The Taff Trail

Tongwynlais Cycle Care, Open 7 days 029 2081 3851

Lewis Arms, Tongwynlais, Excellent Brains Pub with food and drinks. www.sabrain.com/lewisarms

Gelynis Farm, Morganstown. B&B and PYO Fruit Farm (across the `Iron Bridge`) see: www.gelynisfarm.co.uk

Walking Route from the Taff Trail: Fforest Fawr - Taff`s Well - Rhiwbina Hill www.walkingworld.com


The Taff Trail:Tongwynlais

Tongwynlais

Tongwynlais is a small village on the on the edge of the Valleys and on the Cardiff end of the narrow Taff Gorge. It attracts visitors from outside the area because of the unusual Castell Coch which towers on the hillside above. From the cross roads outside the Lewis Arms: to the north-west is Taff's Well; to the north-east is Castell Coch; whilst to the South is the route to Cardiff.

Tongwynlais has provisions, Fish & Chip shop, pubs and a cycle shop.

Although there is a 20 mph speed limit in the Tongwynlais, the "traffic calming measures" are particularly difficult for a cyclist to negotiate safely. Some motorist give way to bicycles others don't. Speed bumps are very high and need to be cycled around or out of your saddle. Also 2 of the road narrowings have vehicles approaching from 3 directions at once. Going North, the Trail divides here with the older, more strenuous route via Castell Coch. The sign post now shows this as Taff Trail - High Level.

Going South to Cardiff, with minor exceptions the trail stays close to the River Taff.

Tongwynlais to Taffs Well

This is the low level route which was completed in 2001. As we leave Tongwynlais, take the extra wide pavement to the right of the main road. This safely follows around the edge of the busy interchange avoiding much of the traffic. Care is needed when crossing the slip road (Clearly marked). Continue to the next junction on the pavement which is clearly marked for cycling. The road to the right is to Ty-Rhiw and an alternative way up to the high level trail, but ignore this for now. Cross over the road (following the pavement which is not marked for cycling) to the traffic lights.

Turn Right towards the Taffs Well Station.

Tongwynlais to Castell Coch

Going North from Tongwynlais, the Trail divides the route via Castell Coch is sign posted as the High Level route which was theoriginal and more strenuous route.

From the Lewis Arms go up the steady gradient of Mill Road past the Castle Coch Golf Club to the gateway of Castell Coch. The steep driveway to the castle is short but strenuous.