River Taff: From Source to Sea

The Taff is one of the iconic rivers of Wales. It flows south from the highest peaks of the remote Brecon Beacons, following an interesting and varied route to Cardiff Bay. This stunning photographic journey gives an insight into the river’s many facets, contrasting rural backwaters with urban landscapes, industrial heritage with unspoilt nature, inland with maritime. This book explores the river’s history and hidden secrets and documents how people both past and present have interacted with it, from Isambard Kingdom Brunel to fly fishers and adrenalin seekers. We travel along the river via the 89-kilometre Taff Trail, passing reservoirs, dramatic waterfalls, stunning mountain backdrops and numerous historic bridges. Wonder at the heritage of the former South Wales mining area and watch as the river enters the tree-cloaked Taff Gorge via a legend-rich thermal spring. The book illustrates beautifully how the river meanders through woods and meadows before approaching the bright lights of Cardiff, terminating at the visually stunning Cardiff Bay. Many of the region’s famous landmarks are located alongside the river, and are thus explored in this book. They include Castell Coch, Garth Hill, Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff Castle and the Millennium Stadium.