National Geographic editors pick the Taff trail and Cardiff, Wales as one of the best trips of the summer.

Walking or cycling the Taff Trail – Route 8 of the National Cycle Network from Cardiff Bay to Brecon – is one of the best global experiences of summer 2011 according to National Geographic.

The Taff Trail was handpicked by National Geographic Traveler editors as one of their 10 Best Trips of Summer 2011.

The Taff Trail is 55 miles of route, which is mostly traffic-free and runs from Cardiff, through the South Wales Valleys and into the dramatic Brecon Beacons.

Along with other highlights from Wales’ capital, it ranks alongside some of the best experiences from across the world, including kayaking in Alaskaand snorkelling with dolphins in Honduras.

Lee Waters, Sustrans Cymru Director, said; ‘Here we have real recognition that our walking and cycling routes in Wales can offer something exceptional and rank among some of the best experiences in the World.  It highlights the need for a network of high-quality routes that will benefit local people, who use them day-to-day, and attract visitors from all over the globe.’

Sustrans is currently working with partners on a major revitalisation for walking and cycling in the Valleys, which includes creating 100 miles of new routes that will bring the National Cycle Network to within two miles of a further 636,000 people.