Upper Tarell Valley walk
Follow a glaciated valley down the 18th-century metalled track which was once the main road from the Midlands to Cardiff. This circular 5-mile walk follows a section of the Taff trail and is packed with history, passing the remains of farmsteads once inhabited during the heyday of the coach road. Enjoy views of the Brecon Beacons with the soaring cliffs of Craig Cerrig-Gleisiad National Nature Reserve along the way.
Spot veteran trees
Many veteran trees are visible from the old coach road running north from Storey Arms, including alder, birch, rowan and oak.
Total steps: 9
Total steps: 9
Start point
Storey Arms, grid ref: SN982203
Step 1
Start the walk from Storey Arms, the outdoor education centre. Please take note there is no public access to the building. When facing the centre take the track to the left – this is the old Brecon to Merthyr coach road. Continue down the valley towards Brecon, passing through a gate by a cattle grid until you reach a gate across the track itself.
Step 2
Pass through the second gate, continue downhill along the coach road, keeping an eye out on your left for a signpost to the Youth Hostel. Pass through the field gate at the signpost, crossing the field diagonally to your left down to the River Tarell.
Step 3
Cross the river using the wooden bridge. Just above the bridge are the remains of a Bronze Age burial chamber. Turn immediately right and follow the path keeping the river to your right, until you reach a stile.
Step 4
Cross the stile and climb a short section of steep bank. You are now on Ty Mawr Farm, a National Trust tenanted farm. Follow the path always keeping the River Tarell to your right for approximately 1.5 miles (2.4km). You will cross several stiles, bridges and fields and the edge of Ty Mawr farmyard.
Step 5
At the far end of Ty Mawr Farm, you'll cross a stile through a hedge where the path leads to a bridge across the River Tarell. Crossing the bridge, you'll come to a tarmac road. Turn right leading up and past the white cottages called Old Glanrhyd. Keeping straight ahead, follow the road for approximately 300m until you reach the entrance to Coed Carno, with an entrance board to the right. At this point, following steps 6 and 7, you have the option to take an additional route through the semi-ancient woodland up to a disused quarry with panoramic views of Tarell valley, and then back down to rejoin the old coach road. Alternatively continue to step 8.
Step 6
At the entrance to Coed Carno pass through the small gate. Follow the woodland track which winds gently uphill until a fork. At this point bear left and after 100m cross a small stream that runs over the track. Bear right uphill and look out for the waymark that directs you to the path following Beddagi stream. Take care on this section of the walk as the path is narrow, rocky and slippery in places. The stream walk rejoins the track further up. At this point cross over the track, following the path back into the woodland, over an old stone wall. Continue along this path until you cross a second stone wall with a stile leading onto the open hill.
Step 7
At this point, stay in the woodland climbing uphill with the boundary wall on your left. After approximately 100m you will reach the disused quarry with panoramic views of the valley. Please take care of the steep drops. From the quarry the path follows the boundary wall, crossing back and forth several times, continuing downhill until reaching a stile leading onto a track. Cross the track back into a wooded dingle, following the path downhill across the stream until you reach some wooden steps, leading back onto the old coach road and turn left. Now follow step 9, omitting step 8.
Step 8
Passing Coed Carno, continue along the road until you reach Blaenglyn Farmhouse, a National Trust tenanted farm. Keeping the farm buildings to your right you will come to the end of the tarmac road and bear left on the stone track. As you gently climb up the track, you will pass a second building to your right – this is the National Trust ranger base and Dan y Gyrn bunkhouse which is available for weekends away and working holidays. Shortly after passing Dan y Gyrn you will see some wooden steps on your left. This is where the Coed Carno loop rejoins the path.
Step 9
You are now back on the stoned metalled track of the old coach road. Follow this all the way back up to Storey Arms.
End point
Storey Arms, grid ref: SN982203
Trail map
More near here
Pen y Fan and Corn Du circular walk
Follow this strenuous, circular mountain walk on well-made footpaths to the summit of Pen y Fan and Corn Du in the Brecon Beacons.
Henrhyd Falls and Nant Llech walk
Explore the Graig Llech Gorge and tranquil Nant Llech Valley on this adventurous Brecon Beacons walk to see the highest waterfall in South Wales.
Brecon Beacons horseshoe ridge circular walk
A challenging circular upland mountain walk that takes you into the heart of the Brecon Beacons for the most spectacular views. Experience far-reaching view towards Pen y Fan into the Cwm Sere valley and look out for a Bronze Age burial cairn and evidence of military firing ranges.
Get in touch
Pont ar Daf car park (access to Pen y Fan), Near Storey Arms, Libanus, Powys, LD3 8NL
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking in Wales
Explore wide open landscapes, gentler coastal strolls or energetic hikes for something a little more challenging. We've rounded up some of the best places to walk in Wales.
Visiting Henrhyd Falls and Graig Llech Woods
Discover Henrhyd Falls and watch the waterfall plunge into the heavily wooded gorge of the Nant Llech. The surrounding Graig Llech Woods are a haven for mosses and lichen. This natural green space is also enjoyed by birdwatchers due to the wide variety of woodland birds.
Exploring Pen y Fan and Corn Du
Lose your head in the clouds as you climb Pen y Fan and Corn Du, the two highest peaks in southern Britain. This is one of the most recognisable skylines in the UK. Discover wild walks and scenery in the remote heart of the Brecon Beacons.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.