Parc Penallta Ystrad Mynach
A free, accessible park with diverse trails, unique sculptures, and natural beauty, perfect for walking and dog lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fresh air and blooming nature
Parc Penallta Ystrad Mynach
Best Time
Fresh air and blooming nature
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, accessible park with diverse trails, unique sculptures, and natural beauty, perfect for walking and dog lovers.
"A lovely walking trail with plenty of points of interest along the way."
🗺️ Train Accessible Walks
Take the train to Ystrad Mynach and head towards Parc Penallta for a great walking experience. :train2:
🚶♀️ Explore Diverse Trails
Follow paved paths for accessibility or venture onto dirt/gravel trails for more exploration. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Penallta Rocks
Craggy cliff face
A dramatic craggy cliff face you can walk onto and around, offering unique photo opportunities.
Pit Pony Sculpture
Various locations
Discover sculptures, including the impressive 'Sultan' the horse, a nod to the area's mining past.
Wildlife Ponds
Lower sections of the park
Observe local wildlife from viewing platforms and decking around serene ponds.
Observatory
Highest point
Ascend to the highest point for pleasant views and a rewarding stop.
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Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Plan Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Train Accessible Walks
Take the train to Ystrad Mynach and head towards Parc Penallta for a great walking experience. :train2:
🚶♀️ Explore Diverse Trails
Follow paved paths for accessibility or venture onto dirt/gravel trails for more exploration. :hiking_boot:
📸 Photogenic Spots Galore
The park offers numerous photogenic spots, from dramatic rocks to wildlife ponds. :camera:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paradise
A fantastic place for dog walking with well-maintained trails, but keep dogs controlled near wildlife. :dog:
Walking/hiking in South Wales
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Train Accessible Walks
Take the train to Ystrad Mynach and head towards Parc Penallta for a great walking experience. :train2:
🚶♀️ Explore Diverse Trails
Follow paved paths for accessibility or venture onto dirt/gravel trails for more exploration. :hiking_boot:
📸 Photogenic Spots Galore
The park offers numerous photogenic spots, from dramatic rocks to wildlife ponds. :camera:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paradise
A fantastic place for dog walking with well-maintained trails, but keep dogs controlled near wildlife. :dog:
☕ Nearby Refreshments
No cafe on-site, but Colliers Rest cafe is adjacent for coffee and cakes. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Parc Penallta is widely praised as a beautiful and varied walking destination, ideal for dog owners and families. Visitors appreciate the free entry, accessible paths, and interesting features like sculptures and wildlife ponds. Some concerns were raised about littering by inconsiderate dog owners and the need for more bins.
"A lovely walking trail with plenty of points of interest along the way. You can follow different paths and walk it whichever way you want, but if you want to see all the points of interest then just make sure you keep an eye on which direction you pick at junctions.
Various ponds, the pit pony and observatory are worth seeing and for me the highlight is Penallta rocks, the craggy cliff face that you can walk onto and around.
Plenty of photogenic spots and a varied and gentle walk, definitely a place to visit in any weather."
Kevin Arscott (The Walking Kev)
"This is a place I’ve come to, many times to walk my dogs. I’ve seen the park mature over the years until present day. The park is maintained by a great team who have done a lot of work over the years to address drainage. As you walk around, you’ll see culverts which have been added. If you check out Penallta Parc on Google
Earth, you’ll be able to see “Sultan” the horse from satellite. An aerial view shows a horse sculpted during the creation of Penallta. It’s a lovely place to walk and there are lots of different paths to explore. It’s a peaceful place and great to escape the hustle and bustle of life. In summer, people bring a picnic and sit on the grass relaxing. Well worth a visit."
Caro Lina
"Dog walking heaven! A nice selection of well maintained all weather trails interspersed with sculptures referencing nature and the areas mining past - perfect for dog walking, running or just going for a leisurely stroll.
There are a number of wildlife ponds with decking and viewing platforms so care should be taken to keep dogs under control in these areas.
The lower sections of the parc also form part of the national cycle network route 47 - so once again care should be taken to keep dogs under control due to passing cyclist.
A walk up to the highest point in the parc is rewarded with some pleasant views and is a great spot to stop and take it all in.
There isn't an on site cafe but the Colliers Rest adventure farm & cafe is adjacent to the bottom car park and does nice coffee and cakes along with a decent looking breakfast."
Andrew Wilson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a train to Ystrad Mynach station and then walk towards Parc Penallta. It's a convenient option for those without a car.
Yes, there are two free car parks. The main one is pram-friendly, while the smaller one on the south side has steps.
Parc Penallta is accessible by train to Ystrad Mynach, making it a viable option for public transport users.
Yes, the lower sections of the park are part of the National Cycle Network Route 47, so cyclists are welcome.
The postcode for Parc Penallta is CF82 7GN.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Parc Penallta is completely free to enter and explore.
The park is generally open from dawn till dusk, offering ample time for visits. Specific hours are not usually listed as it's an open natural space.
No booking is required as the park is free to access. However, for specific events like the Walk & Yoga fundraiser, registration might be needed.
As a public park, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to check for any specific event timings if you plan to attend one.
Parking at Parc Penallta is free of charge for visitors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key attractions include Penallta Rocks, the pit pony sculptures (like 'Sultan'), wildlife ponds with viewing platforms, and the observatory at the highest point.
Yes, there is a proper tarmac path that makes a significant portion of the park pram and wheelchair accessible.
Parc Penallta does not have a dedicated play area.
Absolutely! It's a popular spot for dog walking with well-maintained trails. Remember to keep dogs under control, especially near wildlife and cyclists.
You'll find a mix of terrain, including paved paths, dirt trails, and gravel paths, offering variety for different preferences.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is no cafe directly within Parc Penallta.
The Colliers Rest adventure farm & cafe is located adjacent to the bottom car park and offers coffee, cakes, and breakfast.
Yes, picnicking on the grass is a popular activity, especially during summer.
Typically, there are no regular food vendors within the park itself. It's best to bring your own or visit the nearby cafe.
The adjacent Colliers Rest cafe is a good option for families looking for casual dining.
📸 📸 Photography
Penallta Rocks, the pit pony sculptures, and the wildlife ponds offer excellent photographic opportunities. The varied landscapes also provide great backdrops.
Drone photography has been captured here, as seen in social media content. However, always check local regulations and be mindful of other visitors.
It's ideal for landscape, nature, and sculpture photography, with opportunities for wildlife shots around the ponds.
The highest point in the parc offers pleasant views, and Penallta Rocks provides dramatic perspectives.
Yes, it's described as a place to visit in any weather, suggesting diverse photographic potential throughout the year.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Solo Walkers & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails and Sculptures
Beyond the sculptures, the park boasts several points of interest that are worth seeking out. Penallta Rocks presents a dramatic, craggy cliff face that you can walk onto and around, offering striking visual perspectives and fantastic photo opportunities.
Accessibility and Amenities
While Parc Penallta itself doesn't have an on-site cafe or play area, this is mitigated by the adjacent Colliers Rest adventure farm & cafe.
This nearby establishment provides a convenient spot for visitors to grab coffee, cakes, or a meal, ensuring that refreshments are readily available.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit