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I've put together as many classic trails as I can in as long a ride as possible whilst still being within 5 miles 'ish' of Cardiff. I've defined 'ish' as being bounded by the natural boundaries of the Garth, Caerphilly, and the Rhymney River. 71km and 1,800m of ascent. Cardiff residents should be able to join the loop at any point.
It's a bit superfluous now due to relaxation of cycling rules but it's still a fun challenge. Can anyone improve it or make it longer without repeating too much? There are bits I had to leave out and places I'm not exactly sure where the trail I'm thinking of goes - but Strava heat map helped.
I haven't ridden it yet.
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/50810439
I would personally take the ridgeway from the top of Forest Fawr rather than dropping down to the Wenalt, but that's personal preference.
We did a similar route, by following our noses so to speak, but when we got as far as Van Road trails, chickened out, headed into Caerphilly town and took the Taff Trail home. It was a nice loop, 40km and 600m ascent, which was really enough for me.
<span style="font-size: 0.8rem;">You could perhaps add some bits from the Vale of Glamorgan, although these bits may not fall into the 5 mile rule.</span>
Many thanks for compiling this, really useful guide.
I've been riding from home (Llandaff) to Dinas Powys to ride some stuff from my youth, it's mostly urban / through parks etc. Ely Trail (the Taff Trails lessor known sister trail) is quite nice, but I've never found a better way to get to the Vale than up that horrible road from the level crossing at St. Fagans and through Culverhouse Cross.
I would personally take the ridgeway from the top of Forest Fawr rather than dropping down to the Wenalt, but that’s personal preference.
I thought of that but Wenallt is a lovely desent and a pleasant bit of trail. Sure it's harder, but this isn't meant to be easy 🙂
I’ve never found a better way to get to the Vale than up that horrible road from the level crossing at St. Fagans and through Culverhouse Cross.
There's Caerau lane that goes to Wenvoe then double back slightly and hit the lanes towards St Lythans; or from St Fagans go North then West towards St Brides and Peterstone.
I'd like to know if there's gravel in the Vale.