This history trail starts at the car park of the Railway station in Pontyclun. Its the opening of this station in 1850 that was the catalyst for the growth of Pontyclun.
Head up the path towards the main road passing 3 historic pubs, on through the car park opposite and past Pontyclun RFC. Follow the path by the rugby pitches and out turning right up the hill. Go right at the T junction following the road for about half a mile before bearing right into Miskin at the mini roundabout.
Miskin is full of historic features in the village centre.
Moving down along Hensol Road go over the railway past Chapel House and Miskin Mill. Keep going on this road and just after you go under the M4 turn right onto the footpath that follows the lane going parallel to the M4.
At the top of the slope as it turns sharp left, cross into the field ahead and follow this down until the path splits. Take the half-left path down through the trees. At the bottom of the hill turn right and follow the path into the trees through a gate and over the stream.
Follow the path up the hill and exit over the stone stile, turning right onto the lane at the top. Go past some houses and Talygarn Mews and keep going until you reach Talygarn House.
Take the road to the right for about 30m and follow the footpath left into the field. Keep on this path through the fields past the tennis courts and on towards the main road where the path joins it in the hamlet of Talygarn.
If you have time, a short diversion left and taking the footpath off to the right will take you to St Anne’s church, returning here to continue.
Our trail now heads right, down through Talygarn and Brynsadler crossing the Ely River by Pontyclun FC, past Brynsadler Mill and up to the War Memorial in Pontyclun.
When you have read about the memorial head towards Pontyclun going past the Masonic lodge and into the shopping area with its bars, cafes and shops. You might notice the converted chapels and consider the religious history of Pontyclun.
Go through the town crossing the railway line and then turn left returning to your starting point at the Station car park.
