Treherbert combines a history as an industrial settlement with trails through woodland and mountain landscapes. The town lies on the southern border of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. When planning your stay, you can choose between exploring the town’s architectural and industrial history and taking routes of different lengths.
Industrial History and Landscape
Treherbert is an industrial settlement dating from the 1850s. The first shaft for steam coal was sunk in Cwm-Saerbren (Treherbert) in 1855. This early industrial history gives the town a distinct historical focus, which can be explored alongside its later buildings and the trails in the surrounding area.
The changing landscape is also evident around Treherbert: since the 1970s, trees growing on spoil heaps have created new woodland. Anyone interested in the transformation of industrial landscapes will find not only historic buildings here, but also this long-term change to the surrounding area as a subject of interest.
Chapels and Architectural History
Bethany Baptist Chapel was built in 1873, extended before 1910 by the architect W D Morgan of Pentre, and renovated in 1947. Horeb Methodist Chapel was built in 1867. David Lloyd of Brodor built it in the “Classical and Simple Round-Headed” style; the building has two storeys and a gabled entrance. It was later converted into a residence. Dunraven Street Methodist Chapel dates from 1884 and was rebuilt in 1985. Together, these buildings offer different insights into the development of religious buildings in the town. Bethany Baptist Chapel was built in 1873, extended before 1910 by the architect W D Morgan of Pentre, and renovated in 1947. Horeb Methodist Chapel was built in 1867. David Lloyd of Brodor built it in the “Classical and Simple Round-Headed” style; the building has two storeys and a gabled entrance. It was later converted into a residence. Dunraven Street Methodist Chapel dates from 1884 and was rebuilt in 1985. Together, these buildings offer different insights into the development of religious buildings in the town.
A former keeper’s hut was built beside the A4061 above Treherbert and below the steep slope of Cwar Du. It is associated with sculptures by George Cole, made from discarded plastic and copper wire. The history of the hut and these unusual materials adds another dimension to Treherbert’s industrial heritage.
Woodland Trails and Walks
Station 8 of the Rhondda Heritage Project, titled “Rhondda’s Green Future”, is located at Welcome To Our Woods on Station Street. New woodland and mountain trails take walkers and cyclists through the valley landscape. The Roundhouse at the Old Brewery Site in Treherbert is also in use, hosting woodland therapy sessions.
The routes listed in the Ramblers Cymru walking guide for Treherbert vary in length. The Park and Pixie Bridge Loop is 2.0 km long, the Forest Walk is 2.6 km, and Cwm Saerbren Woods is 3.0 km. The Fernhill Cottages and Waterfalls route is considerably longer at 9.2 km and explores the history of the valley.
Other routes offer different highlights: The Letterbox has views of Treorchy. Fforch Orci Pools passes through woodland after a long climb to tranquil pools; Fairy Pools and Waterfalls leads to waterfalls and fairy pools. In nearby Blaencwm, the Penpych Walk loops around or crosses the table-shaped hill of Penpych and takes in waterfalls and ancient woodland. When planning these walks, check current route conditions.
Getting There and Planning Your Stay
Treherbert railway station is the last stop on the Rhondda line from Cardiff. The town centre is about a five-minute walk from the station; walking time may vary depending on conditions and your destination. Check current rail services before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Groes-faen, Pontypridd, Llantrisant, Mountain Ash, Porth, Nantgarw, Pontyclun, Aberdare
Back to the main travel overview: Rhondda Cynon Taff.
