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Afan Forest Park at Afan Forest Park (NRW)
Afan Forest Park at Afan Forest Park (NRW)Forest or Woodland, free entry
Details
The Afan Valley is rich in history. From early monastic estates, the landscape developed into a farming area and later a coal mining valley. The last mine closed in 1970 and the area was designated as a forest parkin 1972 because of its great walking potential.
The last mine closed in 1970 and the area was designated as a forest park in 1972 because of its great walking potential.
Nowadays waymarked trails criss-cross the valleys and hillsides through the forest, passing be abandoned mines, former tramways and disused railways.
You can explore Afan Forest Park by following forest tracks and roads on foot or by bicycle.
natural Resources Wales manages a number of waymarked walking trails which start from Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre and from the car park at Rhyslyn.
Afan Forest Park is the fastest-growing mountain bike area in Britain. Natural Resources Wales manages a range of mountain bike trails that are suitable for everyone from beginners to expert mountain riders.
There is a network of bridleways in Afan Forest Park, some of which you need a permit to access. Please contact us to find out more about horse riding in Afan Forest Park or to apply for a permit.
The visitor centre offers: café shop picnic areas information about the forest park camping pitches (tents only) The South Wales Miners Museum is located within the visitor centre (there is an entry charge to the museum). The Afan Valley Bike Shed is adjacent to the visitor centre and offers bike hire, a repair and servicing workshop and the sale of bikes and parts. Please note: Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or forest operations. Occasionally we may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff. Please always follow any instructions onsite and make sure you follow any temporary diversion signs in place.
Open all the time
Prices
Free entry
Neath Port Talbot Council manages the car park. There is a charge for parking and a season ticket is available.
The season ticket is valid at both visitor centres in Afan Forest Park
Visitor Centre
Rhyslyn Picnic Site & Car Park
Mountain Biking
Enquire now
website
email a friendAddress
Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre,
Cynonville,
Port Talbot,
SA13 3HG
Location
Directions
Plan route using Google mapsMap reference: SS 820950 Lat: 51.64190 Long: -3.70528
By Car
Directions: Situated on A4107. Follow road from M4, (J40) for 6 miles, passing the village of Cwmafan.
OS Grid Reference: SS820 950
By Train
Frequent Great Western links London Paddington, Reading, Swindon and Bristol Parkway (connections from north east England and Midlands) with Port Talbot. Arriva Trains Wales direct to Port Talbot from Cardiff, Newport, Hereford, Shrewsbury, Crewe and Manchester, with connections at Cardiff from south and west of England. For overseas visitors, there are good rail/air links from London Gatwick & Heathrow, Bristol and Cardiff International Airports.
Bus 23 from Port Talbot Bus Station (1/4 mile); Taxis available at Port Talbot station
By Bus
From Bridgend and Maesteg: First Cymru 32 & 36 to Cymmer; connections to Visitor Centre and Glyncorrwg
From Port Talbot: First Cymru 23 direct to Visitor Centre and Cymmer
From Neath & Swansea: First Cymru 159 to Pontrhydyfen; connections to Visitor Centre and Cymmer.
Main bus stops at Pontrhydyfen Oakwood, Visitor Centre, Cymmer and Glyncorrwg.
Parking: with charge
Accessible by Public Transport: 8 miles from Port Talbot station
Nearby
Local AccommodationFacilities
Baby changing facilities
Coach parties accepted
Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Disabled toilets
Education/study area
Facilities for groups
Facilities for educational visits
Gift shop
On-site catering
On-site light refreshments
Picnic site
Public toilets
Accepts groups
Facilities for conferencing
Children welcome
Disabled access
Dogs accepted
The visitor centre offers: café shop picnic areas information about the forest park camping pitches (tents only) The South Wales Miners Museum is located within the visitor centre (there is an entry charge to the museum). The Afan Valley Bike Shed is adjacent to the visitor centre and offers bike hire, a repair and servicing workshop and the sale of bikes and parts. Please note: Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or forest operations. Occasionally we may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff. Please always follow any instructions onsite and make sure you follow any temporary diversion signs in place.
