THE DRAMATIC scenery and countryside that surrounds Merthyr Tydfil is the perfect setting for a day of rest and relaxation. Walkers will find an endless choice of both challenging and more gentle routes including the long distance Taff Trail, which links Cardiff to the historic market town of Brecon.

A ride on the Brecon Mountain Railway is a great way to take in the stunning panoramas offered by this area of Wales.

Built on the track of the former Brecon and Merthyr Railway, visitors can travel from Pant in one of the all-weather observation coaches behind a vintage steam locomotive into the Brecon Beacons National Park along the full length of the Taf Fechan Reservoir to Dol-y-Gaer.

On your return to the main station at Pant, visit the workshops where old steam locomotives are repaired - follow the new footpath to a picnic site which has an amazing view of the valley.

The whole trip takes sixty-five minutes including a 20 minute stop at Pontsticill - though it is possible to stay longer and get a later train back.

The Brecon Mountain Railway is located just off the Heads of the Valleys trunk road - about three miles north of Merthyr Tydfil. Follow the Mountain Railway signs from the A470 and A465 and you arrive in a large free car and coach park.

Prices and train timetables are available by phoning 01685 722988. Cyfarthfa Castle is a site well worth visiting and easily accessible as it is situated in the centre of Merthyr Tydfil. Built in 1824, this grand mansion, set in 160 acres of parkland is one of the most impressive monuments of the industrial revolution in southern Wales. The castle overlooked the Cyfarthfa Ironworks and the remains of the blast furnaces can still be seen.

It now houses a superb museum and art gallery and for the younger ones there is an adventure playground set in the landscaped gardens. Parking and entry are free and the castle is open from Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5pm.

Joseph Parry's Cottage at No 4 Chapel Row, in Merthyr Tydfil itself, is the birthplace of the composer of Myfanwy. Built in 1825, the ground floor has now been restored and furnished to offer a glimpse of life as it would have been in the 1840s when Parry was born.

The upper floor houses an exhibition about the life of Joseph Parry and also displays of the industrial and social history of 19th century Merthyr. Call Merthyr Tourism on 01685 379884 for more details of both Cyfarthfa Castle and Joseph Parry's Cottage.

Mark Choueke