Taff Trail 3
Route facts
Waterways:
River Taff »
Glamorganshire Canal »
Distance: 15 miles / 24 km
Difficulty: Easy
Suitable for: Everyone
Starts at: Pontypridd
Ends at: Cardiff Bay
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. The fairytale castle of Castell Coch guards the narrow Taff Gorge; from here the Trail drops down to the Taff river and follows a riverside path into the heart of Cardiff, ending at the prestigious modern waterfront of Cardiff Bay.
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 third and final section runs from Pontypridd to Cardiff Bay, along the River Taff. 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 Pontypridd (01443 490748) and Cardiff (029 2022 7281).
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 Pontypridd and Cardiff.
Public transport: Arriva Trains Wales (Valley Lines) runs regular trains from Cardiff to Pontypridd. Up to two bikes are carried free on off-peak services. For all train enquiries, call 08457 484950. For bus enquiries, call 0870 6082608.
Waypoints
1. Pontypridd
Pontypridd town centre can be quite complex, but fortunately, the Taff Trail is well-signposted and all you have to do is follow the route signs. You will eventually end up on Pentrebach Road, leading to Glyntaff.
2. Glyntaff
Here, you join a traffic-free path on the route of the old Alexandra Docks Railway. This easy, flat route continues to Nantgarw.
3. Nantgarw
Nantgarw was once a railway junction of some import. Today, all the lines on this side of the valley have gone - but fortunately, they live on as cycle paths. Once you pass under the A468, there are two possible routes. The low-level route is less scenic, but avoids a steep climb and delivers you straight to Tongwynlais. Alternatively, you can follow the high-level route, which climbs along the course of the old Rhymney Railway, followed by the Barry Railway. This section continues to Fforest-fawr, where your steady climb from the Taff Vale is rewarded by an exhilarating steep downhill ride to Castell Coch.
4. Castell Coch
Castell Coch ('Red Castle') is a marvellous Victorian folly, historically dubious but charming in its fairytale atmosphere. The high-level route continues downhill through the streets of Tongwynlais, where it is rejoined by the low-level route. There are several turns necessary here, so keep an eye out for signs. Then, in the shadow of the M4 motorway, the route settles down by the banks of the River Taff after the exertion of the past few miles.
5. Melingriffith Water Pump
This water pump was built for the Glamorganshire Canal, to keep it filled with water from the River Taff. A short diversion away from the banks of the Taff briefly follows the line of the canal, as well as city streets. Before long, you will return to the riverside path. The Taff Trail follows this route as far as the A48 road bridge and Bute Park in Cardiff.
6. A48 road bridge
Here, you can choose to continue along the eastern bank, through Bute Park, to Cardiff Castle. Alternatively, cross the river on the A48 bridge, and cycle on the opposite bank through Pontcanna Fields, passing the Glamorgan cricket ground. The Cardiff Castle route rejoins at the next road bridge.
7. Central Cardiff
The final miles of the Taff Trail follow the west bank of the Taff, passing the Millennium Stadium on the opposite side. At the very last road bridge of all (Clarence Road), cross the Taff and head towards the Cardiff Bay visitor centre. Your journey is finally at an end!
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