If you want to explore South Wales by bikeis the Taff Trail one 55 mile trail (88 km) which takes you south of Brecon to the Cardiff Bay waterfront.
The trail offers a mix of urban and rural trails and passes through towns and villages that still have relics of their industrial heritage.
Who is the Taff Trail suitable for?
The trail is suitable for most fitness levelsAlthough it takes a long time if you think about doing it in a single day, pack enough snacks and water, a Basic repair kit Should your bike be damaged, wet weather gear if the Welsh weather worsens and, in an emergency, a mobile phone, some cash and a credit or debit card.
The route of old trams, railroad lines, canals and towpaths mostly consists of off-road sections, However, there are short stretches of road, fire trails, and gravel and forest trails, so you’ll need tires with at least some grip. Slicks won’t really work here, especially if the trail areas are wet. Since the Taff Trail is shared by Walkers, cyclists and the occasional horse riderA bell is also useful to make your presence known.
The Taff Trail Route
The trail is well signposted for most of the route, but the occasional mischievous locals get their kicks by manipulating them in hopes of sending trail users the wrong way. When in doubt this route guide was produced by the charity Sustrans, which also helps maintain sections of the route and make them safer for cyclists. You can buy those too Taff Trail Guide: Fully illustrated and detailed route planner that includes on – buy from Amazon.
The trail leaves Brecon and goes through Llanfrynach and Pencelli, then through the Brecon Beacons, Talybont Reservoir, Torpantau and Garwnant. This route is one of the most beautiful landscapes This is how you can enjoy the green and natural beauty of the Brecon Beacons. From Garwnant it goes past the Ponstsicill Reservoir, Pontsarn and the Cefn Coed Viaduct before reaching Merthyr Tydfil.
With the occasional pubs, cafes, and shops along the way, there is a chance to stop, rest, and have a bite to eat.
From Merthyr Tydfil, the route passes Abercanaid and Pentrebach, followed by Aberfan and Pontygwaith, before reaching Quakers Yard, Abercynon and Pontypridd. At this point the end isn’t too far away, but if you don’t feel like cycling the last stretch, trains run fairly frequently from Pontypridd, Trefforest, and other stations along the line. Most trains allow you to board your bike. However, watch out for restrictions on certain days, especially when there are events taking place in Cardiff. In Pontypridd, make way for Penrhos and then Taffs Well and Tongynlais where, if you’re feeling energetic, you may want to challenge yourself Cycle up the hill to the fairytale castle from Castell Coch located on the slope.
If you’re not in the mood for the uphill ride, continue towards Radyr and Cardiff. Look back on the way to catch a glimpse of Castell Coch. As you approach Cardiff Bay, pass Bute Park and see Cardiff Castle and the Millennium Stadium before following the final stretches of the Taff River to the end of the trail for a well-deserved break.
How long does it take to cycle the Taff Trail?
How long it takes to bike the Taff Trail depends on how often you stop and how fit you are. The full 88 km walk can be done in one day for someone with average fitness without any problems. Keep cyclists could probably do it in less than four hours.
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