The Gwyn Matthews’ Rhondda Rollercoaster – Saturday 10th May 2025

The Gwyn Matthews’ Rhondda Rollercoaster is named in honour of a South Wales group member who was intimately involved in the creation of the event.

This is a 26.5 mile challenge walk that explores the famous Rhondda Valleys of South Wales. A shorter 16 mile version is also available for entrants who want to explore the famous valleys yet do not want to complete the longer distance and all of the climbing that it attracts.

This scenically beautiful route starts in Trehafod, and follows a clockwise circuit visiting Mynydd y Glyn, Mynydd Dinas, Mynydd William Meyrick, The Bwlch and Ferndale before returning to Trehafod via the iconic Tylorstown Tip. The route provides extensive views of the South Wales valleys and the Brecon Beacons to the north. The 26.5 mile route has approximately 5,000 feet of ascent and the 16 mile route 2,900 feet of ascent.

This event, held for the first time in 2011, is organised by the South Wales Group of the Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA) and is open to non-LDWA members.

A report of the 2011 event, written by a participant, was published in the LDWA magazine, Strider, in August 2011.

For reports of the previous events follow the menu links on the left.