River's Edge

Outdoor explorers can get straight out into the Brecon Beacons National Park, with all its opportunities for exercise. Walkers stride up challenging Pen y Fan (40 minutes’ drive) for glorious views over mountain peaks, or take in tumbling cascades on an amble along the Four Waterfalls Walk from the car park (25 minutes). The Merthyr Tydfil to Brecon Sustrans route is a scenic Brecon Beacons route for mountain bikers, following a former railway line through forest and heathland. Whether you want to tackle serious off-road trails or potter along traffic-free lanes, there are many choices in the park. For a change of pace, pedal past local landmarks on a guided trike tour, or test your mettle at Walters Arena (35 minutes), a former open-cast mine now upcycled as an off-roading venue for rally drivers and motor-bikers (booking essential). Need a rest day after all that activity? Visit the underground caverns at the National Showcaves Centre for Wales (10 minutes), or make a beeline for the Red Kite Feeding Station (35 minutes) to marvel at birds of prey circling in the thermals.