tourism brochure 2011_Layout 1 - Destination RCT - Rhondda ...

WWW.DESTINATIONRCT.CO.UKThe Taff TrailRoute: RCT section - Quakers Yard toNantgarw (full length - Brecon toCardiff)National route: 8Category: Greenway / traffic freeDistance: 55 miles (Brecon to Cardiff)Surface: Mainly tarmacNearest railway stations:Taffs Well, Trefforest, Pontypridd, Abercynon,Quakers Yard, Merthyr TydfilTourist Information: PontypriddRunning from Brecon to Cardiff and passingthrough the heart of Rhondda Cynon Taf,the Taff Trail is Wales’ longest establishedcycle route. Taking in some of south Wales’most varied and beautiful landscapes, theroute follows rivers and railways and runsthrough forests. It also links up withRhondda Cynon Taf’s network of trails,including the Cynon and Rhondda Fachroutes, as well as the spectacular TrevithickTrail in neighbouring Merthyr Tydfil.Several train stations along the Taff Trailmake it very easy to access. From Merthyr,the route takes walkers high above thevalley, offering sweeping views and passingthrough former mining communities. Thetrail runs through pretty woodland as itpasses Abercynon, then joins a new sectionof path alongside the river Taff. Traces ofthe old Glamorgan canal are hidden in thewoodlands along the route.In the market town of Pontypridd, the TaffTrail passes Ynysangharad Park, which hasa popular outdoor pool (seasonal openingonly) and hosts a range of summer festivalsand shows. The trail then leads to Taffs Welland past the landmark fairytale castle ofCastell Coch before continuing throughCardiff to the waterfront.The National Cycle Network is coordinated by sustainable transport charity Sustrans.To find out more about the very best if the National Cycle Network in Wales go toSustrans' Routes2Ride website: www.routes2ride.org.uk/wales4