For those who’re seeking to discover South Wales by bike, the Taff Path is a 55-mile path (88km) that takes you south from Brecon to the waterfront of Cardiff Bay.
That includes a mixture of city and rural pathways, the path passes by cities and villages that also show relics of their industrial heritage.
Who’s the Taff Path appropriate for?
The path is appropriate for many ranges of health, though it’s lengthy so for those who’re pondering of finishing it in a single day, pack ample snacks and water, a basic repair kit ought to your bike get broken, moist climate gear if the Welsh climate takes a flip for the more serious, and in case of emergency a cell phone, some money, and a credit score or debit card.
The route of previous tramways, railway strains, canals and towpaths principally consists of off-road sections, however does characteristic quick on-road sections, hearth roads, and gravel and forest paths that means you’ll want tyres with not less than slightly grip. Slicks received’t actually do right here particularly if the path areas are moist. Because the Taff Path is shared by walkers, cyclists and the occasional horse rider, a bell may even come in useful for making your presence recognized.
The Taff Path route
The path is properly signposted for many of distance, however often mischievous locals get their kicks by tampering with them, with hopes to ship path customers within the improper route. For those who’re in any doubt, this route guide has been produced by the charity Sustrans who additionally assist to take care of sections of the path and make it safer for cyclists. You can even purchase the Taff Path Information: Totally illustrated and detailed route planner which features a map – buy on Amazon.
The path leaves Brecon, passing by Llanfrynach and Pencelli, then by The Brecon Beacons, Talybont reservoir, Torpantau, and Garwnant. This stretch is amongst among the nicest surroundings permitting you to soak up the inexperienced and pure fantastic thing about The Brecon Beacons. From Garwnant, it goes previous Ponstsicill reservoir, Pontsarn, and the Cefn Coed viaduct earlier than reaching Merthyr Tydfil.
With the occasional pub, café and store alongside the route, there are alternatives to cease, relaxation and seize a chew to eat.
Leaving Merthyr Tydfil, the route passes Abercanaid and Pentrebach adopted by Aberfan and Pontygwaith earlier than reaching Quakers Yard, Abercynon, and Pontypridd. At this level the top isn’t too far-off, however for those who don’t really feel like biking the final stretch, prepare providers run pretty ceaselessly from Pontypridd, Trefforest and different stations alongside the road. Most trains will mean you can board alongside along with your bike, however verify for restrictions on sure days particularly the place there are occasions occurring in Cardiff. At Pontypridd, make approach to Penrhos after which to Taffs Properly and Tongynlais the place, for those who’re feeling energetic, you might need to problem your self and cycle up the hill to the fairytale citadel of Castell Coch nestled on the hillside.
For those who don’t fancy the hill experience, keep on towards Radyr and Cardiff ensuring to look again alongside the best way to catch a glimpse of Castell Coch. As you close to Cardiff Bay, you’ll go by Bute Park and consider Cardiff citadel and the Millennium Stadium earlier than following the final stretches of the Taff River to the top of the path the place you’ll have a well-deserved relaxation.
How lengthy does it take to cycle the Taff Path?
How lengthy it takes you to cycle the Taff path relies on how usually you cease and your health stage. The complete 55-mile (88km) path is definitely achieved in a day for somebody of common health. Maintain cyclists may most likely do it in below 4 hours.
