Built-up area in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
| Coordinates: | 51.748, -3.38 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SO 04 06 |
| Population: | 43,820 |
| Dialling code: | 01685 |
Merthyr Tydfil sits in the heart of Wales's steep-sided South Wales Valleys at the head of the River Taff, fringed by the moorland of the Brecon Beacons. Its landscape of hills, reservoirs and old tramway routes makes it a surprisingly good base for walkers and for anyone wanting to explore the industrial archaeology of the valleys.
The town grew rapidly in the 19th century as a centre for iron and coal, with landmarks such as Cyfarthfa Castle standing as reminders of that era, and the community still bears the social legacy of mining - most painfully the Aberfan disaster of 1966. In recent decades Merthyr has seen regeneration projects, a lively local culture and grassroots initiatives that balance heritage, outdoor recreation and efforts to tackle economic and social challenges.
CF47 8UY, CF47 9NJ, CF47 0TJ, CF47 0AQ, CF47 9JJ, CF48 3PN, CF48 2LP, CF48 3LT, CF48 2SE, CF48 1NN