The Taff Trail: Castell Coch

Castell Coch

Castell Coch, the fairy tale castle overlooking the valley and with a view of Cardiff right down to the docks, is on the high level route of the Taff Trail from Tongwynlais to Nantgarw. This Victorian castle elaborately furnished and decorated by William Burgess for the Marquis of Bute is well worth a visit.

Castell Coch is on the original route of the Taff Trail now designated the "High Level Route" which is quite strenuous for the novice cyclist.

Castell Coch to Penrhos Cutting

Uphill from the Disabled Car Park in front of the drawbridge to Castell Coch, follow a fairly narrow path. With good gears, you can cycle this short section to the top. You should walk the first section at holiday times and summer weekends when this path is quite busy with pedestrians.

At the top there is a track ahead and one to the left.

The Taff Trail is the track to the left. A long descent, then through a cycle gate onto the former Barry Railway track. Picnic tables mark an excellent view point over the valley. We then drop down past a single house to join the low level route. Turn right to the Penrhos Cutting.

Fforest Fawr

At the top of the path from the front of the Castell the route divides. The route ahead is a forest trail through Fforest-fawr to a car park and picnic area at the top. This can be reached by road from Heol-y-Fforest (country road from Tongwynlais to Caerphilly).