Keith Jones spoke to us about The Taff from Source to the Sea. We learnt that the River Taff starts in the Brecon Beacons, 873 m above sea level, as two separate rivers: the Taf Fawr whose source is near Pen y Fan, and Taf Fechan whose source is located near Corn Du. The Taff officially begins at the confluence of the two rivers, just north of Merthyr Tydfil. It then
flows south for approximately 42 miles (67 km), through several towns, including Pontypridd and Taff's Well, before ending in Cardiff Bay, where it empties into the Severn Estuary.
flows south for approximately 42 miles (67 km), through several towns, including Pontypridd and Taff's Well, before ending in Cardiff Bay, where it empties into the Severn Estuary.
Its catchment area is huge and up to 40 rivers join it by the time it reaches Pontypridd. Because of the geology of the Brecon Beacons rain does not soak in. It all goes into the Taff via 40 rivers by the time it reaches Pontypridd. There are three main reservoirs: Cantref, Beacons and Llwyn-onn.
Historically the river ran black due to intensive industry with the exception of miners' fortnight when the pits were closed. Its transformation is an environmental success. Flooding occurs often in Pontypridd and Merthyr Tydfil with Storm Dennis in recent times causing devastation.
Historically the river has been vital for industry and water supply – with numerous reservoirs built along its course – today it supports migratory fish like salmon and trout. The river valley boasts impressive structures including railway viaducts, historic bridges (like the iconic Pontypridd Bridge), remnants of iron works, and a preserved section of the world’s first passenger railway.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel altered the course of the River Taff in Cardiff in the mid-1800s to make way for his Great Western Railway, and to create a more suitable site for Cardiff Station. The river was moved west, away from its original course near Cardiff Castle, and now flows next to locations like Cardiff Arms Park and the Principality Stadium . This also provided a flood-free area for the new station.
Though impacted by pollution incidents, the river has shown resilience, and continues to be an
important feature of the Welsh landscape. The Taff flows into Cardiff Bay, an artificial lake created by the construction of the Cardiff Bay Barrage in the 1990s, before flowing into the Severn Estuary.
important feature of the Welsh landscape. The Taff flows into Cardiff Bay, an artificial lake created by the construction of the Cardiff Bay Barrage in the 1990s, before flowing into the Severn Estuary.
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