United Kingdom
The Taff Trail is a 55 mile route that starts in bustling Cardiff Bay and ends in the lovely market town of Brecon. It is unique in offering a series of accessible varied rides lasting from a few hours to a whole day. For example, you could do a short ride to Castell Coch a fairytale folly castle or a longer trip to the Bunch of Grapes pub near Pontypridd which serves great food and real ales. Serious cyclists might consider carrying panniers and staying overnight in Brecon. Accomodation options range from a basic tent to a luxury hotel! Don't have a bike? They can be easily hired from Pedal Power, who cater for all ages and abilities.
www.tafftrail.org.uk/index.html
www.wales360.co.uk/castell_coch
Castle Hill, Tongwynlais, Cardiff CF15 7JS
+44(0)29 2081 0101
Google map: bit.ly/HjwddT
www.bunchofgrapes.org.uk/
Ynysyngharad Road, Pontypridd, CF37 4DA
+44(0)1443 402934
Google map: bit.ly/H0cQY9
www.cardiffpedalpower.org/
Off Dogo Street, Cardiff, CF11 9JJ
+44(0) 7775 616411
Google map: bit.ly/GZLVJ6
A very good cycle route from Penarth Road to St Fagans via Ely (and back). Cardiff County Council say that the Ely Trail goes 'along the whole length of the River Ely within the council boundary. The trail is a mainly off-road stone-dust path suitable for cyclists and walkers. The Ely Trail is nearly finished apart from the old paper mill site (Arjo Wiggins) at Ely Bridge, but it is possible to walk and cycle from Cardiff Bay to St. Fagans. On completion of the bay edge Route it will be possible to link into the Taff Trail and Coastal Path.'
The Council also says that 'the route passes through a variety of landscapes from the mouth of the river, to the rural and parkland landscapes around St Fagans. There are opportunities along the route for leisure activities and to visit sites of historic or environmental significance.'
The only drawback is that there is a bridge with steps at either side to be negotiated half way along the route.
This cycle route is perfect for that hot and sunny Saturday or Sunday afternoon as the meandering, flat river path takes you from the bustle of the city to the tranquility of the countryside. The sudden change of terrain and surroundings is what makes most of Cardiff's cycle routes a pleasure to experience.
www.cardiff.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=2868%2C4407%2C4411&parent_directory_id=2865&id=3436
Google map: tinyurl.com/2ufbbbc
Get a bike and ride the Taff trail. You can go from the centre of Cardiff all the way out to Castle Coch, following the river on safe bike paths.
www.tafftrail.org.uk;
Affan Valley Cycle Hire, tel: 01639 893661, 07952 577316 (mobile);
www.afan-valley-bike-hire.com
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