The Taff is one of the iconic rivers of Wales. It flows south from the highest peaks of the remote Brecon Beacons, following an interesting and varied route to Cardiff Bay. This stunning photographic journey gives an insight into the river's many facets, contrasting rural backwaters with urban landscapes, industrial heritage with unspoilt nature, inland with maritime. This book explores the river's history and hidden secrets and documents how people both past and present have interacted with it, from Isambard Kingdom Brunel to fly fishers and adrenalin seekers. We travel along the river via the 89-kilometre Taff Trail, passing reservoirs, dramatic waterfalls, stunning mountain backdrops and numerous historic bridges. Wonder at the heritage of the former South Wales mining area and watch as the river enters the tree-cloaked Taff Gorge via a legend-rich thermal spring. The book illustrates beautifully how the river meanders through woods and meadows before approaching the bright lights of Cardiff, terminating at the visually stunning Cardiff Bay. Many of the region's famous landmarks are located alongside the river, and are thus explored in this book. They include Castell Coch, Garth Hill, Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff Castle and the Millennium Stadium.
About the Author: Alvin Nicholas is a qualified Mountain Leader with a passion for the British countryside, archaeology, folklore and writing. He obtained an MSc in Protected Landscape Management from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, and went on to work for English Heritage in London. He currently works in the fields of heritage and nature conservation and is a Visiting Lecturer in heritage studies at the University of South Wales.Ingrid Nicholas has been passionate about photography since she first picked up a Polaroid camera over twenty years ago. She has studied photography at London Metropolitan University and has previously worked for magazines such as Monmouthshire County Life. Ingrid has photographed numerous events and weddings, past Olympians, celebrities, artists, and rugby legends. Ingrid is the editor of Art Share Love Wales magazine (www.artsharelove.com) as of June 2013. The magazine is Wales's only dedicated guide to arts, crafts and art culture.