The Taff Trail

Pedal Power, run a cycle hire service and are open to the public 7 days a week, where you can hire a wide range of cycles. They have gents bikes, ladies bikes, kids bikes of all sizes, as well as a range of baby seats, buggies and tag along bikes. Visit the Pedal Power website at http://www.cardiffpedalpower.org/ or phone Pontcanna 029 20390713
or Cardiff Bay 07775 616411

Cardiff Cycling Campaign: www.cardiffcyclingcampaign.org.uk

The Taff Trail:Sophia Gardens

Sophia Gardens

Close to Cardiff City Centre there is a large area dedicated to leisure and tourism. This includes Cardiff Castle, Bute Park, Sophia Gardens, Pontcanna and BlackWeir.

Sophia Gardens on the South West corner is home to the National Sports Centre and the National and County Cricket Ground.

The Taff Trail follows the river bank behind both of them. A new footbridge crosses the river into Bute Park, behind the castle. At times a large volume of both pedestrians and cyclist use this relatively narrow path so extra care (and a bicycle bell) are needed.

An alternative route (previously the only route turns left after the cricket ground to follow a road past the caravan site and equestrian centre as far to Western Avenue (A48).

Further north the playing fields in Pontcanna Fields are full of activity every weekend during the season as lots of Rugby games at varying levels are in progress.

Sophia Gardens to Hailey Park

Going north from Sophia Gardens the Taff Trail stays alongside the River Taff. Continue between the playing fields and the West side of the river to the footbridge at Blackweir. Dismount to cross the bridge since there are usually lots of pedestrians and the bare timber bridge deck is very slippery when wet.

Follow the path on the East side of the river past Tesco to the subway at Western Avenue and on through parkland past Llandaff Weir and the Llandaff Rowing Club through to Hailey Park.