The initial aspiration is to expand the Geopark southwards within Merthyr Tydfil county borough so as to include elements of the area’s mining heritage along with some interesting and attractive natural features.
The proposals (as at 18 October 2024) envisage portions of the following communities being included within an expanded Geopark:
- Cyfarthfa
- Gurnos
- Pant
- Park
- Vaynor
Features of interest to the Geopark within the Merthyr Tydfil area include (but are not necessarily restricted to):
- Cyfarthfa Castle and Park
- Historical sites at Morlais etc
- Ironmaking heritage e.g. Cyfarthfa Ironworks, Pont y Cafnau
- Quarrying heritage e.g. Morlais Castle quarries etc
- Taff and Taff Fechan riverside walks and woodlands e.g. at Cefn-coed etc
- National Cycle Network routes 8 & 46 (Taff Trail etc)
- Abandoned tramroads in Taff Fechan area and elsewhere
A part of Vaynor community to the east of Pontsticill Reservoir, previously within Powys but transferred to Merthyr Tydfil, is also included in the proposal. It already lies within the National Park.
Each of the above contributes something to the natural and cultural heritage of this area. However, the mention of any site in this list is without prejudice to landowners and others with an interest of any sort. Inclusion within an expanded Geopark does not bring any additional public access (or controls) to any particular site except where that is agreed by all interested parties.