Parc Bryn Bach in Blaenau Gwent is a nature reserve with 340 acres of woodland and grasslands, a 36-acre lake, and plenty to see and do. It has plenty to offer young and old - and parking is free.
It's easy to get to by car, or is just a quick journey on the train and a short bus trip if you don't drive. With plenty of quiet, peaceful trails, it's popular with joggers, dog walkers, and people who want to spend a bit of time in the great outdoors.
Activities at the park
There's a dog-friendly café and mini golf, and you can hire a go-kart or try out the mountain bike trail. There are also lots of water-based activities too, including canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Other activities on offer including geocaching, archery, and survival skills. Anglers are also welcome, although day tickets must be purchased from the visitor centre, and will only be provided with a rod licence.
The park is also home to plenty of waterfowl who call the lake home, including ducks, swans, and Canada geese. At this time of year many of them have flown south for the winter, although some are still around, and in the spring you can see plenty of newly-hatched chicks.
What the park's website says
The park's website says: "Set in the heart of Tredegar in south east Wales, Parc Bryn Bach (Bryn Bach Park), offers a warm welcome and plenty of outdoor activities for all ages and abilities."
"As a local nature reserve, the park boasts 340 acres of stunning grass and woodland including a 36-acre lake and includes a number of nature trails and an interactive sculpture trail where children can find out more about the local wildlife."
"You can also relax in our sensory garden or try out our Wellbeing Workspace where you can sit and enjoy the lake view while you go online and work while enjoying the peace and tranquillity."
"Our café offers hot and cold snacks and drinks, and the park is the perfect venue to relax, have fun and try one of our exciting adventure activities. The park is home to a caravan park and has bunkhouse facilities for groups so you can enjoy a short or long stay and experience the breath-taking beauty, heritage, and the wonders of Wales."
How to get to Parc Bryn Bach
By car: Head north on the A470 towards Merthyr Tydfil. At the Abercanaid Roundabout, turn right onto the A4060. Follow the road north, joining the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road eastbound at Dowlais Top. Exit at the first junction at Pany-y-Waun and join the A4257 Merthyr Road. Turn right at the roundabout just after the Nags Head Inn and enter the car park.
By public transport: Travel by train to Rhymney Station, and catch the Harris Coaches 4C service. This service runs once every two hours, Monday to Friday, except Bank Holidays. Alternatively, travel to Newport and catch a train to Ebbw Vale Town. Once there, catch the Stagecoach South Wales 76 service to Merthyr Tydfil. Or travel to Merthyr Tydfil and catch the Stagecoach South Wales 76 service to Abergavenny. The 76 service runs around once an hour Monday-Saturday, except Bank Holidays.
