Penrhys Trail

Distance – 3.5miles / 5km (moderate)

Approximate time – 2 hours

Start – Rhyslyn or Gyfylchi car park

The highlights of this historical trail are the spectacular views of the Afan Valley and Pontrhydyfen, a village renowned for its many river crossings so vital in its industrial heyday in the 19th century.

From Rhyslyn car park this trail starts level on the forest road and is level along the hilltop, but there is a steep 180 metre (600 feet) climb up a stone track to the top and a steep descent back down.

For details of diversions and closures that could affect this walking trail visit the walking trail information section.

Trail Card

Rhyslyn Walk

Distance – 2.5miles / 4km (moderate)

Approximate time – 1.5 hours

Start – Rhyslyn car park

Follow the Afan riverside along the former canal and return along a disused mineral railway track.

This is a flat route almost all the way, along woodland paths and on forest roads. Watch out for cyclists when returning on the forest road/cycleway.

Steep descent back down.

 For details of diversions and closures that could affect this walking trail visit the walking trail information section.

Trail Card

River and Railway Walk

Distance – 3miles / 4.8km (moderate)

Approximate time – 1.5 hours

Start – Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre

Walk along the banks of the river Afan and stride out on the former route of Brunel’s South Wales Mineral Railway Line with its tunnel.

This walk is mostly easy with a short steep 60 metre (200 feet) climb onto the forest road at its furthest end.

For details of diversions and closures that could affect this walking trail visit the walking trail information section.

Trail Card

Gyfylchi Ridgetop Trail

Distance – 5.5miles / 10km (strenuous)

Approximate time – 3.5 hours

Start – Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre or Gyfylchi car park

Beautiful wooded walks and breathtaking views make the 250 metre (over 800 feet) climb worth the effort.

Follow forest roads, stony tracks and paths. This walk is quite steep in places so we recommend walking boots and waterproofs.

For details of diversions and closures that could affect this walking trail visit the walking trail information section.

Trail Card

Old Parish Road Walk

Distance – 1.25miles / 2km (easy)

Approximate time – 45 minutes

Start – Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre

The short, easy walk is a real gem, taking you through ancient woodlands and clearings along the old parish road to Neath.

Follow old tracks and forest roads on this gentle ramble.

For details of diversions and closures that could affect this walking trail visit the walking trail information section.

Trail Card

Ponds Walk

Distance – 1mile / 1km (easy)

Approximate time – 1 hour

Start - Glyncorrwg Ponds Visitor centre

This walk takes you on a casual stroll around Glyncorrwg Ponds.A short walk, around the ponds, along the banks of the river Corrwg, offers great opportunities to observe the flora and fauna that exists in abundance within the valley. Keep an eye out for birds, other wildlife, and a variety of trees, shrubs and plants.

For details of diversions and closures that could affect this walking trail visit the walking trail information section.

Trail Card

Glyncorrwg Ridgeway walk

Distance – 3.5 miles / 5km (moderate/strenuous)

Approximate time – 2 hours

Start – Glyncorrwg Ponds Visitor Centre

This walk starts with a steep climb through a larch forest and rewards you with excellent views over the Afan Valley

For details of diversions and closures that could affect this walking trail visit the walking trail information section.

Trail Card

Pencraig Isaf Walk

Distance – 7miles / 11.2km (moderate)

Approximate time – 5 hours

Start - Glyncorrwg Ponds Visitor Centre

The walk starts off with a steep climb through a larch forest before levelling off, uses public footpaths, bridleways and permissive footpaths, and returns along the route of Brunel’s mineral railway.

This walk offers panoramic views over the Afan Valley.

For details of diversions and closures that could affect this walking trail visit the walking trail information section.

Trail Card

Mynydd Blaen-nant-du Walk

Distance – 10miles / 16km (strenuous)

Approximate time – 6 hours

Start - Glyncorrwg Ponds Visitor Centre

A steady climb through larch woodland rewards you with fine views over the Corrwg and Neath Valleys and on a clear day the Gower Peninsular and the Brecon Beacons.

For details of diversions and closures that could affect this walking trail visit the walking trail information section.

Trail Card

Current Walking Trail Information

Download the PDF for up to date information on Walking trail closures and diversions in Afan Forest Park. 

The closures are beyond our control and are due to tree felling, as a result the outbreak of Phytophthora Ramourum.  For more information on Phytopthora Ramourum go to our homepage.

Richard Burton Birthplace Trail

Distance: 3 miles / 4.8 km - Moderate

Approximate Time: 2 hours

Start: Rhyslyn Car Park 

The Richard Burton Trail takes you on a journey through Richard's life visiting the villages of Pontrhydyfen and Oakwood, set within the natural beauty of Afan forest Park.

Along the trail you can see his birthplace, hear him quote a passage of ‘Under Milk Wood’ and much more. For exclusive interviews with Richard's family and friends, trail highlights and further information click here

Glyncorrwg Family Rambles

Ideal for families with young children, the ‘Glyncorrwg Family Ramblers’ pack contains 4 walking cards and can be collected from Glyncorrwg Ponds Visitor Centre.

The walks will take families around the three ponds on the ‘Animal Amble’ and hunt for a golden acorn in the ‘Golden Acorn Quest’. Families can learn about the local history of the area on the ‘Glyncorrwg Village Venture’ and for those with a bit more energy to burn, the ‘Snap Shoot & Stroll’ walk should capture their imagination.

The packs have been produced by Ramblers Cymru in conjunction with Glyncorrwg Ponds Co-operative, the Neath Port Talbot Country Borough Council Tourism Team and Valleys Regional Park to develop and pilot family friendly walking routes at Glyncorrwg.

Pick your free ‘Glyncorrwg Family Rambles’ pack from Glyncorrwg Ponds Visitor Centre or download a copy from www.ramblers.org.uk.