IV.

Places of Interest

The Taf Fawr and Taf Fechan valleys both offer beautiful scenery with reservoirs and man-made lakes set among forests. In Merthyr Tydfil itself is the 65-hectare (160-acre) Cyfartha Park, which surrounds Cyfartha Castle; formerly the home of a family of ironmasters, the castle now houses a museum depicting Merthyr Tydfil's history. Ynysfach Engine House Heritage Centre is a restored industrial building offering exhibitions, working models, and an audio-visual show that recounts the story of history and development of the ironworks in the region. At Pant, just to the north of Merthyr Tydfil, is the departure terminus for the Brecon Mountain Railway, a 5.6-km (3.5-mi) narrow-gauge railway line, which operates vintage steam locomotives through the Brecon Beacons National Park. The Welsh International Climbing Centre at Trelewis is located on the site of three former pits in the Taff Bargoed Valley and offers indoor climbing facilities, an artificial cave system, and a range of outdoor leisure pursuits.