Top 6 Natural Monuments around Porth
Best natural monuments around Porth offer diverse natural landscapes in Wales, particularly within the Rhondda Cynon Taf county borough. The region features hills, valleys, and geological formations shaped by natural processes and historical human activity. These sites provide opportunities to explore varied terrain, from elevated viewpoints to unique rock formations. The area's natural monuments showcase its geological history and ecological diversity.
Best natural monuments around Porth
- The most popular natural monuments is Cefn Eglwysilan Trig Point, a natural monument that is a hill in South Wales with twin summits. Its southerly summit is crowned by a trig point and offers expansive views.
- Another must-see spot is Giant's Bite, a viewpoint featuring a dramatic gap in the skyline from a former quarry. Visitors can expect fine views of the Taff and Cynon valleys.
- Visitors also love The Rocking Stone and the Gorsedd Circle, a glacial boulder dating back to the Ice Age. This site is notable for its geological origins and historical use for Bardic gatherings.
- Porth is known for its viewpoints, trig points, and unique geological formations. The area offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, from ancient stones to elevated summits.
- The natural monuments around Porth are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 10 photos and over 10 upvotes.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Giant's Bite
Highlight • Viewpoint
The site was intensively grazed up to the mid-1990s when a large belt of native trees were planted on the lower slopes.
These trees are now maturing and have helped to heal the visible mining scares. The shales forming the upper soil horizons support a wide variety of native flowering grassland species including wild strawberry, cowslip, foxglove and wild thyme, and the site is increasingly becoming re-vegetated by scrub species.
Incredibly Fine views of the Taff and Cynon valleys are afforded from the summit ridge, while the line of the former Glamorganshire Canal is also discernible.
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Cefn Eglwysilan Trig Point
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The Rocking Stone and the Gorsedd Circle
Highlight • Historical Site
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Twyn Brynbychan Trig Point
Highlight • Natural Monument
Enjoyed a breather on top, before trekking around the back forestry where you can see Aberfan and Merthyr Vale and headed over to the bronze age sight before descending down to Cwmaman and back to the car.
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Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
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High above the A470 to the north of Quaker’s Yard, the Giant’s Bite is a dramatic gap in the skyline quarried from the ridge top at the former Cefn Glas mine and quarry. ❤️👌 The site was intensively grazed up to the mid-1990s when a large belt of native trees were planted on the lower slopes. These trees are now maturing and have helped to heal the visible mining scares. The shales forming the upper soil horizons support a wide variety of native flowering grassland species including wild strawberry, cowslip, foxglove and wild thyme, and the site is increasingly becoming re-vegetated by scrub species. Incredibly Fine views of the Taff and Cynon valleys are afforded from the summit ridge, while the line of the former Glamorganshire Canal is also discernible.
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We walked miles. Up to the waterfall on Gillies trail, followed the path up onto the rocky and then to the trig point on Twyn Brynbychan, above the cynnon valleys. Enjoyed a breather on top, before trekking around the back forestry where you can see Aberfan and Merthyr Vale and headed over to the bronze age sight before descending down to Cwmaman and back to the car.
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A few steps off the main path, leads to a downward, wooden stepped, clamber (with care as steps are often slippery) to a beautiful hidden gem ...
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Cefn Eglwysilan is a hill in South Wales, the twin 1,253 feet (382 m) summits of which lie just over one mile (2 km) east of Pontypridd in Rhondda Cynon Taf county borough. Its eastern side lies within the community of Aber Valley in Caerphilly county borough. Like neighbouring Mynydd Eglwysilan, the hill is named after the hamlet of Eglwysilan, the church here being dedicated to an obscure saint Ilan. A wireless transmission station is sited on the more northerly of the two summits (at OS grid ref ST 099911). The southerly one is crowned by a trig point. It is a UK listed Marilyn.
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The Rocking Stone or "Y Maen Chwyf" in Welsh is a glacial boulder remaining from the Ice Age. It formed the central point for a "Gorsedd" or "Gathering of Bards" in 1814, which was organised by stonemason, Edward Williams, known as "Iolo Morganwg". The Gorsedd Circle of smaller stones was constructed in 1849 by Evan Davies, Bardic name "Myfyr Morganwg" and has often been used for Bardic gatherings, and as a focal point for other public occasions.
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The Rocking Stone ('Y Maen Chwyf' in Welsh) is a glacial boulder left over from when ice sheets covered these lands. The stone circle that surrounds the stone was constructed in 1849 by Evan Davies. The site has often been used for Bardic gatherings and public events.
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The Rocking Stone or “Y Maen Chwyf” in Welsh is a glacial boulder dating back to the Ice Age. It was a focal point of the “Gathering of Bards” organised by stonemason Edward Williams in 1814.
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The Rocking Stone in Pontypridd is set within the middle of a fake Druidic stone circle, it's not prehistoric.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of natural monuments can I explore around Porth?
Around Porth, you can discover a diverse range of natural monuments. These include elevated viewpoints like Giant's Bite and Cefn Eglwysilan Trig Point, historical geological sites such as The Rocking Stone and the Gorsedd Circle, and various waterfalls, including a hidden one (Waterfall) and those found in Cwm Clydach Countryside Park and along Barry Sidings Walkway. Further afield, you can find the vast cave system of Porthyr Ogof, the unique 'Whistling Sands' beach at Porthor, and the diverse woodland of Nantporth Nature Reserve.
Are there any natural monuments with historical significance near Porth?
Yes, The Rocking Stone and the Gorsedd Circle is a significant site. This glacial boulder dates back to the Ice Age and has historical importance as a focal point for Bardic gatherings, with a stone circle constructed around it in 1849.
Where can I find impressive views of the valleys around Porth?
For expansive views, head to Cefn Eglwysilan Trig Point, which offers broad vistas from its summit. Another excellent spot is Giant's Bite, a viewpoint carved from a former quarry, providing fine views of the Taff and Cynon valleys. Twyn Brynbychan Trig Point also offers great views above the Cynon valleys.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments or walks around Porth?
Cwm Clydach Countryside Park is an excellent family-friendly option, offering walking alongside lakes, exploring waterfalls, and wildlife spotting. Barry Sidings Walkway also provides an accessible natural experience with waterfalls, suitable for families. The Rocking Stone and the Gorsedd Circle is also considered family-friendly, offering an interesting historical and geological site.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at natural monuments near Porth?
Cwm Clydach Countryside Park is known for its diverse wildlife, including kingfishers, herons, butterflies, and newts. Nantporth Nature Reserve, a coastal ash woodland, provides habitat for woodland birds like blackcaps and nuthatches, with oystercatchers and redshanks along the nearby Menai Strait.
Are there any natural monuments with waterfalls in the Porth area?
Yes, several natural monuments feature waterfalls. Cwm Clydach Countryside Park has multiple waterfalls, and Barry Sidings Walkway is known for its scenic waterfalls. Additionally, there is a specific Waterfall near Porth, described as a beautiful hidden gem accessible via wooden steps.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The area around Porth offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy, moderate, and difficult options, such as the 'Barry Sidings Café – Aberfan Memorial Cairn loop' or the 'Carn Fawr Bronze Age Monument – Cwm Clydach Countryside Park loop'. Cycling is also popular, with routes like the 'Barry Sidings Café – Aberfan Memorial Cairn loop' for touring bikes and challenging road cycling routes like the 'Rhigos Climb Viewpoint loop'. For more details, explore the Hiking around Porth or Cycling around Porth guides.
Is there a natural monument that is a significant geological site?
Porthyr Ogof, located in the Brecon Beacons, is a significant geological wonder. It boasts the largest cave opening in Wales, measuring 17 meters wide, and features over 15 kilometers of passages carved by water dissolving limestone. The river Mellte disappears underground here, creating a dramatic natural phenomenon.
Can I visit a beach with unique natural features near Porth?
Yes, Porthor (also known as Whistling Sands Beach) on the Llŷn Peninsula is famous for its 'whistling sands' and glistening waters. This unique acoustic phenomenon makes it a popular spot for visitors, along with opportunities for sunbathing, sandcastles, and surfing.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments around Porth?
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning views from elevated points like Giant's Bite and Cefn Eglwysilan Trig Point. The transformation of industrial sites into natural havens, such as Cwm Clydach Countryside Park, is also highly valued. The unique geological features and historical significance of sites like The Rocking Stone and the Gorsedd Circle also draw considerable interest.
Are there any nature reserves or woodlands to explore?
Nantporth Nature Reserve in North Wales offers a diverse coastal ash woodland with rare whitebeam trees, oak, birch, and aspen. In spring, the woodland floor is covered in wood anemones and primroses, providing a beautiful setting for nature walks and birdwatching. Old limestone quarry workings can also be seen within the reserve.
Are there any easy walking routes to natural monuments around Porth?
Yes, Barry Sidings Walkway offers an accessible and easy natural experience with waterfalls. Within Cwm Clydach Countryside Park, you can enjoy walking alongside the 'top lake' and 'bottom lake' on relatively easy paths. For more options, refer to the Hiking around Porth guide, which includes easy-grade routes like the 'Barry Sidings Café loop from Trehafod'.
Most popular attractions around Porth
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