The River Ely is a small river in south Wales. Due to the poor access to the river along the majority of its length, it is not a very well known river. The river is about 24 miles long and enters the western edge of Cardiff county from the rural lowlands immediately south of the M4 motorway. It passes the Museum of Welsh Life at St. Fagans and then continues through residential suburbs such as Pentrebane and Caerau and Ely before flowing into Cardiff Bay. Despite it being close to these densely populated settlements, major roads like the M4 motorway, and the busy South Wales Main Line, it still retains a rural feel.
Angling
The River Ely contains brown trout, rainbow trout, roach, and rudd. Membership cards for Llantrisant and Pontyclun Anglers, who own the river, can be obtained from Tackle and Towbars in Talbot Green or Fishing World in Tonyrefail. The most targeted fish are the trout. Fishing rules include NO SPINNING OR MAGGOTS, fishing ONLY with worms or fly. Anglers under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Fishing one hour after sunset to one hour after dawn. Persons must show their membership card when asked by a fishing bailiff or fellow person, and persons disobeying are liable to prosecution.
Ely Valley Trail
The Countryside Council for Wales has made studies into developing a footpath/cycleway beside the river with the proposed name of "Ely Valley Trail". The intended benefits are to allow people from urban Cardiff easier access to the countryside, and for people in rural areas to have another commuting option into the city centre.
Parts of this trail are now open. On 17th June 2007 I cycled north, along the river, from under the bridge at OS ref:- ST176729 to ST155758. It's a really pleasant cycle ride.
