tourism brochure 2011_Layout 1 - Destination RCT - Rhondda ...

WWW.DESTINATIONRCT.CO.UKDare to be DifferentOne of the jewels in Rhondda Cynon Taf’scrown, Dare Valley Country Park is set in anatural amphitheatre, heightening visitors’closeness to its varied landscape and wildlife.The epitome of a changing landscape, this500-acre park was once a glaciated valley.The impressive rock face at its head – hometo peregrine falcons – contrasts strikingly withthe peaceful woodland below, where anumber of viewing platforms stand as wellplacedhavens to listen to birdsong and takein the park’s rugged beauty.Dare Valley’s history is as rich as its wildlife.Home of the first mechanised coal-cuttingmachinery in Britain, the finest steam coal inEurope was mined here. But as the coalindustry declined, Dare Valley’s 19 minesstopped operating and, in 1973, the sitebecame the first country park in Britain to becreated from the spoil tips of formercollieries. This distinct heritage is outlinedfully in the information centre, which alsohouses a viewing platform for visitors to seeup-close the comings and goings on a busybird table outside.The visitor centre has a cafe selling freshlypreparedfood, an exhibition gallery, twofully-equipped seminar rooms and awelcoming new reception area withconservatory lounge. Dare Valley also has arange of outdoor education facilities andenvironmental education services.As well as its series of trails suitable for arange of ages and abilities, Dare Valley hasa new adventure playground, a playgroundfor younger children, a fitness trail andorienteering courses for families and groups.One day just isn’t enough to see all thatDare Valley Country Park has to offer. Luckilyfor visitors, the park has a well-appointedthree-star hotel and newly-extended threestarcamping and caravanning park. DareValley is an ideal base for exploring RhonddaCynon Taf – after all, who dares wins!Dare Valley Country Park, Trecynon,Aberdare, CF44 7RG01685 874672darevalleycountrypark@rctcbc.gov.ukwww.darevalleycountrypark.co.uk24