Afan Forest Park & Glyncorrwg
The two lines that ran on each side of the valley between Cymer and Pontrydyfen provide a great circular route, with access points and car parking available at various points around the trail.
The railway sections that head from Cymer to Blaengwynfi and Glyncorrwg offer shorter linear route options, and can also be added to the main circular route for those feeling a little more energetic.
There is also a spur of the railway network that heads from Pontrydyfen towards Tonmawr. The old railway actually ends at the back of the Colliers Inn due to the old bridge over the road having been removed, from where the road must be taken to get to Tonmawr. Alternatively a closed road section that is still passable on foot or bike can be used to climb over the hill to Cimla and Neath passing T-Bones restaurant and the Cimla pony trekking centre.
Food and refreshments can be found at the Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre, the Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre or the old station at Cymer, now a pub and restaurant.
Finally, further improvements to the network as part of the Connect2 lottery funded project will provide a route right down the valley to Port Talbot, linking with the NCN that can be taken along Aberavon promenade towards Neath and Swansea, or East to Kenfig Hill and Bridgend.
Natural attractions:
- Afan Forest Park
- The Afan Valley
Visitor attractions:
- Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre and Mining Museum
- Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre
Route submitted by: Sustrans
Tags
Route map
Comments (1)
Key route details
- Region/Area:
Neath Port Talbot
- Distance:
10-mile loop starting from the Visitor Centre between Pontrhydyfen and Cymer with a 2.4 mile spur up to Glyncorrwg.
- Time needed:
2 hours
- Classification:
Moderate
- Traffic:
Traffic-free
- Surface:
Tarmac / Gravel
- NCN Route:
Just off National Route 4
- Start:
Afan Argoed Country Park Visitor Centre east of Port Talbot
- Finish:
This is a circular, cigar-shaped loop, starting and finishing at the Visitor Centre
- Cycle hire:
Afan Argoed Cycle Centre, Cynonville, Port Talbot. Tel: 01639 850564
- Access:
Train station at Port Talbot
- Maps and guides:
-
Leaflet available from the Afan Argoed Visitor Centre.
- Links with:
Nearest traffic-free trails are along Neath Canal, Swansea Canal and through Bridgend.
- Weather:
-
Sun
max: 19°C min: 15°C
-
Mon
max: 17°C min: 14°C
-
Tue
max: 18°C min: 11°C
-
Wed
max: 17°C min: 12°C
Choose another route
20/09/08, at 05:18 PM
The valley has the nickname of Little Switzerland and it certainly lives up to its name. It’s a lovely ride and hopefully with Sustrans being awarded the lotterry grant for its Connect2 scheme you will soon be able to access the route all the way from the railway station and the town. Afan Argoed and Glyngorwg are amongst the best mountain bike courses in the world. Yet there is plenty of gentle family cycling going up the valley as well. Just make sure if the weather’s a bit changeable to take the correct clothing with you.