The Gwyn Matthews’ Rhondda Rollercoaster – Route Details

Both routes start with a cheeky climb through the forests of Mynydd y Glyn to wake the legs and lungs then pass over Mynydd y Cymmer before the two routes part ways.
The 26 mile participants will then tackle a new and revised route that heads over moorland and through woods towards the glacial cwm and stunning views of Bwlch y Clawdd before turning home via Ton Pentre and Ferndale.
The 16 mile route will descend to Dinas then tackle the sharp climb towards Rhondda Golf Club with spectacular views over the two Rhondda Valleys. The routes will merge again for a final leg testing climb towards the iconic Tylorstown tip viewpoint before the last leg home.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL EVENT PARTICIPANTS:
Entrants are requested to read & abide by the rules of the event, see Event Rules

  • Equipment
    Your attention is drawn to Point 6 in the rules which outlines the items each entrant must carry.
    THIS IS A MOUNTAINOUS EVENT AND THE EQUIPMENT LISTED IS THE MINIMUM THAT WE EXPECT YOU TO CARRY.
  • Directions to Start and Car Parking
    We request that you follow the car parking instructions. PLEASE DO NOT PARK ELSEWHERE IN THE VILLAGE. Directions

  • View map: to display a route, a website such as Walk Lakes can be used to display the routes on a map.
    To use this website:

    • Download the GPX file to your device (if the .ZIP version – unzip it).
    • Start your internet browser and go to this link: https://www.walklakes.co.uk/
    • In the horizontal menu, select “GPS Mapping” which takes you to a map display.
    • Just above the top left corner of the map, click on the symbol with three horizontal lines.
    • In the drop down menu select “Load GPX file”.
    • In the popup window press the “Browse” button.
    • Use the resulting “File Upload” window to browse to the GPX file on your device, select it and press the “Open” button.
    • This should display the route on a map. Zoom in/out and pan/scroll to view the route.