Discover Treherbert

Treherbert combines the history of an industrial settlement with woodland and mountain paths, unusual cultural traces and the valley landscape. The town lies on the southern boundary of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. This creates an interesting mix for planning your trip: you can explore the industrial past, choose short walks or plan longer routes with climbs and views. When looking for holiday accommodation in Treherbert, it is therefore worth considering first whether culture, hiking, cycling or good transport links should be your priority.

Industrial history and chapels

Treherbert is an industrial settlement dating from the 1850s. In Cwm-Saerbren, which is connected with Treherbert, the first shaft for steam coal was sunk in 1855. This history gives the town a distinct historical character, which is also reflected in its religious buildings.

Bethany Baptist Chapel was built in 1873, extended before 1910 by the architect W D Morgan from Pentre, and renovated in 1947. Horeb Methodist Chapel was built in 1867 by David Lloyd of Brodor in the “Classical and Simple Round-Headed” style. Its described features include two storeys and a gabled entrance. Dunraven Street Methodist Chapel was built in 1884 and rebuilt in 1985. Those interested in architecture and local history will find several different chapters in Treherbert’s development here.

Woodland, art and special places

At Welcome To Our Woods on Station Street, you will find Station 8 of the Rhondda Heritage Project, entitled “Rhondda's Green Future”. New woodland and mountain paths lead hikers and cyclists through the valley landscape there. A former watchman’s hut was built on the A4061 above Treherbert, below the Cwar-Du escarpment. Sculptures made by George Cole from discarded plastic and copper wire are also associated with a former watchman’s hut.

The Old Brewery Site also offers a special approach: the Roundhouse is used for woodland therapy sessions. Together with the historic chapels and traces of coal mining, this creates a place where nature, local history and creative projects stand side by side.

Routes for different day plans

The paths around Treherbert offer different lengths and focuses. The Park and Pixie Bridge Loop is 2.0 km long, and the Forest Walk is 2.6 km. The Cwm Saerbren Woods route covers 3.0 km.

The 9.2 km Fernhill Cottages and Waterfalls route takes more time and explores the history of the valley. The Letterbox offers views of Treorchy. At Fforch Orci Pools, the path leads through woodland to quiet pools after a long climb. Fairy Pools and waterfalls leads to waterfalls and fairy pools. In nearby Blaencwm, the Penpych Walk runs around or over the table-shaped outlier hill of Penpych; waterfalls and ancient woodland lie along the way.

Travel and changes in the landscape

Treherbert railway station is the final stop on the Rhondda railway line from Cardiff. From the station, it is approximately a five-minute walk to Treherbert town centre. This information can be helpful for travellers planning to arrive by train and wanting to get to know the town on foot first.

The surrounding landscape also tells a story of change: since the 1970s, the spoil heaps around Treherbert have become covered with trees, creating a new woodland. In this way, the industrial past and subsequent afforestation meet directly in the town’s history. Holiday accommodation or a holiday home in Treherbert is particularly suitable for your plans if you want to combine historical discoveries and a range of nature experiences in one stay.

More places to search

If you would like to compare Treherbert with other destinations, here are the nearest places to consider: Pontypridd, Pontyclun, Nantgarw, Porth, Hirwaun, Llantrisant, Groes-faen, Mountain Ash.

For the broader travel overview: Rhondda Cynon Taff.