Walking

Walking in Afan Forest Park

Walking is life’s natural form of relaxation. A stroll can solve a problem; a hike can help inspire an idea and a ramble will get your heart pumping. Afan Forest Park has 14 way marked circular walks and has therefore become a major walking destination. Our walks are diverse, varying from a one mile leisurely stroll to a ten mile (bring a packed lunch) hike. The starting points for our walks are Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre, Rhyslyn Car Park and Glyncorrwg Ponds Visitor Centre. Walking through our Valley offers the chance to reset your mind, tune back into nature and put a big smile on your face.

We have two walking packs available to ensure that you don’t get lost out on the trails. ‘Walks in Afan Forest Park’ and ‘Walks in the Corrwg Valley’ include information, directions and maps on all 14 walks. Our walking packs are easy to use and waterproof! So there’s no excuse to get out and get involved, if its raining dress properly, we don’t believe in bad weather just bad clothing.

Here's a summary of the walks Afan Forest Park has to offer.

Walking Trail Updates

Current Walking Trail Information

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

Afan Forest Park Walking Trails; Diversions and Closures
File type	Document	File size
pdf	Afan Forest Park Walking Trail Update - February 2018	219 KB

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


File type	Document	File size
pdf	afp_trailcard_penrhys.pdf	479 KB

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


File type	Document	File size
pdf	afp_trailcard_rhyslyn.pdf	375 KB

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


File type	Document	File size
pdf	afp_trailcard_river_railway.pdf	358 KB

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


File type	Document	File size
pdf	afp_trailcard_gyfylchi_ridgetop.pdf	489 KB

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


File type	Document	File size
pdf	afp_trailcard_old_parish_road.pdf	381 KB

Richard Burton Trail

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