New website to showcase some of best Valley attractions
TEN popular Valleys spots are being showcased on a new website highlighting what the Valleys Regional Park has to offer visitors and local businesses.
The Discovery Gateway sites include two locations in Rhondda Cynon Taf, namely Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare, and Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in Pontypridd.
The other places across the region featured include the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, Bryngarw Country Park, Caerphilly Castle, Cwmcarn Forest Drive, Cyfarthfa Park, as well as Parc Bryn Bach in Blaenau Gwent, Parc Penallta in Caerphilly, and Parc Slip in Bridgend.
RCT Council leader Andrew Morgan said: “The South Wales valleys offer some of the most beautiful and breathtaking views, and we truly are extremely fortunate to have such a wealth of natural landscapes to enjoy and make use of.
“By working across the region and bringing all of the Discovery Gateways together under one website, we can promote these locations and open them up for visitors and residents to explore and enjoy – at the benefit of the local communities, economy and environment.”
The Valleys Regional Park – which brings together the best of the natural and cultural heritage of the region – was announced by Welsh Government in 2018 with £7m investment to help make the most of the area’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
In addition to promoting the Valleys as a destination, the Valleys Regional Park also involves encouraging partners to work towards best practice in landscape management to help improve biodiversity.
The regional partnership is hosted by Bridgend County Borough Council with the board comprising the Council Leaders of the 13 local authorities within the region.
Ann Crimmings, RCT council’s cabinet member for environment, leisure and heritage services, said: “I’m pleased to see the new dedicated website launching, which I am sure will help to boost the profile of the ten beautiful Discovery Gateway locations across the South Wales Valleys.
“We are so fortunate to have two of our own Discovery Gateway sites in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“Dare Valley Country Park in Aberdare is undergoing improvement works to introduce family bike pump tracks and a newlook adventure playground. Investment in onsite facilities such as the camping and caravanning shower block and the refurbishment of the hotel secures the park’s position as an exciting visitor destination.
“Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in Pontypridd remains a favourite of all ages, as home to the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty, an adventure playground, visitor centre and acres of space to explore.
“Both of Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Gateway Discovery Sites are conveniently located, and serviced by extensive public transport, cycling and walking trails. They are perfect places to visit and also from which to explore the rest of the county borough and award-winning attractions such as the Welsh Mining Experience, Penderyn Whisky Distillery, Royal Mint Experience and the forthcoming Zip World Tower.
“I’m sure that the launch of the new Valleys Regional Park website will help in broadening their reach and help to attract even more visitors, which can only be good news for our local economy.”
The new website includes a map of the region with information provided on the Discovery Gateway sites which then link through to the relevant site’s main website.
In addition to activities and events taking place, volunteering opportunities will also be listed.