Weatherman Walking, 22 April 2024, BBC Wales, “Taff Trail Towards Cardiff”

In the second episode of Weatherman Walking’s 14th series, Derek Brockway embarks on a journey along the Taff Trail towards Cardiff, uncovering stunning scenery, historical gems, and fascinating local stories. Airing on BBC Wales on Monday, 22 April 2024, at 7:00 pm, this episode promises an engaging blend of nature, history, and community spirit.

Derek’s walk begins in the enchanting Fforest Fawr, a dense woodland near Tongwynlais. From there, he soon arrives at the majestic Castell Coch, where he delves into the legend of the ‘Lady in White’ ghost story and uncovers the mystery surrounding a secret tunnel allegedly connecting the castle to Cardiff Castle.

Continuing along the trail, Derek reaches the Radyr Weir, home to the Radyr Hydro Scheme. This innovative project harnesses the power of flowing river water to generate clean, renewable energy for hundreds of homes in the area. It serves as a testament to Wales’ commitment to sustainable practices.

Introducing the ‘Weatherman Walking’ Local Hero Award, Derek recognises the contributions of individuals who have gone above and beyond for their community. In this episode, he presents the award to Tony Allsopp, a dedicated volunteer with Grow Cardiff, a community outreach project based at the Pontcanna Allotments.

Joining Derek is Matt Bassett, who visits the Maindy Flyers cycling club in Cardiff. This volunteer-run club teaches children how to cycle, fostering a love for the sport and a sense of community. Additionally, Dr Erin Lloyd Jones explores the Oasis centre, a haven for refugees and asylum seekers, offering support and opportunities for integration into their new community.

Weatherman Walking airs on BBC Wales on Monday, 22 April 2024, at 7:00 pm.