**Final Stage of Rhondda Fach Active Travel Route Set to Begin**
The last major stretch of a new 10km route designed for both walkers and cyclists in Rhondda Cynon Taf is slated to commence construction next week, local authorities have confirmed. This milestone will extend the community’s ambitious efforts to promote greener and healthier modes of travel throughout the Rhondda Fach valley.
The forthcoming works will upgrade a 2.8km segment of the shared path, linking Ferndale and Tylorstown, and mark the culmination of the five-phase project connecting Maerdy to Tylorstown. The route runs mainly along a former railway line, repurposing historic infrastructure to meet present-day needs. Previously completed phases through Maerdy and Ferndale have already seen enthusiastic uptake from residents and visitors alike.
According to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, phases one and two, covering parts of Maerdy, debuted in 2023 and 2024. The penultimate stage through Ferndale officially opened at the start of June 2025, greatly increasing local access for those on foot and two wheels. The soon-to-be-developed final section will stretch between the Rhondda Fach Leisure Centre in Ferndale and the Stanleytown overbridge, ultimately connecting with community paths on the Porth Relief Road at its southern terminus.
As part of the improvements, the path’s existing surfaces – currently composed of gravel, stone, or bare ground – will be overhauled and resurfaced to provide a smoother and more reliable route. Council officials note that the path follows a notably flat course, enhancing accessibility for users of all ages and abilities.
The project’s final stage also involves repair work to two old railway bridges along the trail. While the core structures (abutments and piers) will be preserved to honour their heritage, the bridge decks will be replaced to guarantee both safety and function for modern-day users. Such restoration helps marry Rhondda’s industrial past with its vision for a sustainable and active future.
Construction works will mean temporary disruption to the current path, with closures due to start from 23 June for the section earmarked for upgrades. In addition, the lower end of the recently opened phase four, near the new pump track and Station Road, will be closed from the week commencing 16 June. Council representatives stress that these closures are essential for public safety throughout the development period.
Contractors will have several designated site access points along the new section. Among these, key entryways are set near the Station Road bridge in Ferndale, under the Llanwonno Road bridge at the southern end, and by the car park at the rear of Tylorstown Surgery. A site compound will be based near the surgery, with project organisers committing to coordinate logistics to minimise inconvenience for medical centre users. A paved area next to Edmondes Street’s playing field in Tylorstown will also serve as an occasional storage and access hub, though only minor impact is anticipated here.
During the works, pedestrians and cyclists will need to seek alternative routes. The council advises that the A4233 main road between Tylorstown and Ferndale will act as the only available diversion until the path reopens.
Despite the short-lived disruption, many local residents welcome the improvements that the new route will bring, anticipating increased opportunities for safe exercise, community connection, and low-carbon travel. With completion of the phase targeted for early spring 2026, it is hoped the upgraded route will encourage even more people to leave their cars behind and embrace active travel in one of south Wales’ most scenic valleys.