Rhondda Valley, South Wales (1. Church of Our Lady of Penrhys (now disused))

This is a land of contrasts and surprises with a variety of landscapes – valley towns, re-claimed industrial sites, farmed and wooded slopes, open countryside and mountain moorland. This walk was created by Jennifer Lewis. It follows in the footsteps of her grandmother, Emily Roberts, who often walked this route when she was just married and with a young baby. When she was living in the Rhondda Valley, Emily would walk right over the mountain to the Cynon Valley to see her family. Jennifer: “I’ve lived in Australia since 1970 but I was born and brought up in the Cynon Valley. Over the years I’ve been drawn back to these valleys many times. It’s a beautiful area with wonderful contrasting scenery and stories to enjoy. “The walk recreates Emily’s - and along the way tells something of life in the Valleys a century ago. In hearing a little about Emily, her life and family, we’ll learn about the valleys in the heyday of the Welsh coal industry. We’ll also find out how the landscape has changed since. I hope you enjoy the walk!” Directions From the Church of Our Lady of Penrhys on the main road go along New Street on the lower side of the church building. Follow this road for about 200 metres until you reach a set of steps on the right. Go down the steps and turn left onto Brown Street. After about 75 metres, turn right down to Albany Street. Turn right and walk along to Number 30 on the right hand side.