Rhondda Cynon Taff in south Wales is another new Welsh county that is changing due to the demise of mining and heavy industry in the area. It's associated with famous names and a hard gritty past. The singer Tom Jones hails from Treforest, on the outskirts of the town of Pontypridd, where much is made of the old stone bridge over the River Taff which survived on the third attempt to build it. Only 12 miles from Cardiff, Pontypridd is a market town with Ynysangharad Park, and good shopping and leisure amenities.
The countryside in Rhondda Cynon Taff is rock strewn hills, and streams, with villages nestling in valleys. Great countryside for walkers. Visit Paddy's Well near Pontypridd, the Rockingstone and Serpent's Eyes with Druid connections.