Whether you are visiting the area or a local- the Taff Trail in South Wales, UK offers spectacular countryside, quaint villages, endless trees and countless photo spots. Traversing this route on a bicycle is the best way to see what this route has to offer and enjoy the outdoors.
by Jessica Dale
Difficulty Rating
Reading Time: 4minutesMapped route of the Taff Trail
Location of the Taff Trail
The Taff Trail starts in Cardiff, Wales and runs some 55 miles (88km) up to the Brecon Brecons National Park. Aptly named as it follows the River Taff for the most part of the route. No matter where you start, the Taff Trail surely does not disappoint.The total time to complete should take between 4-7 hours depending on your level of fitness.
The trail passes through the small towns of Taff’s Well, Tongwynlais, Pontypridd, Abercynon, Merthyr Vale, Merthyr Tydfil, Pencelli and finally ending at Brecon. The crowded areas of the route are mostly around Cardiff, Pontypridd and Methyr Tydfil leaving the rest of the Taff trail rather uncrowded leaving just you and nature.
You will pass several bridges and landmarks on the river
The Different Sections of the Taff Trail
The Taff trail is easiest in the areas around Cardiff, the route is pretty flat right up to Tongwynlais with no hills which makes for a great leisurely ride for those not wanting to take on a steep incline. Keep in mind that due to the proximity to Cardiff city there are more people on the path but for the most part the folk of Wales are a friendly bunch.
Heading further up into the welsh valleys the scenery and views of the river provide a fantastic aesthetic, the path is quiet and as you pass through the small towns and villages the people become super friendly. The route does divert through some streets around Pontypridd which can be a little confusing but keep following the blue signposts and you can’t go far wrong.
Approaching Abercynon and Merthyr Vale from the Cardiff side of the Taff Trail be sure to keep a close watch for signposts (and Google Maps) to keep on route as the path seems to turn into a dirt track, followed by a confusing fork. Be sure to head left here as heading right (Which the signpost suggests) takes you over a main road up a super steep hill that has pretty much no sign posting indicating this is likely an error but works as an alternate route heading the same direction.
As you get to Merthyr Tydfil the trail becomes very difficult to follow through the town but making it through and up into the Brecon Beacons the trail is easier to follow albeit contains some interesting hills.
Take time to enjoy the fresh garlic among other flora
Prep List
There are plenty of small shops between Cardiff and PontyPridd but afterwards amenities become rather sparse. If you are attempting this route from start to finish by cycle I would suggest taking the following items:
2-3 Litres water (4L if it is a warm day)
Fully charged mobile phone
Some snack and/or food
Puncture repair kit
Bike Lights
Whilst the Taff trail is rather smooth and well maintained for the majority of the route there are areas where the terrain can be quite rough and sometimes there can be glass or sharp sticks on the floor so a puncture repair kit is essential as it is a long way to push the bike if you catch a flat tire between Pontypridd and Merthyr Tydfil as an example.
The route features some great architecture
For those desiring a more carefree ride it is best to advise that if you are starting off in Cardiff you may want to go only as far as Tongwynlais, the path up to this point is all off road, flat and still offers a comfortable, mid range ride with plenty of viewpoints including the Blackweir Bridge, Llandaff Weir and Radyr Weir.
As you can see the Taff Trail offers something for everyone. If you are visiting South Wales anytime in the future (or even if you are a local) bring a bike and give it a go. Even if you don’t own a bike, there are plenty in the city centre available on a pay as you ride basis, you can’t miss them and this trail is perfect to get closer to nature.
