A green corridor linking Wales' capital city with the wide open landscapes of the Brecon Beacons, the Taff Trail is a 55-mile (88km) route suitable for both walkers and cyclists. The Taff Trail is also known as "Route 8", part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network. The Taff Trail route can be completed in a single day by bike, but it's more usually ridden over two days, making it an ideal weekend cycling break. At least half the Taff Trail is on traffic-free trails, which makes for worry-free family cycling and happily minimises contact with vehicle fumes! For those who prefer feet to wheels, the path can be covered on foot at a fairly leisurely pace over six days.
The Taff Trail begins in the market town of Brecon, following the Brecon and Monmouthshire canal for the first few miles. Then it's onto the old tramway as the route climbs beside the Talybont Reservoir. A mountain bike is ideal for this part of the trail, though a hybrid bike with good tyres will cope very well. Torpantau, where the trail high point of 1440 feet (439m) is reached, is surrounded by quiet woodland and mossy slopes, and a little further on the village of Ponsticill provides welcome refreshment and accommodation.
Between Brecon and Merthyr Tydfil there are separate route options for walkers and cyclists, with those on foot either skirting West of the Beacons or taking the riding route which follows the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal before 
climbing to the Talybont and Pentwyn Reservoirs. The only major climb comes on this first day. Thereafter, both bikes and hikers follow the Taff Valley down to Cardiff, where the industrial heritage of the world-famous Welsh Valleys is apparent.
The former tramways and railways of this industrial age now form major parts of the Taff Trail. Embankments, cuttings and some fine viaducts add interest for both walker and cyclist, and because these feats of engineering mean gentle gradients, they make for child-friendly cycling too. Mountain bikers will enjoy the route, as it offers some gravel tracks, but leisure cyclists should not be put off. A quality hybrid bike will cope with the non-tarmac sections just as well as an MTB, and on a self-guided cycling holiday which includes baggage transfer you won't even be held back by your luggage on the hills! For those unaccustomed to even the easiest off-road cycling, a guided cycling tour is a good choice - with a guide on hand to provide support and tips, you'll certainly get more out of the Taff Trail. If you are thinking of a cycling holiday in Wales, the Taff Trail makes a great taster!
Drover Holidays has designed the perfect Taff Trail package for cyclists.
Our self-guided Taff Trail cycling holiday includes:
We don't tie you down to specific dates, giving you the flexibility to take your holiday in Wales when you want. Simply choose your dates, and we'll do the rest.
If you would prefer an escorted tour, we also offer a guided cycling holiday for the Taff Trail. This weekend package includes all of the above, with the additional benefit of being accompanied by a qualified guide at all times.
Tour dates for 2008 are:
So, if you are tempted to try the Taff Trail, get in touch for further information or to make a booking. You can also browse other Welsh walking and cycling tour itineraries here. Don't forget all our tours include hand-picked accommodaiton and a hassle-free baggage transfer service.
All photographs Crown Copyright 2006 unless stated