The Taff Trail - NCN Route 8

Discover The Taff Trail - NCN Route 8

The Taff Trail takes you on a 55-mile journey from the waterfront of Cardiff Bay up to the pretty little market town of Brecon through the heart of Merthyr Tydfil’s historic villages.

The Merthyr Tydfil section of the Taff Trail (National Cycle Network Route 46 & 8) is a 14-mile, mainly traffic-free route, designed for walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders. 

Using former tramways, railways, canals and towpaths you can enjoy all that Merthyr (once the iron capital of the world) has to offer.  Travelling north through Merthyr Town takes you across the spectacular Grade II listed Cefn Coed Viaduct. You’ll pass through woodlands and nature reserves crossing the historic Pontsarn Viaduct as you climb gently to Pontsticill Reservoir and onwards to Brecon through the National Park. Following Route 8 from Merthyr Tydfil to Brecon Town is a 25 mile (40k) route that takes around 2hrs on a mixture of Asphalt (60%) and loose (40%), and it's 60% traffic-free.

With the heart of the Taff Trail running through Merthyr Tydfil, there's plenty of occasions to stop off for a spot of lunch or explore many of the historic villages and sites that are situated nearby.

The Taff Trail is just a part of the spectacular NCN Route 8, also known as Lôn Las Cymru. It's an exciting long-distance route that will challenge and amaze you as it passes through wild and beautiful Welsh landscapes. The route starts in Cardiff and passes two national parks - Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia, before finishing on the island of Anglesey. It's 243 miles long and takes around 20hrs to complete. Follow the link to the Sustrans website to find maps of the whole route.

Our latest video helps to capture the essence of the majestic Taff Trail.

Brochures

We have created new information packs to help explain the landscape you'll be travel through and the benefits it brings. Find out more about the flora and fauna you can expect to see or learn about the history that surrounds the many heritage sites you'll pass on your journey. Download your information maps below.

Flora and Fauna                             Heritage & Lost Stories                 Trails Workout

  Trailgazers Taff Trail Lost Stories & Heritage Map   

Information

We hope you enjoy the Taff Trail by whatever means you've chosen, but please travel responsibly. Take care of yourself, your surroundings and each other. Download your information leaflets below.

 Mental Wellbeing                          Enjoy Nature Responsibly                Hiking Safely

      

Map - choose and download your map today

If you're travelling through Merthyr Tydfil on the Taff Trail (South to North), then why not download the latest directions map to help you on your way.

Taff Trail Directions Map

 

 

Videos

If you want to know how to navigate the Aberfan to Pontygwaith section then follow this GoPro guide.

Links

Alongside Treasuring our Trails we have a responsibility to ensure we, as custodians, maintain them for generations to come. Please respect the countryside and each other.

You can find more information and guidance please follow the link below.

Natural Resources Wales Countryside Code                                                                       Wales Ramblers

Countryside Code.  Sustrans Cycle Route Network.   Route 8. Ramblers Cymru- 

 

The Taff Trail is just one of a series of trails running right through the county borough that encapsulates the area's history complemented by miles and miles of natural beauty. So if you want to take time to stop at one of our amazing adventure attractions, learn about our history, shop, eat, sleep or just take a moment to savour the breathtaking scenery. Merthyr has it all.

 

 

 

 

What’s happening in Merthyr Tydfil

Latest News

❄️🎅 Winterfest @ Trago 🎅 ❄️ ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️


🛀🏽 Luxury Merthyr Tydfil hotel arises on site of historic local bakery 🏨

🛀🏽 Luxury Merthyr Tydfil hotel arises on site of historic local bakery 🏨


🚂 🌄 Explore the Trevithick Trail: Richard Trevithick's Legacy 🚂 🌄


© Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council 2023