Afon Ely

Nearby Rivers: Cardiff Area - Taff, Rhymney and Ebbw

A gentle, relaxing touring river which lazes by the Welsh Folk Museum.

Dyffryn to Cardiff

30 km grade II

Start the run at the small bridge that crosses the river on the edge of Llantrisant Forest GR023852. From here, the river bubbles along under bridges, over small weir steps and around trees towards the M4, under which it passes. From here, it meanders in large, slow loops with deep, crusty banks towards Peterston-super-Ely. An excellent place, this, to see wildlife.

After Peterston, the river straightens out and some steering is required, especially in high water, to avoid overhanging trees. A small measuring weir near the Welsh Folk Museum and a couple of broken weir steps are the only other disturbances before Cardiff. Egress may be made at the small bridge in St Fagans GR119770, or at the next major road bridge at Ely, Cardiff GR146768 (a weir after this is difficult to portage should you fancy a trip to the sea - I haven’t done this). In point of fact, it is far more pleasant to finish this trip at St Fagans where the egress, parking and open mouths are far more benign.