Having only had a dog for several months it occured to me that i didn't know where the peacefull and tranquil walks would take me. I must say I have been pleasantly suprised at how many local beauty spots and view points there are within a short drive! Yes, that's right a 'drive-2-walk', indeed a new concept i know.
Find below three walks that will suffice your four legged companions on a lazy Sunday afternoon:
The Memorial Common, Cilfynydd -
My fiance and I went for a drive one sunday afternoon looking for a great little walk for 'plato'. we were pleasantly suprised to find this 'gem' of a common at the top of Pontypridd.
The walk began by the side of the standing stones. I am not particularly sure of their historical origins - an eisteddfod maybe? where they may have crowned the 'bardd'....Any way, as you continue walking the ground opens out onto the common where 'Plato' had the chance to run freely - very briefly might i add! The walk reaches its highest point at the War Memorial which can be seen from nearly the whole of Pontypridd Town.
The view from the Memorial Common is fantastic. The view leads your eye down toward Cardiff following the A470 and Taff River. A definite iconic view point of Pontypridd. Plato, myself and my partner were that impressed that we used photos from this area on 'thebestofpontypridd' home page. (the images were taken by a local business, elevated camera).
This walk was excellent for wearing out our four legged friend. A warm filter coffee was welcomed when we arrived home in Rhyd.
Ynysangharad Park
Ok. I understand that if your from RCT that you will know the park quite well. But for those of you that are not from the area make sure you visit the Park at the heart of Pontypridd town. Some would say that this park is hidden between the main shops of the town centre and the A470.
Parking can either be in Trallwng or in the town centre. A couple of laps around this park will make your pet sleep for a night - ours did!
RCT do quite good work maintaining the park throughout the year. You quite literally will experience the four seasons, a variety of tree specimens and of course the infamous statues of the James' I believe. That is, the composers of our anthem 'Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau'.
In spring and summer you can expect to see an array of colours from the spectacular borders throughout Parc Ynysangharad.
There you have it - three great walks of Pontypridd. If you have any suggestions please make yourself a member (takes 30 seconds - it's free) and submit your own thoughts.
Many events take place at the park including the 'fireworks' and music festivals. Pontypridd FC and Pontypridd Cricket Club are also based here. For those 'pitch and put' enthusiasts there is also a mini course - worth a visit.
Rhydyfelin - 'the streets'
My third and final recommended walk is where we live. I have chosen Rhydyfelin as a good dogs walk due to the fact that 'Plato' has made many friends - Plus it means that we don't have to drive-2-walk!
A quick walk around the streets of the area uncovers some interesting views. Such as The bridge next to Rhydyfelin RFC. Which, is a great fishing spot also - 'Plato' has the chance to watch the fishermen wading, fishing for trout and salmon so im told!
Further down entering Hawthorn passed the INN there is a park and short walk on the river banks where your dog can run freely and have a good sprint. Other dog walkers are always polite and friendly.
My tip for this walk is to see if you can win a sprint against your dog on one of the rugby pitches here!