Event location and car parking
Rheola street carpark
Porth
CF39 9RY
Google maps
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MLacTEC3AzMtxHjP8
What 3 words
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///times.coiling.capillary
https://w3w.co/times.coiling.capillary
Aditional info
We will stopping off at a local pub after the walk for some refreshments and a spot of Sunday lunch, we will sort the details of this closer to the date when we have numbers.
Kit Recommendations
As the weather is so unpredictable we recommend bringing waterproof jacket/trousers, waterproof hiking boots/shoes with good tred, set of hiking poles, multiple layers of warm clothing with a summery base layer, hat, gloves, scarf also enough snacks and drinks to last the walk
This group is sponsored by
Escape Rooms Cardiff