Gilfach Goch can be viewed from two different perspectives: the mining settlement lies in the Ogwr-Fach Valley, and the Gilfach Goch Wind Farm Walk offers views stretching to the Bristol Channel. When planning your stay, you can decide whether local history, the development of the Garden Village or the scenery along a walk matters most to you. These topics offer different ways to discover the area.
Mining History and Garden Village
Coal seams in the Gilfach Goch area were known and mined as early as 1502. By the end of the 19th century, there were numerous collieries and mine workings there. Gilfach Garden Village came much later: it was built between 1910 and 1914 and is considered the first planned Garden Village housing development of its kind in South Wales. The dates mark two distinct chapters—early coal mining and the creation of a specific residential development in the early 20th century. The name Garden Village belongs to the history of the settlement; the garden of the Gilfach Goch Community Association is a separate point of interest.
Woodland and Valley Landscape
Gilfach Goch Wood lies on the site of a former mine and extends for several hundred metres along the foot of the steep-sided Ogwr-Fach Valley. In addition to wooded areas, there are more open grassy spaces. Both the valley setting and the transition to more open terrain are relevant to the landscape: the wood consists not only of dense tree cover, but also includes grassland. These features offer another perspective on the area, alongside the historical facts about mining. Its position at the foot of the valley is a different geographical feature from the expansive coastal views associated with the Wind Farm Walk.
Walking Route and Far-Reaching Views
The Gilfach Goch Wind Farm Walk forms part of the Taff Ely Ridgeway. Along the route, far-reaching views extend to the coast of the Vale of Glamorgan and across the Bristol Channel. The Taff Ely Wind Farm has large wind turbines that are 30 m high. Both the turbines and the distant views are part of the landscape along this walking route: the height of the turbines provides a concrete point of reference, while the coastal views broaden the horizon. One walking route starts at the Gilfach Goch Community Association, providing another specific starting point for planning.
Garden, Café and Tennis Courts
The garden of the Gilfach Goch Community Association received a Green Flag Award in 2026. The CF39 Café, which serves freshly prepared food, is also located at the Community Association. This provides a specific local place to stop for a meal, without needing to assume any particular opening hours. Evanstown Welfare Park, also known as Gilfach Goch Park, has two hard-surface tennis courts with a macadam finish; the courts can be rented. If you are planning to play tennis, check availability before travelling. Alongside the area’s history and walking opportunities, a café and a bookable sports facility are therefore also available as different elements of a stay.
Discover more destinations: Pontyclun, Porth, Nantgarw, Groes-faen, Mountain Ash, Aberdare, Pontypridd, Treherbert
Return to the main travel overview: Rhondda Cynon Taff.
