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The Taff Trail Long Distance Footpath links Cardiff and the Valleys to
Brecon. It is 88km or 55 miles long though this figure is deceiving
as there are many community or circular routes that link into the linear
route which itself may have more than one route running parallel at
certain points.
The Taf Trail is one of the most recent long distance
footpaths in Wales. It is not a linear route from point A finishing at point B rather its
route is like the shape of a keyhole. The route from Cardiff is linear as far as Cefn
Coed, Merthyr Tydfil. The Taf Trail Circuit in the Brecon Beacons National Park begins and
ends at Cefn Coed having walking to Brecon by one mountain pass route around the Central
Massif and return via a mountain pass on the other side. The route may be followed in
either direction but I would recommend the Cefn Coed,
Pontsarn, Pontsticill,
Talybont, Brecon, Libanus, Cwmtaf, Cefn Coed approach. Probably the best starting point for the Taf
Trail is the village of Cefn Coed. The Brecon Beacons circuit can be completed and one can
on return to Cefn Coed then continue onto Cardiff either on foot or by public transport.
The Taf Trail is an interesting concept in that there is more
than one trail. It provides an opportunity not just for walkers but also for
cyclists (a fairly rough surface for the most part). On some sections cyclists
and walkers coexist not entirely successfully and one would ask cyclists to be
mindful that walkers particularly elderly walkers may not hear them. IF ONLY
CYCLISTS WOULD FIT A GOOD OLD FASHIONED BELL ! Often the main arterial route is
complemented by a second route designed principally for walkers. One of the most
innovative design features of the Taf Trail is that there are many circular
walks that link in to the main arterial route.
This approach serves a dual purpose. It encourages
local people to who live along the route to use the trail for informal recreation.
Secondly it is intended to enrich the opportunities to visitors to explore the countryside
and communities through which the Trails central route passes. The walking approach this
design is intended to encourage is to move away from seeing a long distance footpath as a
purely head down physical challenge and to encourage an approach based less on counting
mileage and more on exploration and understanding. Most
of the route follows gentle gradients with an occasional steep climb and is
mostly suitable for all ages and abilities though anyone with a particular
medical condition should enquire further before venturing forth. It is a long distance footpath concept
devised in the C20th for the C21th.
The route follows the Taff valley using old railway lines, canals
and forestry paths to link Cardiff Bay with the Brecon Beacons via
Llandaff, Pontypridd and Merthyr Tydfil. On reaching Merthyr Tydfil or
more specifically the confluence of the Taf Fechan and Taf Fawr at
Cefn Coed this linear route
becomes a circular walk from Merthyr to Brecon and by the alternative
mountain pass and valley back to Merthyr. Most but not all of the route is
also available to cyclists but not horse riders. Small sections of the
route may be closed to cyclists or an on road alternative offered -
enquire for further details. The route links at various points with other
regional trails including the
Cambrian Way,
Coed Morgannwg Way, Marches Way, Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk, Taff-Ely
Ridgeway Walk, and the Usk Valley Walk.
Highway Authorities
Cardiff,
Merthyr Tydfil,
Powys,
Rhondda Cynon Taff
Tourist Information Centres
- Brecon 01874 622485
- Cardiff 029 2022 7281
- Caerphilly 029 2088 0011
- Merthyr Tydfil 01685 379884
- Pontypridd 01443 409512
Landranger Maps 160, 161, 170, 171
Explorer Maps 151, 166 and Outdoor Leisure 12
Publications
- The Taff Trail Official Guidebook by Jeff Vinter for Taff Trail
Project. £10.99 from Groundwork Merthyr (see below) or
local
tourist offices or
purchase from
Amazon.com- A Glance- The Taff Trail - Official Guide
- Sections of the Taff Trail
offer different levels of access for all abilities.
Factsheets on all ability
access are available from Groundwork Merthyr (see below).
Contacts
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