The Trevithick Trail

The Trevithick Trail is a cycle path which follows the line of the Trevithick Railway from Penydarren to Abercynon. This was the location of the world's first steam engine running on rails when in 1804 it transported 10 tons of iron from Penydarren to Abercynon where it was transferred to canalboat to continue its journey.

The route is the same as the Taff Trail from Abercynon to Pontygwaith via Quakers Yard. At Pontygwaith the Taff Trail crosses the Taff to the Western side of the valley whilst the Trevithick Trail remains on the Eastern side over its entire length.

The plaque shown above gives a map of the southern end of the Trevithick Trail and is located at Merthyr Vale.

When cycling the Taff Trail, the Trevithick Trail provides an alternative choice between Pontygwaith and Pentrebach.