Distance 7 miles (11.2km)
Classification Easy
Start Cycle path outside Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre, Jim Driscoll Way, CF11
Finish Taffs Well railway station
Duration 1-2 hours
Route NCN route 8
Map OS Explorer 151, OS Landranger 171, Celtic Trail East, NCN Lôn Las Cymru South, Taff trail leaflet

Route notes

The Taff trail, in its entirety, runs 55 miles from Cardiff to Brecon. This small section at the beginning takes you out of the heart of the city on a great traffic-free path following the west bank of the river Taff. It passes the Millennium Stadium and takes you as far as Castell Coch, which looks out over the village of Tongwynlais. To extend the ride, continue along the Taff trail – but be warned: the section leading out of the village is very steep.

Terrain and gradients

All tarmac, mainly traffic-free.

How to get there/away

Cardiff Central railway station is a short ride away from the start point, while the end is next to Taffs Well railway station.

What to see

Look out for the Melingriffith water pump after leaving Llandaff: it's a beam engine designed to lift water from the Taff to the Glamorganshire canal. Built at the turn of the 19th century, it was in use until the canal was closed in 1948 and remains one of the most important industrial monuments in Europe.

Castell Coch in Tongwynlais is a Grade I-listed castle, which overlooks the village and surrounding ancient beech wood (filled with bluebells in April and May) and looks like something out of a fairytale. It's actually Victorian: a 19th-century gothic revival, but no less stunning for it, with a working portcullis and drawbridge and sumptuously decorated rooms.

Watering holes

For a mid-ride pause, make a slight detour via the Maltsters Arms in Llandaff. In Tongwynlais, head to the village's sole pub, the Lewis Arms, or if you're willing to purchase tickets, discover the castle grounds and cafe. Tickets are £3.80 per adult/£11 for family (2 adults and all under-16s).