Parking in Glynogwr or Blackmill, leave the A4093 to cross a bridge onto the open country to the south. However, you’ll want to stick to the riverside, heading east a good mile to Llywn Helyg before crossing back over and taking a short climb up the hill to Glynogwr.

You’ll know it by its impressive church and isolated surroundings. Passing through, you can leave north along a bridleway towards Pant-y-Wal Wind Farm. A steady but rewarding climb, it will bring you out of the valley so smoothly that you’ll be stunned to see how small Glynogwr looks whenever you turn back.

The route takes you right under the blades of the wind farm, high above your head and spun by the bracing Welsh wind. Once you top the hillside, you come down to Ogwr Fach, a stream that crosses the wind farm in a little ravine of its own. Climb out the other side and make your way towards the distant tree line. The path is well marked, so the whole route should be a relaxed and energising ride.

Once you hit the trees you are on the home stretch into Tonypandy, riding down the hillside before a switchback right at the close, coasting along the edge of the woods and straight into the town; a welcome stop to find a café and arrange transport after a fine afternoon’s ride.