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Quaker's Yard Viaduct – Pontsticill Reservoir loop from Quakers Yard

Routes

Mountain biking trails

Quaker's Yard Viaduct – Pontsticill Reservoir loop from Quakers Yard

Moderate

3.8

(4)

riders

Quaker's Yard Viaduct – Pontsticill Reservoir loop from Quakers Yard

04:22

64.6km

780m

Mountain biking

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: July 18, 2026

Tips

Includes segments that go up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 67 m for 10 m

After 64.6 km for 10 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

651 m

Quaker's Yard Viaduct

Highlight • Historical Site

One of IK Brunels many bridges. Still very much in use carrying the Merthyr to Barry valley lines passenger train.

Tip by

1.56 km

This is a section of the Taff Trail NCR8 that is unpaved and muddy. Long may this last as the trail has important industrial archeological history. You can still see the stone seats that held the wooden rails of the old tramway in place. For more on the significance, Google Richard
"Richard Trevithick (13 April 1771 – 22 April 1833) was a British inventor and mining engineer. The son of a mining captain, and born in the mining heartland of Cornwall, Trevithick was immersed in mining and engineering from an early age. He was an early pioneer of steam-powered road and rail transport, and his most significant contributions were the development of the first high-pressure steam engine and the first working railway steam locomotive.[1] The world's first locomotive-hauled railway journey took place on 21 February 1804, when Trevithick's unnamed steam locomotive hauled a train along the tramway of the Penydarren Ironworks, in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.[2][3]

Turning his interests abroad Trevithick also worked as a mining consultant in Peru and later explored parts of Costa Rica. Throughout his professional career he went through many ups and downs and at one point faced financial ruin, also suffering from the strong rivalry of many mining and steam engineers of the day. During the prime of his career he was a well-known and highly respected figure in mining and engineering, but near the end of his life he fell out of the public eye." - from wikipedia. - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Trevithick

Tip by

12.0 km

The Three Bridges, Merthyr Tydfil

Highlight • Cycleway

This is a nice stone bridge along the cyclepath just outside Merthyr Tydfil which makes a pretty spot to stop and take a picture.

Tip by

19.0 km

Pontsarn Viaduct

Viewpoint

20.4 km

Taf Trail

Highlight • Cycleway

The full route provides a fantastic mix of terrain and scenery😊

Tip by

25.4 km

Wooden Bridge in Bannau Brycheiniog Forest

Highlight • Bridge

Around a 6 mile circular peaceful easy for all accessibilities. The forest is so special gives a magical effect of walking through absolutely beautiful.

Tip by

27.7 km

Pentwyn Reservoir

Lake

28.3 km

Taf Fechan Forest

Forest

39.4 km

Pontsticill Reservoir

Lake

40.4 km

Pontsticill Reservoir at Dol-y-gaer

Highlight • Viewpoint

Nice little descent down to the side of the Pontscill Reservoir.

Tip by

41.0 km

Pentwyn Reservoir

Highlight • Lake

Pentwyn Reservoir is the smaller sister to Pontsticill Reservoir, both being separated by a causeway going towards the old Dolygaer outdoor centre. It is a very popular spot with fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The reservoir is used daily for a mix of watersports such as paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing and raft building. It is in a beautiful setting, and you have great views north towards Pen y Fan and nice walks nearby.

Tip by

46.2 km

Pontsticill Reservoir

Highlight • Structure

Pontsticill Reservoir is a great location for its scenic beauty and because it is the start of many hiking and biking trails. There is a nice trail that actually goes around the entire reservoir, but it does involve road walking too. When you do visit this location, beware of thefts from unattended vehicles and take valuables with you.

Tip by

64.6 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

26.6 km

15.2 km

14.4 km

7.13 km

986 m

216 m

132 m

Surfaces

34.1 km

15.3 km

10.8 km

2.94 km

1.09 km

410 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (440 m)

Lowest point (110 m)

Weather

Wednesday 26 August

22°C

14°C

91 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Quaker's Yard Viaduct – Pontsticill Reservoir loop from Quakers Yard

Quaker's Yard Viaduct

Taff Trail Tramroad Section

The Three Bridges, Merthyr Tydfil

Taf Trail

Wooden Bridge in Bannau Brycheiniog Forest

Pontsticill Reservoir at Dol-y-gaer

Pentwyn Reservoir

Pontsticill Reservoir

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