Countryside on your doorstep

Ely Trail

www.cardiff.gov.uk/countryside

This page helps you find out more about the Ely Trail.

Useful information is set out under the following headings: • Features of Interest • Facilities • Access • Nearby • What You Said • Information and Contacts

Summary

Cardiff Council is developing the Ely Trail along the whole length of the River Ely within the council boundary. The Trail is a mainly off-road stone-dust path suitable for cyclists and walkers. The Ely Trail is nearly finished apart from the old paper mill site (Arjo Wiggins) at Ely Bridge, but it is possible to walk and cycle from Cardiff Bay to St. Fagans.

The route passes through a variety of landscape from the mouth of the river, to the rural and parkland landscapes around St Fagans. There are opportunities along the route for leisure activities and to visit sites of historic or environmental significance.

Features of Interest

History The Ely Trail ends at the National History Museum in St. Fagans, (one of South Wales leading tourist attractions). Here visitors can see the 16th Century Manor House complete with 100 acres of parkland. Within the grounds are 40 buildings brought from other parts of Wales and set out to show how people lived at various times in history.

Most of St. Fagans village lies within a conservation area to protect its unique historic setting. Many of the buildings within St. Fagans are listed and collectively the village is historically fascinating. Other features of interest include Leckwith Old Bridge, a scheduled ancient monument and The Pump House (former sewage pumping station).

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Nature The Ely Valley is one of Cardiff’s green corridors.

Along its length there are a variety of different landscapes and habitats, including the Bay, parks, woodlands and the special

parkland landscape around St. Fagans. Near the Bay you can see herons, kingfishers and other waterfowl. Bluebells, wood anemones, and wild garlic

carpet the woodlands in spring.

Much of the river and its banks and woodlands have been designated as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation. There are otters along the river but you would be very lucky to see these shy

animals.

Recreation When completed the trail will be popular with cyclists, joggers and walkers. The Ely Trail also passes near or through a number of different parks, offering other recreational opportunities.

FacilitiesSporting facilities will also be provided as the International Sports Village develops at the Southern end of the trail and Cardiff City football club - new stadium and new athletics facility on Leckwith Road, within proximity of the Trail. Refreshments are available at the National History Museum, near Ely Bridge and Cardiff Bay Retail Park.

Access Within

The majority of the completed trail will be level, off-road and has a stonedust surface.

Getting There

By foot - The Trail is easily accessed from the surrounding urban area. The start of the trail is on Dunleavy Drive adjacent to Grangemoor Park and finishes in the village of St. Fagans on Castle Hill. It is now possible to walk from the Bay to St. Fagans, using a suggested route around the Ely Bridge/Arjo Wiggins development site, until such time as the site is developed.

By bus - There are a number of bus routes along the roads in St. Fagans, Fairwater, Leckwith and Cardiff Bay. Details of bus routes and services can be found at www.cardiffbus.co.uk

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By train - Train stations near the Trail include Cogan Station which is close to the start of the Trail,

Waungron Road and Fairwater Halt. However, Cardiff Central Station is adjacent to Cardiff Bus Station providing good links to the rest

of the city. Details of train services can be found at www.nationalrail.co.uk

By car- There are a number of locations along the route to park within relatively easy distance of the Trail.

Nearby

The Trail passes close to the communities of St Fagans, Ely, Fairwater, Leckwith and the Bay.

Other open spaces not too far away include:

Grangemoor Park A restored landfill site, important for wildlife and boasting fine views of the city.

Trelai Park. Trelai Park has a number of sports pitches, tennis courts, a bowling green, children’s play area, and direct access to Leckwith Woods in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Victoria Park Victoria Park has attained green flag status, and is extremely popular with a playground, paddling pool and 20 acres of landscaped grounds.

Vale of Glamorgan From St. Fagans it is possible to walk into the Vale of Glamorgan to link with the circular Millennium Heritage Walk. Details can be found at www.valeways.org/heritage.

What You Said

“The Ely Valley is one of my favourite places, its so easy to slip down to the river and feel like you’re in another world”

“There is a surprising abundance of wildlife along the Ely Trail and its great to point it out to the kids.”

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Information and Contacts

Further information about the Ely Trail can be obtained from Lou Lusardi.

Cycling Officer Room 301 County Hall Atlantic Wharf Cardiff CF10 4UW

Tel: 02920 873351 Email: cycling@cardiff.gov.uk