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The Taff Trail 6-day Self-Guided Walking Vacation offered by supplier M16809 (read about supplier) Key Information: Tour Duration: 6 day(s) Group Size: 1 - 20 people Destination(s): Wales   Specialty Categories: Walking Tours   Wildlife Viewing   Season: January - December Airfare Included: No Tour Customizable: Yes Minimum Per Person Price: 395 Pound Sterling (GBP) Maximum Per Person Price: 395 Pound Sterling (GBP)

Discover the Valleys on a 6-day hike though the landscapes of South Wales. Journey along the green corridor which links the wide open spaces of the Brecon Beacons with Cardiff, capital of Wales. It is the former tramways and railways of the industrial age which now form major parts of the Taff Trail. Embankments, cuttings and fine viaducts add interest for the walkers, cyclists and riders who share the path. These feats of engineering usually mean gentle gradients, and combine with low daily distances and good waymarks to make the Taff Trail an ideal choice for hillwalking novices.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Brecon.

Day 2: Brecon to Talybont-on-Usk - 8 miles (13 miles)
The route begins in the Canal Basin in Brecon, following the tranquil Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, passing colourful barges and flower-filled cottage gardens. Then it's on through the landscape beloved by Henry Vaughan, the 18th Century poet who lived near Talybont-on-Usk, where you will spend the night.

Day 3: Talybont-on-Usk to Pontsticill - 11 miles (18 km)
Today's walk begins with a climb alongside the Talybont Reservoir, following the route of the old Brecon and Merthyr Railway, which once transported goods through the mountains. The views from the top, at Torpantau, are magnificent and the hardest part of the trail is now over!

Day 4: Pontsticill to Merthyr Vale - 10 miles (16 km)
Following the Brecon Mountain Railway, the route now leaves the National Park, joining the Taff Valley and crossing the impressive viaduct at Cefn Coed.

Day 5: Merthyr Vale to Pontypridd - 10 miles (16 km)
There is plenty of industrial heritage to interest the walker today, from the Pont y Gwaith bridge to the tramway which once carried iron from the Pendarren ironworks to the Glamorgan canal. Richard Trevithick, 19th century inventor and engineer, tested his steam locomotive here in 1804, 25 years before Stephenson's Rocket

Day 6: Pontypridd to Castell Coch - 7 miles (11 km)
The walk continues down the Taff Vale towards the capital to Castell Coch, where an unexpected fairytale castle awaits. The Victorian fantasy castle we see today hides the complex history of Castell Coch fortresses at the head of the Taff gorge, the earliest of which was probably Norman - and wooden.

Day 7: Castell Coch to Cardiff Bay - 8 miles (13 km)
A final day through the capital to journey's end on the waterfront of Cardiff Bay.

Tour summary:
- Duration: 6 days hiking
- Distance: 54 miles (86 km)
- Grading: Moderate

Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.

The price is 395 Pound Sterling (GBP) per person based on 2 people sharing a twin/double room. Contact operator for sole traveller/single occupancy rates.

Price Includes:
- 6 nights accommodation in quality B&Bs, Inns and small hotels;
- Daily luggage transfer, so your baggage is waiting for you on arrival;
- Detailed, customised maps, with your daily walk highlighted;
- Written route notes giving directions and background information;
- Transfers to/from the nearest rail or bus station at the start and end of the tour.

Meals: Cooked breakfast included. Packed lunches and evening meals can be arranged at additional cost.

Options: Add an extra night at any stage of the tour, prices from 40 Pound Sterling (GBP) per person per night.

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Also see tour packages in:
Europe   Wales   Outdoor: Land Rambler   Walking Tours   Wildlife Viewing  

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