The Taff Trail runs for 55 miles between Cardiff and Brecon along a mixture of riverside paths, railway paths and forest roads. Just a short ride away you're transported from cosmopolitan Cardiff to rural heaven. Pontsticill Circular is a 37.5 mile loop trail located near Aberdare, Rhondda, Wales that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Find News Posts. The canals had become disused due to competition from the railways, and the railways in turn had become surplus to requirements as the heavy industries upon which they depended had been wound down. The Butchers Arms, Pontsticill. Sign up now to hear more about our latest news, views, events, campaigns, policy, impact and other activities. The bridge is on National Cycle Route 8, near Pontsticill Reservoir, north of Merthyr. If you have travelled up from Cardiff or anywhere on the trail that is a lot further south of Pontsticill you'll begin to experience a warm feeling when you reach the first Reservoir. This can be found just past the roundabout for Canal Road and Rich Way. Pontsticill Reservoir (Welsh: Cronfa Pontsticill) or Taf Fechan Reservoir is a large reservoir on the Taf Fechan lying partly in the county of Powys and partly within the county borough of Merthyr Tydfil in south Wales. The pub dates from the 19th century and includes a small outdoor seating area for warmer weather. Leaving Cefn Coed behind, rapid progress is made to the south east of Trefechan before you enter the Cwm Taf Fechan Nature Reserve. Explore fantastic walking and cycling routes across the UK. Note: Part of this walk follows the 55 mile long Taff Trail, which is popular with both walkers and cyclists. This route is on the National Cycle Network. Sunday, 8 December 2019. It is made up of old railway paths, forest paths, and canals and follows National Cycle Route 8. A wonderful 50 mile route for walkers and cyclists between Brecon and Cardiff following the River Taff. For the first 50km or … The Taff Trail, used by walkers and cyclists, runs through the woods on the western side. Find out what we stand for and how our work around the UK is making a difference. These routes, which although disus… This circular walk takes you around the beautiful Pontsticill Reservoir in the Brecon Beacons National Park. This section of the Taff Trail travels between Cardiff and Brecon, 5 hours This section, which starts just north of Merthyr Tydfil and runs to Pontsticill Reservoir in the Brecon Beacons, leaves behind the densely populated areas … The trail makes much use of an abandoned branch of the Taff Vale Railway and of the Glamorganshire Canal. We don't have any points of interest in Pontsticill at the moment. Please be advised that Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has closed the Cwm Car bridge on the Taff Trail due to safety reasons. If you know of any points of interest that you'd like us to include on My Taff Trail please let us know by using the contact form. From this point, if you are travelling north, there isn't much in the way of civilisation until you get past Talybont Reservoir (around 13 miles from here) so make sure you stop off at Pontsticill if you need any supplies. This can be found just past the roundabout for Canal Road and Rich Way. Over 2020 as a whole, there was an increase of 49% in the number of visits, while the lockdowns combined saw figures rise 92% – from 186,075 for the same periods in 2019 to 357,301 in 2020. It lies within the Brecon Beacons National Park and … Pontsticill Crossover – Red – 33.8km – The Pontsticill trail is a figure of eight loop that starts with a 400m climb before descending to the half-way point of Pontsticill village. Bear left at the junction, leaving the Taff Trail and you are soon in Pontsticill village. We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness. A recent Council survey revealed a more than 90% increase in visits to the Taff Trail recorded during the three periods of lockdown. We don't have any photos of Pontsticill at the moment. Due to the range of path surface types, a sturdier cycle is recommended for some sections of this route. The Taff Trail is a 55 mile (88 km) cycle and walking route starting in the south in Cardiff Bay and travelling north to Brecon Theatre. Work in partnership with us to tackle the challenges of congestion, air pollution, physical inactivity, and social inequality, by making it easier for people to walk and cycle. Our pub is just metres from the Taff Trail and with Pen y Fan and the rest of the beautiful Brecon Beacons close by it is the perfect base for walking, cycling or just a sight seeing drive in the National Park. The Taff Trail is part of the National Cycle Network, cared for by Sustrans. You can search our previous posts for items that match your interests. You can hire mountain bikes from Bikes and Hikes who are situated next to Talybont Stores in the centre of the village. These include a short section from Quakers Yard to Pontygwaith and from Pentwyn Reservoir to Talybont Reservoir. At Pontsticill Station you can join the Taff Trail, a 55-mile walk from Brecon to Cardiff Bay, with views of the Brecon Beacons. Find a route on the National Cycle Network. Features Climb steadily up the Torpantau Pass and discover the old Merthyr Railway before ending up in the idyllic countryside in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park. I met an elderly couple on the Trail who I chatted to for a short while, and they agreed with me that the countryside looked absolutely superb in the snow. The route, which can also be cycled, runs along riverside paths, old … Length 37.5 miElevation gain 4,557 ftRoute type Loop Update from Natural Resources Wales regarding Cwm Car bridge (on Taff Trail through forestry): A site meeting was held last Tuesday with the appointed contractor and work is expected to start soon. This recently renovated building is situated amid the breath-taking scenery of the Brecon Beacons National Park, adjacent to the Taff Trail (National Cycle Route 8) and the Taf Fechan Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Firstly, cycle eight gentle miles of the Taff corridor to a land of crashing weirs rich with wildlife, impressive mountain backdrops and a fairy tale castle called Castell Coch (Red Castle). 18 hours and 33 minutes. The route will now follow the public road alongside the reservoir, instead of the forest road. Taff Trail Pubs/Cafes. ... An easy walk along a section of the Taff Trail, close to Merthyr but very rural with many flowers and good views and suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. There is plenty of parking at Abercynon (fire station), Aberdare and Merthyr along the route so you could start from any point. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Nestling in the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Aberglais Inn is a charming 19th century stone-built hostelry. Read our fundraising promise. It's anticipated that the diversion will be in place for at least six months (starting February 2020). The Taff Trail - Cefn Coed to Pontsticill This particular section starts at the Community Centre and alongside St. Johns Church is a very narrow path that very soon crosses a bridge over the A465. A circular walk from Cefn Coed following the Taff Trail to the Pontsticill and Pentwyn Reservoirs. Leave the station by the gateway at the bottom of the ramp and continue straight ahead along the road to the start of the dam. The Taff Trail starts its 55-mile (88 kilometer) journey from Cardiff Bay, right in the heart of the Welsh capital. The reservoir is located a few miles north of Merthyr Tydfil on the Taff Trail.You can catch the splendid Brecon Mountain Railway to Pontsticill station next to the reservoir. Pontsticill Community Group Walking and cycling routes change over time. Wales - South Wales - Brecon - Countryside. The Pontsticill Reservoir walk is flat but with gravel paths in places so will be a bit trickier for those of you with pushchairs or wheelchairs. Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group. The walk along the Taff Trail was a real treat, with snow hanging off branches giving everything a real black and white essence, and a freshness that made the whole country look revitalised. The Brecon Beacons are made for mountain biking and cycling, with routes suitable for all abilities.. Talybont on Usk is a hub for local cycle and the Brecon Beacons National Parks mountain bike trails and has 4 routes running through the village. Back on track, head for Merthyr Tydfil, a town built on iron and coal, and home to the magnificent Cyfarthfa Castle. Nearby Dolygaer is the base for the Morlais Mountain Rescue Team. The Taff Trail runs for 55 miles between Cardiff and Brecon along a mixture of riverside paths, railway paths and forest roads.Due to the range of path surface types, a sturdier cycle is recommended for some sections of this route. After Pontsticill you choose between the Taff Trail forest route, or a cruise on the road alongside Pontsticill Reservoir. Day Two: Day Two was a gentle taste of things to come – 36 miles from Cardiff, to close to Brecon. Start time: 10:00 (Estimated finish time: 14:30) Moderate 8 miles / 12.9 km. Distance 4.44km. However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. If you have any photos that you'd like us to include on My Taff Trail please let us know by using the contact form. On the trail there is plenty of opportunity to stop and picnic before arriving at the industrial heritage town of Pontypridd, the birthplace of singing legend Tom Jones, where you will find a museum, distinctive old bridge and Ynysangharad Memorial Park. There are two golf course within 3 miles of the pub. Covers the South East of Wales, including Cardiff, Newport, The Valleys, and Brecon. CF48 2UE +44 01685 723544 There is a climb of 350ft (105m) from the Rhydycar Leisure Centre to the end of the railway path. Group North Gwent. From here the route branches out to other pathways such as the Celtic Trail -with plenty of attractions including the Rhondda Heritage Park at Trehafod where you step back to another time and experience life underground at the Lewis Merthyr Colliery with the help of a former miner guide. The Bunch Of Grapes in Pontypridd is a nice place for a pit stop next to the trail. Sustrans is a registered charity in England and Wales (number 326550) and Scotland (SC039263) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England No 1797726 at 2 Cathedral Square, Bristol, BS1 5DD. You continue upstream and eventually reach the banks of Pontsticill Reservoir, a vast water store set in picturesque surroundings that was completed in 1927. Cefn Coed Community Centre car park. A bike ride from Pontsticill to Merthyr Tydfil on the Taff Trail. Your donation today will help keep the Network safe and open for everyone to enjoy. Returning through the Taf Fechan Forest. These include a short section from Quakers Yard to Pontygwaith and from Pentwyn Reservoir to Talybont Reservoir. Starting point. You will have reached the Brecon Beacons National Park and have just a short distance left to complete the trail. beyond Taffs Well it would all be new territory. Dogs are also able to use this trail. I know the Taff Trail well as far as Castell Coch and Craig Yr Allt, from long marathon training runs over the last three years. I've walked the whole of it (a sponsored walk over 5 days and lots of other shorter walks at various times). The trail climbs gradually out of Merthyr Tydfil, passing over Pontsarn Viaduct, which was built in the 1860s to carry the Brecon and Merthyr Railway over the Taf Fechan river. It is made up of old railway paths, forest paths and canals and follows National Cycle Route 8. downhill all the way to the halfway point of Pontsticill village. John Thorn. The Taff Trail: Pontsticill to Cefn Coed. The Taff Trail is a multi-purpose route between the Cardiff waterfront at Cardiff Bay in the South and the Market Town of Brecon in the North. The Taff Trail runs for 55 miles between Cardiff and Brecon along a mixture of riverside paths, railway paths and forest roads. turn right across the dam, joining the Taff Trail and follow the road around to the left until you reach a road junction. The reservior is huge with a volume of over 15.5 million cubic metres and is the sixth largest in the county of Powys. They are specialists in cask beers, craft beers and authentic Gastropub food. The trail passes through all the towns, villages and localities listed above. You will have reached the Brecon Beacons National Park and have just a … Cwmbach to Abercynon, up Taff trail past Merthyr to Pontsticill, back to viaduct, up Swansea Road towards Baverstocks, over the top, then down towards Crematorium, through Llwydcoed, onto old railway line to Cwmbach. Ride Segment Cefn Coed Y Cymmer, Merthyr Tydfil, United Kingdom . Taff Fechan Walk. Distance: 9.38 miles (approx) If you have travelled up from Cardiff or anywhere on the trail that is a lot further south of Pontsticill you'll begin to experience a warm feeling when you reach the first Reservoir. Stop off to visit the Castle's museum and art gallery before making your way to Brecon through dramatic mountain landscapes, past crashing waterfalls and crystal clear reservoirs before arriving in Brecon - home to a Cathedral and dotted with watering holes and quaint shops. Avg Grade 1.8% Pontsticill Crossover The Pontsticill trail is a figure of eight loop that starts with a 400m climb before descending to the half-way point of Pontsticill village. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces. The Taff Trail begins by the Brecon Canal Basin and the Theatr Brycheiniog. Start: The Aztec Steps/Cwm Farm HouseEnd: South end of the Talybont ReservoirDistance: 9.38 miles (approx). 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