Walk around Coryton, Cardiff
A short walk of 3.5 miles, 5.5 kms., with the going easy
and flat. Despite being in the capital city of Cardiff the walk is surprisingly
rural with opportunities to see Beech woods, Kingfishers, Orchids and Salmon and
Trout leaping up a weir in late Autumn. No facilities en route although ASDA has
payphones, café and toilets. Picnic area at Forest farm. Start at Grid
reference 139813, OS Explorer 151. The Friends of Forest
Farm also have a website which gives historical information about the site
along with many photos and a route description.
For a map of how to get to the start click here.
It is best to park on Longwood Drive alongside the reserve on your left.
View from the start, Castell Coch castle in
the trees top right.
From the car park at ASDA, head back down the access road past McDonalds to the
small roundabout by the Esso Station. Turn left along the road which heads
downhill, Longwood Drive, keeping on the left-hand side pavement. After 40 yards you come to some
metal railings on the left and after a few yards turn left through the gap in
the railings onto a path in the trees. Descend via some wooden steps to the
bottom (taking care as the steps can be slippery – to avoid these steps keep
down the road and then take the path to the left which heads back in the
direction you have just come but on the flat). Then walk along the canal,
keeping it on your left, for about 15 minutes. This is the Longwood SSSI. (20
mins).
On the towpath along the Glamorgan canal
At the end of the canal turn left along a road, crossing to go along the
pavement. Go past Penydarren Drive, staying on the pavement which now curves to
the right, passing a millstone. Pass Mellingriffith Drive. 50 yards beyond this
and just past some signs indicating the Taff Trail you will see on your right by
some metal railings the Mellingriffith Water Pump. (30 mins). Retrace your steps
for 20 yards and turn left into an estate to follow the Taff Trail sign. When
you see 4 metal bollards, walk between them following the path to the edge of
the river Taff. Turn right to head alongside the river which is on your left.
When you get to the edge of the houses, follow the Taff Trail which forks to the
left continuing alongside the river. You will pass on your right the entrance to
Forest Farm and then on your left a blue footbridge. Our route goes straight
ahead but crossing the bridge takes you into the centre of Radyr with shops and
railway station. After a further 5 minutes you get to Radyr Weir which spans the
river. (50 mins).
Radyr Weir
Continue past the weir and after 10 minutes you come to a path junction where
the Taff Trail goes to the left. At this point turn right past an electricity
pylon and then left after a few yards along a footpath between trees. Keep
straight ahead until you get to a canal at which point our path heads up right via
some wooden steps to meet a road. (1 hr 10 mins)
On the Taff Trail just beyond Radyr Weir
Turn left along the road and then immediately left following a footpath sign
with the Esso station to your right. The path curves to the right and then
crosses the main road via a footbridge. The path drops down and then ascends
after you have walked under a bridge. Although you are in the middle of a
roundabout you now have on either side conifers, ash, oak and from late Spring a
good selection of wild orchids. Where the path forks, go to the right eventually
going under a second bridge and then curving to the right. You cross a drive and
then pass a house on the left which brings you to a junction. Turn right through
the tunnel and then right again on emerging which brings you to a road with the
Village Hotel opposite. Cross the road with care opposite the bus stop and then
turn right down the tarmac path which skirts the hotel and brings you back to
ASDA. (1hr 30 mins)
Common Spotted Orchids in the middle of the
roundabout
Map of walk
Alternative
Routes
Option 1. At the start, immediately after McDonalds turn left following the
footpath sign. Go over a wooden stile and cross a bridge over a disused railway.
The path goes briefly right, then turn immediately left to join another path and
head left along this maintaining height until you descend to the end of the
canal. Rejoin original route from paragraph 2.
Option 2. At the start, immediately after McDonalds turn left following the
footpath sign. Go over a wooden stile and cross a bridge over a disused railway.
The path goes briefly right, then turn right to descend via some wooden steps to
the old railway line. Turn right under the bridge and carry on along this path
until you get to another bridge. Take the wooden steps on the right hand side of
the bridge and, at the top, turn right along a narrow path with railings on
right and wire fence on left. Where this path meets another one at the corner of
the field to your right, turn left to descend until you reach the end of the
canal. Rejoin original route from paragraph 2.
Option 3. Take original route along the canal. After about 10 minutes you come
to a wooden gate, stile and bench on your right. Turn right here along the path.
As you get to the end of the field on your right, go through the wooden gate on
the right to visit a bird hide - Lockley Hide. Return to the main path and carry
on in the direction you were going. You pass another hide on your right, the
Llyn-brwynog wetland conservation area. Go through a small wooden gate by a
large one, keeping straight ahead past a metal gate and information board. The
path now becomes narrower but is smooth tarmac with lamp posts on the left.
Eventually the path emerges on to a road. 10 yards beyond turn left through some
trees to meet a broad path, the Taff Trail. Turn left to visit Radyr Weir or right to carry on along the original
route, from Paragraph 3.
