0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:00 > 0:00:01- Welcome to Codi Pac.
0:00:02 > 0:00:05- I'm Geraint Hardy, - and I'm travelling across Wales...
0:00:06 > 0:00:08- ..to find some of our treasures.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11- If you want a weekend away, - you needn't travel far.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13- It's all on the doorstep.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17- Places to eat, places to stay, - things to do and see.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19- They're all here on Codi Pac.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47- I need a few things for this - journey, and they're all here.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51- A notebook, pamphlets, - an orange camera...
0:00:51 > 0:00:55- ..a mobile phone, - water, bag and a car.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59- I don't need my passport - because I'm staying in Wales.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- Wales may be small, but there's - plenty to do and see here.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06- Over the next six programmes...
0:01:06 > 0:01:09- ..I'll visit - six different locations.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13- From Wrexham to Machynlleth, - from Beaumaris to Merthyr Tydfil.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17- I'll be looking at places to stay - and places to eat.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21- I'll learn some local history - and try out some activities.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- From the exciting to the relaxed, - there's something for everyone.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33- During the Industrial Revolution...
0:01:33 > 0:01:36- ..Merthyr Tydfil was one - of the world's largest towns.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40- People flocked to work - in the ironworks and coalfields.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43- There are plenty of reasons - to come here.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45- I've come here on holiday.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48- Merthyr Tydfil is just over there.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52- According to the legend, the town - is named after Saint Tydfil.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55- She was the daughter - of King Brychan of Brycheiniog.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58- Some of the town's famous names...
0:01:58 > 0:02:02- ..include fashion designer Julien - Macdonald, musician Joseph Parry...
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- ..and actor Steve Spiers from - the series Stella and Cariad@Iaith.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10- Before we find out - more about the area...
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- ..I need to find where I'm staying.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17- I've reached Merthyr Tydfil.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20- This is where I'm staying - over the next few days.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23- It's quite a place.
0:02:23 > 0:02:28- Unusually, I've come in through - the back door not the front door.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30- There's a reason for that.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- If you come here to cycle...
0:02:32 > 0:02:37- ..you can come straight in here from - the mountain and clean your bike...
0:02:37 > 0:02:42- ..pump up your tyres and fix - your bike if something's broken.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- I'm looking forward to staying here. - In we go.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- This house is a miner's cottage - from the 19th century.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55- You can see similar ones - at the St Fagans museum these days.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59- I'm already a happy man.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02- A very modern kitchen. What's here?
0:03:02 > 0:03:05- There's a nice washroom.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08- Look at this big open lounge. - Plenty of room.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11- You can relax, - there's light through the roof.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16- There's a bit of Merthyr - and coal mine history here.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18- What else do we have?
0:03:18 > 0:03:22- A massive TV on the wall. - Everyone's happy with a big TV.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- Solid wood and look at the artwork.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27- It's a flash of colour - to lift the room.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- I'm happy. The big question - is where's the bedroom.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33- I'm guessing it's upstairs.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- The stairs are a bit narrow. - Wow!
0:03:40 > 0:03:42- This is so nice.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44- It's warm and cosy.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46- Look how nice the beds are.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49- This is special, - a bike seat with handlebars.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53- It looks similar - to some of Picasso's work.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56- The wallpaper is nice. - I'll sleep well here.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58- There's one thing left.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00- Nice.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- There are plenty of other places - to stay in the area.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- On the banks - of the Taf Fechan reservoir...
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- ..an old church has been converted - into a four-star B&B, Ty Taf Fechan.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21- It has striking views over the - water and surrounding mountains.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25- Just off the A470 is Nant Ddu Lodge.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29- Relax in the spa and pool, - or head to the gym.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41- There are loads of different things - to do in Merthyr.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43- One thing has caught my attention.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- A bit of adventure - at BikePark Wales.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- Here I am, halfway up the mountain.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02- As you can see, - the view is incredible.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06- Before I get on my bike, - let's see what's here.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11- To start, there's a wonderful little - cafe where you can grab a drink.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16- In the corner, there's a fire - to warm you up if it's cold.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21- There are several tracks of various - standards so anyone can have a go.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23- This poster says it all.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27- The Welsh answer to Whistler which - is one of the best places...
0:05:27 > 0:05:30- ..in the world for mountain biking.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- This is one of the area's main - adventure attractions.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39- It attracts - thousands of bikers every year.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- The park was made - by bikers for bikers.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- I've got a bike, helmet and my pads.
0:05:46 > 0:05:47- These are all the courses.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- Green is the easiest - and black the hardest.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54- I'll start somewhere in the middle - with yellow. Off I go.
0:06:02 > 0:06:03- Wooh!
0:06:04 > 0:06:08- This is where everyone plops their - bikes on the back of the bus.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12- That shows you how high up - the mountain we're going today.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- I can hear a helicopter - in the background.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17- I hope nobody's hurt too badly.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- I don't want to be heading home - in a helicopter today!
0:06:20 > 0:06:21- I want to use my bike.
0:06:22 > 0:06:23- Let's go for it!
0:06:36 > 0:06:38- We've reached - the top of the mountain.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- This is where everyone starts. - There are a few options.
0:06:42 > 0:06:48- We have Wibbly Wobbly, 50 Shades Of - Black and my favourite, Popty Ping.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- The only option I have now - is Melted Welly.
0:06:52 > 0:06:53- See you at the bottom.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- There are so many nasty turns.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04- Here we go, a straight part. Aargh!
0:07:05 > 0:07:09- Around this corner, pump the legs.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11- This is fast.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14- Here's what they call an S-bend.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16- Here's a little skid.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- Whoop! Into the forest.
0:07:19 > 0:07:20- Woohoo!
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- One thing I'm not going to do - is sit down.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27- It's not safe.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- It's so fast, I'm not sure if it - comes across that way at home.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- Seriously, it feels like - I'm thundering down this course.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40- Wow, a corner.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- This is incredibly narrow. - It's wet and slippery too.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- It's fun.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54- There's nothing better.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57- I can see Merthyr to my left. - What a view!
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- Here we are. - We've reached the bottom.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13- What a journey.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17- That was wonderful. - It was worth doing.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19- Such fun.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- Yeah! Great!
0:08:24 > 0:08:26- Amazing. Wonderful.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- If you feel confident - after mountain biking...
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- ..you can venture to the Rock UK - Summit Centre in Trelewis.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- It has 180 indoor climbing routes.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- Some of them - are up to 18m in height.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- It's the perfect place - to grab more adrenaline.
0:08:50 > 0:08:51- One, two, three!
0:09:04 > 0:09:10- I had so much fun cycling, - I'd love to go into this water now.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- First, I need to meet someone who - knows more about the town's history.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22- As a post-industrial town, Merthyr - is full of interesting history.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25- I went to meet Lis Mclean - at a special location.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29- Cyfarthfa Castle - is the jewel in the crown.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- This is the main thing - that attracts people.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37- There are also things that - are associated with the castle.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- The ironworks and such things.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- Joseph Parry's cottage too.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- There's a lot of interest - in history in Merthyr.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- The jewel in the crown - is a wonderful description.
0:09:51 > 0:09:52- Who used to live here?
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- The Crawshays built the place.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- They owned the ironworks.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- They also felt that they - owned all the people too.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10- As a local person, - despite the Crawshays living here...
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- ..and controlling the people...
0:10:13 > 0:10:17- ..is there a bad feeling about - the building or do you enjoy it?
0:10:18 > 0:10:20- It's very interesting.
0:10:20 > 0:10:25- As it happens, everyone feels - the park and castle belongs to them.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28- It's a part of everyone's childhood.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- It's in the middle - of Merthyr Tydfil.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- A lot of people visit the place.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- The whole history of Merthyr - is in this building.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- A little bit of everything.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01- You've got the history of local - brass bands and the Romans.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- The main story - is the Crawshay family.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- They ran all the steel - and ironworks in Merthyr Tydfil.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- Think about it, all these things...
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- ..all this steel was made here - and exported across the world.
0:11:15 > 0:11:16- Incredible.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- After the mountain biking - and history lesson...
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- ..I returned to the house to relax.
0:11:29 > 0:11:30- I'll be back after the break.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- I'll have a trip on a steam train...
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- ..and meet - some local Welsh learners.
0:11:40 > 0:11:40- .
0:11:42 > 0:11:42- Subtitles
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- After a wonderful night - at Dan Y Coetir cottage...
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- ..I'm doing something different.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- I'm not travelling by car today.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- It really is a different way - of travelling.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- Nothing beats an old steam train.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16- I'm going to travel around the - mountains to see the views on offer.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- Here we are, it's the reservoir. - Isn't it wonderful?
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- The Taf Fechan reservoir - is near Pontsticill...
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- ..in the Brecon Beacons - National Park.
0:12:45 > 0:12:51- The reservoir, built in 1927, - holds over 300 million gallons.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- The reservoir is popular - with sailors, anglers and hikers.
0:13:00 > 0:13:05- You can see now why 70,000 people - come on this steam train annually.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- What a beautiful view.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- This line runs from Pant...
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- ..three miles north of Merthyr - to Torpantau.
0:13:13 > 0:13:19- It's on the original route - of the Merthyr-Brecon railway...
0:13:19 > 0:13:21- ..which closed in 1963.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27- Now that the train has stopped, - we can relax and walk around.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- The engine will now change ends...
0:13:31 > 0:13:36- ..and go back around the carriages - to pull us home.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- Here it goes! Choo-choo!
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- As well as enjoying - the wonderful views on the way...
0:13:56 > 0:14:01- ..there's a chance to relax before - moving on to the next location.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- This place, Canolfan Soar...
0:14:11 > 0:14:16- ..is one of the places to come - in Merthyr if you're learning Welsh.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- Gari, it's a pleasure to meet you.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22- Thanks for letting us - come to Canolfan Soar.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24- Tell us a little of your history.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- Tell us a little of your history.- - I'm from Pontypridd originally.
0:14:27 > 0:14:32- We've been living in this area - for over 20 years now.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36- I just feel like - someone from Merthyr.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- You didn't speak Welsh - when you were growing up.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42- You've learned Welsh.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- Why learn Welsh in the first place?
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- I wanted my kids to go - to the Welsh medium school.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- The children went - to Ysgol Rhydfelen.
0:14:52 > 0:14:57- Then I realized that it was just me - who couldn't speak Welsh.
0:14:57 > 0:15:03- Everyone else, my grandchildren, - everyone else is fluent.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- I didn't really have a choice.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- It was important - to make the next step.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- Is there a lot to do here - in Merthyr with the Welsh language?
0:15:16 > 0:15:22- Yes, there's a lot. Canolfan Soar - is the heart of Welsh in the area.
0:15:22 > 0:15:28- It's important to know - who can speak and where they go.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- They go to pubs.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- There's a walking club that starts - at the museum every week.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- There's plenty to do.
0:15:37 > 0:15:42- In 2015, you won the title - of Welsh Learner of the Year.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- Did you expect to win? - Was it a shock?
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- Yes, I expected it! No!
0:15:49 > 0:15:51- I'm still in shock now.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- A lot of people who entered - were much better than me.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- We're at Canolfan Soar - in the centre of Merthyr.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05- What happens here? - What's the purpose of the centre?
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- It's to develop the language - in the area.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- Not just in Merthyr - but in the valleys.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- We do a lot of things - through the Welsh language.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19- We do ballet and other classes.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- We draw in a lot of people - who are learning.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28- We've got almost 20 classes here - every week.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- It's just a special place.
0:16:34 > 0:16:34- Alright?
0:16:34 > 0:16:35- Alright?- - Yes.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- How often do you come to the centre?
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- It's a wonderful place.
0:16:40 > 0:16:45- I come here to learn about local - history with other adults.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- It's every Tuesday.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51- It's finishing up now - before Easter.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- It's a wonderful place, the staff - are great. There's a cafe.
0:16:55 > 0:16:56- It's wonderful.
0:16:57 > 0:16:58- People like Gari are wonderful.
0:16:58 > 0:16:59- People like Gari are wonderful.- - Top man.
0:17:02 > 0:17:03- He's like a saint.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05- Saint Gari.
0:17:05 > 0:17:06- Saint Gari!
0:17:06 > 0:17:07- Saint Gari!- - Of course, yes.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- He's alright, yeah. - He helps every day.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13- Fair play. What's here?
0:17:13 > 0:17:14- It's the cafe.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- Ryan is also learning Welsh.
0:17:18 > 0:17:18- Hello, Ryan.
0:17:18 > 0:17:19- Hello, Ryan.- - Hello!
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- We help people if they come in...
0:17:22 > 0:17:24- ..for a cuppa and a chat.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- We're ready to help them too.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31- Tomorrow, there'll be a class here - and another one here.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33- It's packed every week.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- All the classes are in there.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- This is the entrance - to the theatre.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- This is the theatre, Theatr Soar.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44- How many people does it hold?
0:17:44 > 0:17:46- It's up to 250 now.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- Originally, when it was a chapel...
0:17:51 > 0:17:54- ..it could hold over 500 people.
0:17:54 > 0:17:55- Right, up we go.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- Great, wow.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- It's wonderful, isn't it?
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- It's wonderful at night - when a show is put on...
0:18:06 > 0:18:09- ..and the lights come down - and the sound system is on.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11- It's a wonderful place.
0:18:12 > 0:18:13- The theatre is special.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- Gari, before I go, I'm taking photos - of some of the people I meet.
0:18:23 > 0:18:24- Can I get a photo with you?
0:18:24 > 0:18:26- Of course.
0:18:26 > 0:18:27- A photo of Gari. Cheese!
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- There we are. Wonderful. - Happy with that?
0:18:31 > 0:18:32- Great. That's special.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- After all the activity, - I need to eat.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- It's time to find some food.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- There's something - for everyone here...
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- ..from the traditional - Italian cafe Viazzani...
0:18:51 > 0:18:55- ..to more modern places - like Woodfired Pizza.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- It offers sandwiches, - burgers and pizza, naturally.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- There are a lot of different places - to eat in Merthyr.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09- This place caught my eye, - a beautiful corner building.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- I've heard good things about Jol's.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15- Quality food - and a relaxed atmosphere.
0:19:17 > 0:19:23- These solid wooden tables - tell me it's time for food!
0:19:23 > 0:19:24- This will be tasty.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- Welcome to Jol's.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- This looks great.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- I didn't expect this for lunch.
0:19:46 > 0:19:47- Very nice.
0:20:04 > 0:20:05- Selfie, Jamie?
0:20:05 > 0:20:06- Selfie, Jamie?- - Yeah.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- One, two, three.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12- One for luck!
0:20:12 > 0:20:14- Great, thanks very much.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16- The food was wonderful.
0:20:31 > 0:20:36- Gus, this is Red House, one of - Merthyr's most historic buildings.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40- Before we go in, - we've got the red dragon here...
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- ..and a saying - "Y Ddraig Goch A Ddyry Gychwyn."
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- What's the significance - of the dragon?
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- It's interesting that they chose - to use the red dragon.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- The red dragon and this mosaic...
0:20:55 > 0:21:00- ..was placed here before the dragon - was officially on the Welsh flag.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03- So this was on the floor here...
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- ..before the red dragon - was on the Welsh flag.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08- Yes.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- We're one of the first places to - officially display the red dragon.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- There's a crack in the mosaic too.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18- That wasn't the original intention.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20- There's a story behind it.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- The mosaic is an original part - of the building.
0:21:24 > 0:21:29- We left the crack because it - happened before the building opened.
0:21:29 > 0:21:34- So it wasn't the artist's intention - to make the crack.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- Yes, it happened naturally. - Nobody knows why.
0:21:39 > 0:21:40- It's nice. It works.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- Wow, what a building, - it's very nice.
0:21:52 > 0:21:53- It's striking.
0:21:53 > 0:21:54- It's striking.- - Yes.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58- Tell us a little - of the building's history.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02- Originally, - it was the town hall and court.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- The council sold it to someone...
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- ..to turn into a nightclub - in the '80s, '90s.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14- After a while, - it closed down as a nightclub.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18- It closed down and eventually - became an arts centre.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- That's what happens here - on a daily basis now.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- What's in this building - for visitors?
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- There's a cafe if you want a cup - of tea or something.
0:22:30 > 0:22:35- There's a gallery with exhibitions, - and a theatre too.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- It's worth seeing the building. - There are portraits around.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41- Who are all these people?
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- They're heroes and villains.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48- We have a book - explaining who they are.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- They're people - with a link to Merthyr.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- People who have created history - and are from Merthyr.
0:22:55 > 0:23:00- Yes, you can see Merthyr's history - through the years.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09- If I'm honest, - before making this programme...
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- ..Merthyr wouldn't have been - at the top of my holiday list.
0:23:13 > 0:23:14- I've changed my mind.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- After packing, I've had a chance - to relax, had some adventures...
0:23:20 > 0:23:23- ..learned some history - and met interesting people.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- A perfect holiday, - I'm sure you'd agree.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33- Next time, I'll be - heading to Betws-y-Coed.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36- I'll see you then.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:55 > 0:23:56- .