Pontypridd Swimming Pool

On the Friday before Half Term I cycled the other way up the Taff Trail, through Pontypridd, onward to Rhondda Heritage Park (having parked the car at the bottom of Nantgarw hill).
That section, from Nantgarw to Ynysangharad Park, is where Route 4 (Celtic Trail, going east-west) and Route 8 (Taff Trail, going north-south) follow the same path. Here's where they divide again, in Ynysangharad Park.

There is a paddling pool in the park, in regular use, but there was previously an open-air swimming pool. It's still there, but out of use and very hidden from view by buildings, walls, doors and boards. Built in the 1920s and closed in 1991. When I was in the park last week one of the solid gates was open for a van to pass through, revealing a tantalising glimpse:

...and when no-one was looking I moved the temporary fence that was across the gate, popped in, took a photo, and ran away quickly!

Here's a picture of the pool in its heyday:

Lunch in the park, and a couple of chapters read from my book, then onward through the 'Barry Sidings Park' to Rhondda Heritage Centre: