Hot Day, Cool Trail: Ponty Lido Evening Spin

PONTY LIDO A steady, confidence‑building ride along the Taff Trail perfect for all fitness levels. With the forecast showing 29°C at 18:00, this evening ride is designed to help us escape the heat and enjoy the cooler air that settles along the Taff Trail. Please bring plenty of water, as the first part of the route has some sunny stretches, especially until we pass through Tongwynlais. Once we’re on the shaded riverside sections, the trail feels noticeably fresher, the perfect place to cool off while riding.

Our ride begins at Hailey Park Car Park, CF14 2FU, and heads north to Lido Ponty, the National Lido of Wales. We follow the 19‑mile section of the Taff Trail between Cardiff and Pontypridd, then return the same way. This is a steady, social ride, great for new cyclists who want to build confidence. The route is mostly traffic‑free, with well‑paved surfaces along National Cycle Routes 4 and 8. Route is mostly paved, traffic‑free paths with short sections of busy road riding through Tongwynlais and Pontypridd. Some narrow shared footpaths. Cooling, shaded riverside stretches along the Taff Trail.

Refreshment Options We’ll discuss as a group whether to stop: in Pontypridd, near the Lido or on the return journey at the Lewis Arms pub

Please wear a helmet. Bring snacks, inner tube, lights and plenty of water. Please apply sun cream before heading out. With temperatures around 29°C at 18:00, early protection is important especially during the sunnier sections of the route before we reach the cooler, shaded parts of the Taff Trail.

We never leave anyone behind