This trail starts by Brynsadler Mill, which ground corn since at least the mid-13th century. The current building dates from the 1600s and ceased operation in the mid-1930s.
Head down the hill towards Pontyclun FC and then turn down the footpath between the club and garage.
The club has been playing for over 100 years and one claim to fame is that the Welsh FA “borrowed” the club’s motto in 1951 and have used it ever since. The club joined the Welsh football league in 1968 and is now one of a handful of clubs that have survived in the league to this day.
The path takes you into Ivor Woods, a historic woodland which is part of the Welsh national Forest.
Go up the uphill path and bear right at the top following the footpath through The Hollies and up left on the footpath into Talygarn where you come out at a large green. If you miss the path keep going until you reach the main road and turn left.
Follow the main road from the green over the M4 and past the imposing rates to Talygarn manor. This imposing house has a fascinating history being owned and developed by George Clarke a leading Victorian industrialist. It later became a miner’s convalescent home and NHS hospital before being converted into flats.
Shortly after this take the footpath on the right up the lane and to St Anne’s church. The church was rebuilt by George Clarke in 1887. In the mid-1980s a wall mosaic was identified as a missing piece of the 11th Century Last Judgement mosaic which had been stolen from the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Torcello, Venice in the 1850s. This was sold for church funds raising nearly £400k.
Leave the church entering the road turning right to walk up Strawberry Lane. Keep going till you reach the main road near to Llanharry.
Go right, past Castell y Mnwys heading down towards Brynsadler. When you enter the village have a look at the memorials and murals in the stone bus shelter. Opposite is Bryn Terrace which has an interesting religious past.
Head up to the T junction with Cowbridge Road go left down Brynsadler hill past Sion chapel and the Ivor Arms. Opposite the Ivor lies Clos Brenin a modern housing estate which sits on of the former site of the Crown Brewery.
Keep going along the road back to where you started at the Mill.
