Taff Trail 1
Route facts
Waterways:
River Taff »
Distance: 24 miles / 39 km
Difficulty: Energetic
Starts at: Brecon Canal Basin
Ends at: Merthyr Tydfil
The Taff Trail passes through some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes in South Wales.
A journey along the Trail is full of contrasts. Starting at the canal basin in the market town of Brecon, you follow canal paths, country lanes, former railway lines and forest tracks to cross the stunning scenery of the Brecon Beacons.
The Taff Trail is a 55 mile / 93 km waymarked route for walkers and cyclists from the market town of Brecon to the City of Cardiff. The Trail links parts of the historic transport network to form a continuous route.
Over half the Taff Trail is traffic-free or on quiet access roads with the remainder on country lanes and minor roads offering pleasant cycling on gentle gradients with a few short, steeper sections. The surface varies from tarmac to prepared dust and good-quality forest track.
This first section runs from Brecon to Merthyr Tydfil. The route closely shadows that of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal - walkers can follow the towpath, but cyclists must make some diversions onto country lanes - as far as Talybont, where it heads west towards Merthyr. Walkers can also follow a second route from Brecon to Merthyr Tydfil via Llwyn-On Reservoir, not described here but marked on the route map by a dotted line.
From time to time, sections of the Taff Trail may be closed for forestry operations. Please follow any diversions.
For more information about the Taff Trail and for a list of walking and cycling-friendly accommodation, information on bike hire and longer cycle tours incorporating the Taff Trail, call the Trail office at Groundwork Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff on 01685 883880. Tourist information is available from the centres at Brecon (01874 622485) and Merthyr Tydfil (01685 379884).
Taken from information published by the Taff Trail Project (Groundwork Merthyr & Rhondda Cynon Taff, Fedw Hir, Llwydcoed, Aberdare CF44 0DX). Map design by Neil Angove Ltd (tel: 01446 794609;neil.angove@btinternet.com). Map data is Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Groundwork Merthyr & RCT WL5525.2002 & Brecon Beacons National Park Authority LA08903L.2002 & Cardiff LA 09005L2002 and with permission from Streetezee Town Plans Ltd.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the Taff Trail Project can accept no responsibility for errors or inaccuracies, or for any matter in any way connected with its publication.
Getting there
Parking: Parking is available in Brecon and Merthyr Tydfil.
Public transport: Arriva Trains Wales (Valley Lines) runs regular trains from Cardiff to Merthyr Tydfil. Unfortunately, there is no railway in Brecon. Up to two bikes are carried free on off-peak train services between Cardiff and Merthyr Tydfil. For all train enquiries, call 08457 484950. For bus enquiries in Wales, call 0870 6082608.
Waypoints
1. Brecon
Start at the canal basin and follow the route around the back of the theatre before joining the towpath. Continue along the level towpath until Brynich Lock.
2. Brynich Lock
Walkers should continue along the towpath here. Cyclists, however, should turn right after the lock onto the B4558 road which crosses the canal. The Taff Trail is joined here by National Cycle Network route 8, Lon Las Cymru: look for the distinctive NCN blue signs. After a short climb uphill, turn right at a fork in the road towards the pleasant village of Llanfrynach, then follow the minor road to Pencelli.
3. Pencelli
Walkers should continue along the towpath. Cyclists rejoin the B4558 in Pencelli, which runs parallel to the canal, and follow it in the direction of Talybont-on-Usk: then turn right at Cross Oak, just before Talybont.
4. Cross Oak
Walkers should continue along the towpath through Talybont, over the aqueduct, then leave the canal by turning right immediately afterwards, at White Hart Bridge. The walking route now follows the old Brynoer Tramway, on the south side of the valley. For cyclists, head uphill on the minor road from Cross Oak. Follow this along the north bank of the river until the head of Talybont Reservoir, then cross to the opposite bank.
5. Talybont Reservoir
The cycling and walking routes join each other once again at the head of the reservoir. You will now follow the old Brecon & Merthyr Railway up the famous Seven-Mile Bank - a long climb following the side of the valley. Torpantau, 439m above sea level, marks the top of the climb and the highest point on the Taff Trail. Turn left here onto the minor road.
6. Torpantau
After half a mile, the route turns right up a wooded valley, doubling back on itself when it joins the access road at a sharp hairpin turn one mile on. Follow this road back to the minor road you were on previously and the head of Pentwyn Reservoir. (You can avoid this dogleg by just continuing along the road, but be warned - the climb back up from the valley is rather steep!)
7. Pentwyn Reservoir
The route continues downhill along the road on the west bank of Pentwyn Reservoir. Follow it until the head of Pontsticill Reservoir, which is immediately downstream of Pentwyn.
8. Pontsticill Reservoir
The Taff Trail leaves the road here, and heads right onto an enjoyable forest track. It eventually rejoins the road at the south end of Pontsticill Reservoir. Continue towards Pontsticill, then cross the dam at the foot of the reservoir. Follow the road alongside the restored Brecon Mountain Railway, until you are joined by a minor road from the right. Here, the trail joins a quiet railway path, which it follows along the bank of the Taf Fechan river.
9. Pontsarn Viaduct
One of the landmarks on the route, this majestic stone viaduct carried the Brecon & Merthyr Railway over the Taf Fechan. Cross it and continue along the railway path, now on the north bank of the river. This will take you into Cefn-Coed-y-Cymmer.
10. Cefn-Coed-y-Cymmer
The Taff Trail leaves the railway by the church in Cefn-Coed-y-Cymmer. Follow the route carefully through the streets (see map) - including the busy A470 - as it leads you towards Merthyr Tydfil. You will see another impressive railway viaduct at Cefn Coed, though the route is by now on the River Taff valley floor. After leaving the town, you'll pass Cyfarthfa Castle, built as the residence of 19th century industrialist William Crawshay. Follow signs into Merthyr.
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