Vaynor

Vaynor ward lies to the north of Merthyr Tydfil town centre, encompassing a mix of residential and upland rural landscapes. The area includes the distinct communities of Cefn-Coed-y-Cymmer and Pontsticill, situated along the northern edge of the Taf Fechan valley. Housing here is primarily composed of traditional terraced and semi-detached homes, with more modern developments on its fringes. The topography rises sharply to the north, where it meets the open moorland of the Brecon Beacons National Park, defining its character.

The area is defined by its significant water infrastructure, with the Pontsticill Reservoir and the Taf Fechan reservoir system forming a major part of the landscape. This network supplies water to much of the region. The Brecon Mountain Railway, a narrow-gauge steam heritage line, travels along the reservoir's edge, offering views of the water and the surrounding peaks. Land use is a clear balance between the settled valleys and the protected, open uplands used for grazing and recreation.