A major milestone has been reached in the development of the Rhondda Fach Active Travel Route, with the final section between Ferndale and Tylorstown now open to the public.

The opening completes the main 10km walking and cycling route connecting communities from Tylorstown to Maerdy, following years of planning and construction supported by Welsh Government funding, says Wales 24/7.

The multi-million-pound scheme has been a long-standing commitment for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and has been delivered in partnership with Transport for Wales, which has provided administration and advisory support throughout the project.

Work on the route began in 2023 and has been delivered in five phases. The newly-opened phase five section, where construction started in June 2025, follows the route of the former railway line between Rhondda Fach Leisure Centre in Ferndale and the Stanleytown overbridge, where it connects with the Porth Relief Road community route.

A significant part of the latest phase has been the installation of three new footbridges. Pont Pendyrus has replaced the former leisure centre footbridge, while the new Tylorstown North and South bridges have replaced ageing railway structures that were beyond repair.

The council says the new bridges are wider and meet modern active travel standards, making the route more accessible for walkers, cyclists and other users.

(Picture: Rhondda Cynon Taf Council)