Map reveals last known movements of missing woman as CCTV shows her wandering into forest alone wearing backpack
A MAP has revealed the last known movements of missing hiker before she mysteriously wanders off into a forest alone.
Joanne Jones, 49, was pictured heading off into a Welsh forest wearing walking boots, a raincoat, and rucksack before failing to return home.
The hiker was spotted wandering up Graigwen Road on October 21 which connects to the market town of Pontypridd, South Wales.
Nearby is the St Gwynno forestry in Llanwonno where this is a waterfall walk and popular hiking trails.
Volunteers looking to help with the search for Joanne have been warned by police to correspond with officers before they embark.
South Wales Police said: "Joanne, 49, was last seen around 9.45am on Monday morning, October 21, in Vale Gardens, Pontypridd but has not been heard from since.
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"It is believed she headed onto Graigwen Road in the direction of Llanwonno Forest.
"CCTV shows her wearing a dark green coat, black rucksack, leggings, and walking boots."
Llanwonno is quiet, being home to a handful of sheep farms, and contains a steep forested climb which overlooks the Aberdare Valley.
It also is in the shadow of the region's tallest peak, Tylorstown Tip.
The 2,644 hectare St Gwynno Forest is a scenic location which lead it to become a hotspot with for walkers and cyclists.
Chief Inspector Matt Rowlands said: "Along with Joanne’s family and friends, we are growing increasingly concerned for her well-being and are appealing for anyone who may have seen her to please get in touch.
"Officers with specialist training and equipment, who are used to working in various terrains and weather conditions, have carried out extensive searches for Joanne, which has included the use of the National Police Air Service and Mountain Rescue.
"There are a range of enquiries taking place to try and locate Joanne and the focus of our activity is within the Graigwen and Llanwonno areas."
The officer has expressed his appreciation for members of the public who are keen to set up search teams for Joanne, but insists they must be carefully managed.
Using the precise locating system what3words, he asked to send in last sightings of the hiker to highlight where she might be.
Where there is a cluster of sightings in the same vicinity they may be able to investigate the area further.
He added: "We are also keen to hear from anyone who has dash-cam or doorbell footage in the areas of Graigwen/ Llanwonno/ Perthcelyn/ Ynysybwl from 9.30am yesterday morning until now to come forward.
"If you can assist our efforts to trace Joanne, please contact us by one of the below means quoting 2400351002."