South & West Wales - De a Gorllewin Cymru
Places of Interest - Days Out in Neath, Vale of Neath, Dulais Valley and Port Talbot.
Neath Castle
Situated on the edge of Neath Town Centre, Neath Castle was built around 1180 on the site of an earlier castle. The scene of many battles, it was most likely destroyed in both the 13th and 14th Centuries, and rebuilt each timeYou can see part of the twin-towered gatehouse on the west side, the oval, raised enclosure to the east of the gatehouse, part of the curtain wall, the stump of one of originally two projecting round towers, a flight of steps in front of the gatehouse and the fronts and arch of the14th Century gatehouse.
| Services: | All services to Neath, Victoria Gardens. |
Neath Abbey
The impressive and largely intact ruins of a cistercian monastery which has survived centuries of industrialisation including a former copper works built in the grounds. Open daily 1000 - 1600.
Website: www.baytrans.org.uk
| Services: | 156, 159 |
Gnoll Country Park
A beautiful and historic garden forms the centrepiece of this 200 acre Country park; there's a lake with a unique caskade and visitor centre with cafeteria, 18th Century ponds, adventure playground and pitch and putt golf course. Open daily 1000 onwards.
Website: www.baytrans.org.uk
| Services: | X75 |
Cilfrew, Craig Gwladus Walk
With spectacular views over the lower Vale of Neath, Craig Gwladus boasts a network of waymarked paths through splendid scenery.
Website: www.baytrans.org.uk
| Services: | X58, 154 |
Aberdulais Falls
A lovely National Trust property in a narrow, winding valley - waterfalls that inspired Turner, former tinplate works, quarry and flour mills in a scenic setting. Open daily (weekends in winter) tel: 01639 636674.
Website: www.baytrans.org.uk
| Services: | X58, 158 |
Cefn Coed Mining Museum, Crynant
Once one of the deepest anthracite mines in the world, now a museum dedicated to the miners who worked there for generations. Exhibits include a winding engine, simulated gallery, tools, equipment, nuseum shop. Open daily April to end of October 1030-1700.
Website: www.baytrans.org.uk
| Services: | X58, 158 |
Dulais Valley Quads
Dulais Valley Quads and Archery provides the adventure and thrill of navigating the latest 250cc Quad Bikes through 175 acres of hills and woodlands. Junior Quads 70cc automatic for the 8-15 year olds, on the junior track or with their parents on a trek with an instructor.
For details and prices, see www.dulaisvalley-quads.co.uk
| Services: | X58, 158 |
Sarn Helen Roman Road
Sarn Helen is one of the best preserved stretches of Roman road in Wales; this refers to the Banwen to Aberdulais section of the walk.
Website: www.baytrans.org.uk
| Services: | X58, 158 |
Clyne Canal Walk
Neath Canal offers a beautiful, green corridor and easy walkway along its towpath, rich in wildlife, accessible and close to the X5 bus route. Walk from Clyne to Aberdulais Basin with its remarkable aqueduct, lock, skew bridge and features of early canal history.
Website: www.baytrans.org.uk
| Services: | X58, 158 |
Melincourt Waterfalls
A magnificent 25m high waterfall, once painted by Turner, within a fascinating 12-acre nature reserve alongside a richly wooded gorge with oak, birch, wild cherry blebells, rare ferns, wagtails, wood warblers and flycatchers. 20 minutes walk from Melincourt village; strong footwear essential.
Website: www.baytrans.org.uk
| Services: | X5 |
Resolven Canal Walk
The upper reaches of the Neath Canal are some of the most interesting where you can enjoy a pleasant walk alongside the Rheola Estate and excellent views up and down the beautiful Vale of Neath.
Website: www.baytrans.org.uk
| Services: | X5, X75 |
Pontneddfechan Waterfall Walk
One of the area's most popular walking areas with gorges and waterfalls.
Website: www.baytrans.org.uk
| Services: | X5, X58, 158 |
Aberafan Seafront
Two miles of sands, a promenade and the sports and leisure facilities of Afan Lido have made Aberavon a popular destination for daytrippers over the years.
| Services: | X1, X3 to Port Talbot, changing to service 8. |
Coed Morgannwg Way
Bryn to Margam Park section.This is just a part of the 36 mile Coed Morgannwg walk.
Website: www.baytrans.org.uk
| Services: | X3 |
Margam Park, Abbey & Orangery
One of Wales's best loved country parks - over 100 acres of magnificent parkland, gardens and an 18th Century Orangery. There are walks, a children's play area, a narrow gauge railway and cafeteria. Open daily in summer 1000-1700.
Website: www.baytrans.org.uk
| Services: | X1, 224 |
Afan Forest Park
OAfan Forest Park is home to ten waymarked walks and is officially the venue of one of Britain's best mountain biking trails. LIsten for the drumming of woodpeckers as you walk through mature woodlands. The visitor centre also houses the South Wales Miners Museum.
Website: www.baytrans.org.uk
| Services: | 23, 159 |
Glyncorrwg Ponds
A series of beautifully landscaped ponds on the site of a former colliery (closed in 1970), now a haven for wildlife within the Forest Park - lakeside strolls, fishing, longer waymarked walks and trails, mountain bike routes (with cycle hire), visitor centre and cafe. Open daily.
Website: www.baytrans.org.uk
| Services: | 23, 159 |
Cymmer, local and medium distance walks
Walking in Afan Forest Park is a delight with easy, well marked trails and stunning forest and river views. Look out for the famous Kanji Wood en route and try and work out where all the railways went from Cymmer.
Website: www.baytrans.org.uk
| Services: | 23, 159 |
