Afan Argoed Forest Park & Glyncorrwg
Afan Argoed has become a real centre of cycling excellence in the past few years with trails built to suit all abilities, from easy traffic-free routes with gentle gradients along the course of old railway lines in the valley to tough mountain bike challenges on singletrack on the steep wooded valley sides.
The network is still growing but at present the best option is a cigar-shaped loop either side of the Afan valley between Pontrhydyfen and Cymer with a spur north to Glyncorrwg.
If you are feeling fit you could extend your ride by continuing to climb east on the railway path up to Blaengwynfi or drop down the valley southwest to Cwmafan or northwest to Efail Fach.
Afan Argoed is a good base for groups of different abilities and levels of fitness all to enjoy themselves on easier or harder trails and to meet up back at the Visitor Centre.
Natural attractions:
- The valley of Afon Afan and the surrounding woodland
Visitor attractions:
- Afan Argoed Visitor Centre
Route submitted by: Sustrans
Tags
Route map
View Larger 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:
-
Today
max: 13°C min: 10°C
-
Sat
max: 14°C min: 10°C
-
Sun
max: 14°C min: 12°C
-
Mon
max: 14°C min: 10°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.