Rhymney Valley: Pengam - Bargoed
Set in heart of the Rhymney Valley where three collieries once stood, this once industrial area has been given a new life. Bargoed Woodland Park is now a wonderful greenspace to explore for people of all ages and abilities.
468
Pengam - Bargoed
Overview
• Distance: 1.5 mi. / 2.41 km
• Elevation: +133 ft / -26 ft
• Travel Time: 1 hour
• Level: Beginner
• Elevation: +133 ft / -26 ft
• Travel Time: 1 hour
• Level: Beginner
Starting at Bargoed Woodland Park in Pengam, the route entrance can be easily found at the back of the car park. The entire route is completely traffic-free and perfect for beginner cyclists or families with small children.
NCN Route signs will guide you as you snake through the park; however, particular attention should be made for there are many paths that criss-cross each other. You'll never get lost though because one path leads to another and if you encounter some stairs, just turn around, you may have missed a signpost! The valley gets quite deep and narrow as you head north which provides some wonderful (and unique) bridges to cross.
There are a couple small hills which may require some additional effort; however, they are quite short — whilst the majority of the route is flat, safe, and easy to cycle. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables where you can rest and relax. The route back to Pengam is exactly as you came. Enjoy!
Note: This short route is a subsection of the longer NCN Route 468 running all the way up the valley from Pengam to Bute Town.
NCN Route signs will guide you as you snake through the park; however, particular attention should be made for there are many paths that criss-cross each other. You'll never get lost though because one path leads to another and if you encounter some stairs, just turn around, you may have missed a signpost! The valley gets quite deep and narrow as you head north which provides some wonderful (and unique) bridges to cross.
There are a couple small hills which may require some additional effort; however, they are quite short — whilst the majority of the route is flat, safe, and easy to cycle. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables where you can rest and relax. The route back to Pengam is exactly as you came. Enjoy!
Note: This short route is a subsection of the longer NCN Route 468 running all the way up the valley from Pengam to Bute Town.
| COLOUR KEY: | Traffic-free | Shared Use | Quiet Road | Steep Hill |
Additional Details:
• Train Station(s): Pengam and Bargoed
• Bus Stations: Bargoed
• Parking: Bargoed Woodland Park and Bargoed Bus Station
• Bus Stations: Bargoed
• Parking: Bargoed Woodland Park and Bargoed Bus Station
Additional Links:
• Sustrans webpage: Route 468
• Ordnance Survey: Online Map
• Map for print: NCN Route 468: Bargoed Woodland Park
• Ordnance Survey: Online Map
• Map for print: NCN Route 468: Bargoed Woodland Park
Points of Interest
Bargoed Woodland Park - There are 11 sculpted gateways from which to enter and paths criss-cross the park giving you a variety of walking or cycling routes to explore. When walking along the river you'll find its banks are alive with dippers, herons, kingfishers and (if you're lucky) otters! Route 468 of the National Cycle Network starts from the Pengam car park and leads you all the way to Butetown; or branch off onto Route 469 and walk or cycle in safety to Parc Cwm Darran for a well earned cup of tea.► Read more...
Note to Readers: Examine the provided online maps closely to understand conditions prior to your ride. Each route listed includes a colour-coded map indicating specific terrain along with the distance(s). When considering difficulty; remember elevations +/- gains are equally important to distances. Printing the included .pdf maps and/or downloading the GPS file is highly recommeded.
Disclaimer of Liability. Bike Wales™ and everyone associated with this website/blog accept no responsibility for the conditions of the routes discussed. These are simply "suggested" routes of the National Cycle Network that the reader may choose to follow. Any action(s) taken from reading the content herein, is solely the responsibility of those involved.
