The park is situated on land once occupied by the Bwllfa Colliery, which closed in the 1970s.
The gravity mountain bike park features trails designed for professional and amateur riders.
The area is designated as a Local Nature Reserve due to its varied ecology including heathland and scrub.
The site hosts an outdoor adventure activity center for climbing and zip-lining.
The park provides direct access to the wider network of the Brecon Beacons National Park foothills.
Dare Valley Country Park encompasses 500 acres of former colliery land transformed into a reclaimed landscape near Aberdare. The park features over 20 miles of waymarked trails ranging from accessible valley paths to steep mountain climbs. A significant portion of the site includes the Cwm Dare site of special scientific interest, which protects specific habitats and local flora. The central visitor center provides amenities and serves as a trailhead for the varied landscape of moorland and woodland. A dedicated gravity mountain bike park offers specialized downhill trails for cyclists. The grounds include a large central lake and open spaces managed for local biodiversity.
The elevated ridge overlooking the lake, providing a panoramic view of the reclaimed valley basin.
Bring waterproof footwear regardless of the season, as the moorland trails can be waterlogged.
Check the gravity bike park status online before arriving if you plan to cycle, as specific trails may be reserved for events.
Use the trail maps available at the visitor center to distinguish between the accessible valley loops and the demanding mountain summit paths.
Attempting the summit mountain trails in standard trainers or without basic navigation tools during misty conditions.
Keep dogs under control, especially near livestock, and stick to marked paths to protect the site of special scientific interest.
