in south and west Wales
WALKING AND CYCLING GUIDE
Go Traffic Free
SOUTH AND WEST WALES
National Cycle Network
“It’s great to be
on a bike.”
The sense of freedom, the
pleasure of moving under your
own steam, the feeling of arriving
somewhere and parking right
outside. It’s no wonder we
never forget.
The National Cycle Network
can bring you this feeling every
day. Whether cycling or walking
to work or school, going to the
shops or getting out into the
countryside, the Network is there
to take you where you want to
go.
There are 12,000 miles to explore
in the UK, 1,200 in Wales
alone.A third of the Network is
completely traffic-free, along
riversides and through parks, old
railway lines and canal towpaths,
and the rest on quiet lanes and
minor roads.
The Network is co-ordinated
by Sustrans, the UK’s leading
sustainable transport charity, in
partnership with local authorities.
Our vision is a world in which
people choose to travel in ways
that benefit their health and the
environment.
Sustrans is a doing charity
working with many partners to
bring about real change. Our
thousands of supporters have
enabled us to change this great
world of ours one mile at a time.
You can too.
Join the movement today at
www.sustrans.org.uk
1
What better way to explore
the spectacular scenery
of South and west Wales
than bike or foot?
Follow coastal paths, riverside trails and old railway lines
as the National Cycle Network takes you on a journey of
discovery through the wonderfully diverse south Wales.
Whether on bike or foot south Wales offers a fantastic network
of traffic-free paths that provide variety, fun and adventure for
you, your friends and family to enjoy. Soak up the majestic
landscapes of the south Wales Valleys; discover some of the
UK’s most stunning coastlines, and explore Wales’ capital city
at its best. The traffic-free walking and cycling paths across
South and west Wales offer all this and more.
This booklet will give you an insight into the very best of the
National Cycle Network in South and west Wales. Use it to
plan your traffic-free adventures around these beautiful parts
of Wales.
Whatever you decide, detailed maps with more information
on all these rides are available from the Sustrans shop:
www.sustransshop.co.uk and you can also find route
information and suggested routes from cyclists throughout
Wales at:
www.routes2ride.org.uk/wales
0845 113 00 65
Registered Charity
No. 326550 (England and Wales)
SCO39263 (Scotland)
2
82
Cardigan/Cilgerran
Cardigan to Welsh Wildlife Centre
Category
Distance (one way)
Gradient
Surface / terrain
Rail stations
Parking
Bike hire
Tourist information
Maps
Riverside path
1.5 miles
Easy
Tarmac / dust
N/A
Station Road, Cardigan or Welsh
Welsh Wildlife Centre, Cilgerren
New Image Bicycles, Cardigan
01239 621275
Cardigan TIC 01239 613230
Lôn Las Cambria and Lôn Teifi
Starting south of the old bridge over the river in the pretty
coastal town of Cardigan, this short scenic ride travels along
the tidal estuary of the River Teifi to the village of Cilgerran.
Take in the history of the area as you travel along the top of a
causeway, which was built of furnace waste in 1885 to carry
the Whitland & Cardigan railway over the marshlands of the
Teifi estuary.
The trail ends in the historic villiage of Cilgerran, where there
are plenty of opportunities for refreshments. A visit to Cilgerran
Castle is highly recommended. One of the most picturesque
castles in Wales, this castle stands above a gorge of the
Teifi valley between Lechryd and Cardigan on the southern
Pembrokeshire side of the river, offering a perfect spot for a
picnic.
3
4
Brunel Trail - Pembroke
Neyland Marina to Johnston
Category
Distance (one way)
Gradient
Surface / terrain
Rail stations
Parking
Bike hire
Tourist information
Maps
Railway path
4 miles
Easy / gentle incline.
Tarmac / dust
Johnston; Pembroke Dock;
Haverfordwest
Neyland Marina
Mike’s Bikes, Haverfordwest,
01437 760068
Pembroke TIC 01437 776499
Celtic Trail West
The Brunel Trail is a lovely shared-use path linking Neyland,
once the western terminus of Brunel’s Great Western Railway,
with Johnston and Haverfordwest.
The trail begins at Neyland Marina and follows the picturesque
Cleddau estuary through Westfield Pill Nature Reserve before
continuing along the now disused Great Western Railway line
to Johnston. This railway line was built between 1852-1856
under the direction of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the most
famous of all Victorian engineers.
From Johnston, you can continue north to Haverfordwest
along a path which runs parallel to the railway.
4
4
The Dramway - Saundersfoot
Stepaside to Saundersfoot Harbour
Category
Distance
Gradient
Surface / terrain
Rail stations
Parking
Bike hire
Tourist information
Maps
Railway path
2.5 miles
Easy
Tarmac
Saundersfoot
Ironworks Heritage Centre, Stepaside
Cross In Stores, Broadmoor,
Saundersfoot. 01834 813266
Saundersfoot TIC 01834 813672
Celtic Trail West, Brunel Trail Leaflet
This short and spectacular ride into the heart of the popular
seaside resort of Saundersfoot takes you from a quiet wooded
valley, along a wonderful raised promenade up above the
crashing waves of Carmarthen Bay and through a series of
short tunnels carved into the cliffs.
Starting at the Ironworks Heritage Centre at Stepaside, the
trail winds through trees alongside the stream to the beach at
Wisemans Bridge. You may even be lucky enough to see an
otter or two on your way.
The last stretch to Saundersfoot travels through two tunnels
and along The Strand to the harbour in Saundersfoot Village,
the perfect spot for a cup of tea or ice cream.
5
4
Millennium Coastal Park
Llanelli
Category
Distance
Gradient
Surface / terrain
Rail stations
Parking
Bike hire
Tourist information
Maps
Coastal path
12 miles
Easy
Tarmac / dust
Llanelli, Burry Port
Discovery Centre in Llanelli,
Millennium Coastal Park Visitor
Centre 01554 777744
Llanelli TIC 01554 772020
Celtic Trail West and Celtic Trail East
See the stunning Millennium Coastal Park at its best by taking
advantage of this spectacular 12 mile traffic-free path that
hugs the coastline along the park’s entire length.
Previously an area of industrial wasteland, the park has been
transformed into a tranquil green corridor offering superb
views of the Gower Peninsula and a variety of attractions.
Starting at the Discovery Centre in Llanelli, this section passes
Sandy Water Park, Ashpit Ponds and the new marina at Burry
Port before reaching Pembrey Forest, where there are many
other tracks to follow around the country park.
To extend your journey, follow the trail east from Llanelli to the
Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre and to Loughor Bridge.
6
47
Swiss Valley - Llanelli
Millennium Coastal Park to Tumble
Category
Distance
Gradient
Surface / terrain
Rail stations
Bike hire
Tourist information
Maps
Railway line
11 miles
Moderate, gradual incline
Tarmac / dust
Llanelli
Millennium Coastal Park Visitor
Centre 01554 777744
Llanelli TIC 01554 772020
Celtic Trail West
The Swiss Valley Cycle Route follows a disused railway line
that climbs gently from the Millennium Coastal Park into the
rolling hills above Llanelli, passing Sandy Water Park, Llanelli
Rugby Ground and the Felinfoel Brewery. Further on, you
reach the peaceful Lliedi reservoirs where you can enjoy
superb views of the Gwendraeth Valley.
From Tumble, the route continues past the Mynydd Mawr
Woodland Park to Cross Hands where there is the option of a
link to the National Botanic Garden of Wales at Middleton Hall.
Traffic-free and well-surfaced throughout, this route is ideal for
families and inexperienced cyclists alike.
7
4
Swansea Bike Path
Swansea Marina to Mumbles
Category
Distance
Gradient
Surface / terrain
Rail stations
Parking
Bike hire
Tourist information
Maps
Coastal
6 miles
Easy
Tarmac
Swansea
Mumbles
Action Bikes 01792 464640
Swansea TIC 01792 468321
Mumbles TIC 01792 361302
Celtic Trail West and Celtic Trail East
Running along the line of the old Mumble tramway, the
Swansea Bike Path is one of the oldest traffic free paths
in Wales, just metres from the beach for the whole stretch
between the Observatory and Mumbles, in a large horseshoe
shape.
And if the lovely coastal ride wasn’t enough, there is plenty
to see and do enroute. You can stop off for an ice-cream at
one of the many cafes, visit Swansea’s National Waterfront
Museum, or wander along Mumbles Pier taking in the fantastic
views over Swansea Bay.
If you are feeling particularly energetic, you can follow NCN
4 from Swansea seafront, along the Clyne Valley cycle path
and link into the Millennium Coast Park towards and beyond
Llanelli, with only a short stretch of road between Gowerton
and Loughor.
8
4
43
Swansea Valley
Clydach to Swansea Observatory
Category
Distance
Gradient
Surface / terrain
Rail stations
Parking
Bike hire
Tourist information
Maps
Railway path, riverside path
8.5 miles
Easy
Tarmac / dust
Llansamlet; Swansea
Marina / town centre
Action Bikes 01792 464640
Swansea TIC 01792 468321
Celtic Trail East
Explore Swansea Valley’s industrial past and regenerated
present as this trail takes you on a journey through the
industrial heart of the Swansea Valley.
Take in the Liberty Stadium as you pass it on the same
riverbank that just a mile or two before took you past old brick
warehouses left over from the early 20th century. Pass under
the huge railway viaducts dating back to the 1800s, and travel
across the pedestrian bridges built within the past decade.
The ride ends with a meander around the re-developed marina
area before emerging on the Swansea promenade outside the
space observatory.
Extend the ride to Mumbles, or to Pontardawe or Ystalyfera in
the opposite direction. Check out the Clydach to Ystalyfera,
Port Talbot to Kidwelly and Port Talbot to Neath routes for
other ways to extend your journey. Alternatively extend the
ride by going either west or east along the Celtic Trail.
9
4
Port Talbot/Swansea
Aberavon Promenade – Port Talbot
Category
Distance
Gradient
Surface / terrain
Rail stations
Parking
Bike hire
Tourist information
Maps
Seaside promenade, cycle path
1.5
Easy
Tarmac
Port Talbot
Aberavon promenade
Action Bikes 01792 464640
Llandarcy TIC 01792 813030
Celtic Trail East
Enjoy the sea air and take in the stunning views of Swansea
Bay, Mumbles and the Gower as you cycle alongside
Aberavon seafront, one of Wales’ longest Blue Flag beaches.
There are plenty of places to stop off for refreshments along
the way and the many grassed open spaces offer great
picnicking spots. Families can also take advantage of the
Aquasplash playground and children’s play areas located
along the promenade.
The Promenade, which forms part of the Celtic Trail National
Route 4, offers an opportunity to extend the ride to both to
Margam and Afan Forest Parks as well as the city of Swansea.
10
4
47
Port Talbot to Neath
Category
Distance
Gradient
Surface / terrain
Rail stations
Parking
Tourist information
Maps
Riverside walking and cycle path
9 miles
Easy
Tarmac
Port Talbot; Neath
Port Talbot town centre
Llandarcy TIC 01792 813030
Celtic Trail East
Linking two of south Wales traditional industrial towns, this
route provides an excellent afternoon ride, and thanks to the
main line rail stations located at each end, it can be easily
accessed from either direction.
From the centre of Port Talbot the route picks up the riverside
path out towards the coast and then follows the Aberavon
seafront. Moving inland the route heads towards the old
Britton Ferry Bridge, half of which you cross before dropping
down to the old Neath canal. The towpath takes you right into
the heart of Neath along a beautiful wildlife habitat created by
the disused but partially restored canal.
For a longer ride the route can be extended to Swansea or up
the Neath valley towards Glynneath, almost entirely on traffic
free paths.
11
4
Afan Forest Park Circular
Afan Forest Park – Port Talbot
Category
Distance
Gradient
Surface / terrain
Rail stations
Parking
Bike hire
Tourist information
Maps
Railway path
9 miles
Easy
Tarmac / dust
Port Talbot
Rhyslyn, Tymaen,
Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre
Skyline Cycles 01639 851100
Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre
Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre
01639 850564
Celtic Trail East
There’s no better way to explore the gorgeous windswept
hilltops and glistening green valleys of Afan Forest Park than
on bike or foot.
Take the circular route option between Cymer and
Pontrhydyfen and enjoy the beautiful mature woodland that
embraces the remains of abandoned mines in Afan Valley.
The railway sections that head from Cymer to Blaengwynfi and
Glyncorrwg offer shorter linear routes.
As part of Sustrans Connect2 project, a new bridge and
path now connects Afan Forest Park with the surrounding
communities, making it possible to ride almost completely
traffic free down to Aberavon via Cwmavon. Be sure to look
out for the Afan Valley ‘Portrait Bench’ where three local
heroes, Richard Burton, Rob Brydon and local man Dick
Wagstaff, have been immortalised in weathering steel.
12
884
Garw Valley
Bridgend
Category
Distance
Gradient
Surface / terrain
Rail stations
Parking
Bike hire
Tourist information
Maps
Railway path
5 miles
Easy
Tarmac / dust
Tondu, Bridgend
Bryngarw Country Park
Garw Valley Leisure Centre
01656 870 886
Bridgend TIC 01656 654906
Celtic Trail East
Starting at Bryngarw House and Country Park, this historic
ride takes you along the line of the old railway up to
Pontycymmer and Blaengarw. Uniquely to routes in this
area, a section of the old railway still exists, which provides a
wonderful feeling of the history of the valley.
Various footpaths and forest tracks linking from the trail can
be used to extend the route into the beautiful Garw Forest
and onto the hills, while the main route itself finishes at the
reclaimed colliery site at Blaengarw.
Link with the Ogmore Valley Trail and routes to Bridgend,
Kenfig Hill and beyond to extend the route.
13
44
Ogmore Valley Trail Bridgend
Aberkenfig to Nantymoel
Category
Distance
Gradient
Surface / terrain
Rail stations
Parking
Bike hire
Tourist information
Maps
Railway path
8 miles
Easy
Tarmac
Tondu, Bridgend
Brewery Field Rugby Ground
Ogmore Valley Life Centre
01656 815 161
Bridgend TIC 01656 654906
Celtic Trail East
On one of the many former south Wales Valley railway lines,
the Ogmore Valley trail offers a ride of reasonable distance
but without the hills. The gradual gradient from Brewery Field
Rugby Ground in Aberkenfig takes you along the valley floor.
Away from traffic, and in woodland for most of the route, this
ride offers an excellent opportunity to get away from it all.
For a longer ride, start at Bridgend Rugby Gound and follow
the mainly traffic-free route 885 to the Celtic Trail. The Ogmore
Valley trail can also be linked with the traffic free routes of the
Garw Valley Trail and a section of National Cycle Route 4 to
Kenfig Hill.
14
Church Village
Community Route
Llantrisant to Tonteg
Category
Distance
Gradient
Surface / terrain
Rail stations
Parking
Tourist information
Greenway
4 miles
Easy
Tarmac
Pontyclun, Treforest
Cross Inn
Pontypridd TIC
The recently opened Church Village Community Route is one
of the first traffic-free trails to be completed as part of the
‘Valleys Cycle Network’, an extension of 100 miles of new
National Cycle Network across the old south Wales coalfield.
From the Cross Inn in Llantrisant, this scenic trail runs north of
the Church Village Bypass, to the edge of Tonteg, providing a
great opportunity for both visitors and commuters to enjoy the
rich valleys landscape and the rural environment.
Learn about the abundance of wildlife, including a rare species
of butterfly that can be found along the trail and don’t forget to
keep an eye out for the lovely artwork - a 6foot Victorian vent
displaying images of future modes of transport designed by
children from a local primary school.
15
8
Taff Trail – North of Merthyr
Cefn Coed to the Brecon
Mountain Railway
Category
Distance
Gradient
Surface / terrain
Rail stations
Parking
Tourist information
Maps
Railway path
5 miles
Easy, gradual incline
Tarmac
Merthyr Tydfil
Merthyr Tydfil College
Merthyr TIC 01685 379884
Brecon TIC 01874 622485
Celtic Trail East
This section of the Taff trail follows one of the many old railway
lines around Merthyr Tydfil and takes you into the heart of
the Brecon Beacons. The route begins at the former cottage
of Joseph Parry which is now a charming Museum, past the
iron works and over the spectacular Cefn Coed viaduct. It
then heads north at a gradual incline through a narrow valley
toward Pontsticill and the Brecon Mountain Railway.
The traffic free section does not reach the reservoir or railway,
and you will instead have to join a quiet back road to complete
the full ride.
Alternatively, it is possible to extend the ride, or do something
completely different, by heading south from the museum, past
Merthyr Tydfil and down the valley towards Abercynon. From
this section it is possible to link easily with the rail station in
the centre of Methyr Tydfil.
16
8
Taff Trail - Cardiff
Bute Park to Castell Coch
Category
Distance
Gradient
Surface / terrain
Rail stations
Bike hire
Tourist information
Maps
Railway path
6 miles
Easy, except steep climb to Castell
Coch
Tarmac / dust
Cardiff Central
Pedal Power, Cardiff. 02920 390713
The Old Library, The Hayes, Cardiff
02920 873573
Celtic Trail East
Starting from the pretty gardens of Bute Park, this ride takes
you through Cardiff alongside the River Taff to Tongwynlais
and the fairy tale Castle of Castell Coch.
The first couple of miles take you past Cardiff Castle, through
Sophia Gardens and beautiful parkland, and continues
through open playing fields and beautiful green woodland.
The final stretch to Castell Coch is on road and quite steep,
but it’s definitely worth the effort! For a longer ride follow the
Taff Trail northwards where you can join the Celtic Trail at
Nantgarw and head towards Caerphilly Castle, or continue
along the Taff Trail into the Valleys. Or southwards you could
extend your trip by visiting Cardiff Bay.