Water as a habitat and part of industrial history
Aberdulais Falls is a haven for wildlife and native plants. Visitors can spot Daubenton’s bats, dippers, grey wagtails and herons, among other species. Water also shapes the region’s industrial history: water in the Dulais Valley was a driving force behind industrial development. The Aberdulais Waterwheel is Europe’s largest electricity-generating overshot waterwheel. Wildlife watching and industrial history thus offer different perspectives on the theme of water.
Walking and mountain biking trails
At Afan Forest Park, the visitor centre is the main starting point for walking and mountain biking trails. The mountain biking routes range from easy trails for families and beginners to routes for experienced riders. There is also a skills park for less experienced riders. This means there are trails of varying difficulty, as well as a dedicated place to build riding skills.
The Gyfylchi Ridgetop Trail passes through woodland as it climbs to the ridge. Along the way, it passes the ruins of Nant-y-bar Farm and the 18th-century Gyfylchi Chapel. The route therefore combines a trail through woodland and over the ridge with specific historic landmarks. Walkers looking to discover both the landscape and the area’s architectural and settlement history will find both along this route.
Gnoll Country Park has walking and recreation trails, including a link to the Woodland Trust’s Brynau Farm wild area. The park also has an accessible two-storey visitor centre. Check the facilities you need for your visit before you travel.
Coastal path and cycling route
The Wales Coast Path runs through Neath Port Talbot in two sections. One seven-mile section of coastal path offers views across the Bristol Channel. These details give coastal walking its own place among the region’s routes: alongside woodland and ridge trails, there is also a route with views across the Channel.
For cyclists, Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 887 leads to Afan Forest Park. It offers a specific option for anyone planning to make the park a destination on their cycling trip. The route is not the same as the mountain biking trails in the park: it leads to the park, while the park itself has various mountain biking trails and a skills park.
Abbey ruins, a castle and parkland
The ruins of Neath Abbey are among the most significant monastic remains in South Wales. A small car park with space for approximately four cars is about 30 metres from the monument entrance. Check for available parking before you travel.
Margam Country Park has walking and cycling trails, as well as a historic castle and its parkland. This brings outdoor activity and a historic site together within the same park. Margam Stones Museum is associated with one of the earliest church schools in Wales and adds to the region’s historic attractions.
A region of varied highlights
Neath Port Talbot lies between Cardiff and Swansea. The region brings together the urban east and rural West Wales. Attractions include museums, cycling routes, sandy beaches and adventure activities. The destinations featured here appeal to different interests: from wildlife at the waterfall to woodland and coastal trails, as well as monastic ruins and historic parkland. You can plan your trip around whether nature, outdoor activities or history is your priority.
Discover more destinations: Port Talbot, Neath, Crynant, Pontardawe, Cymmer, Skewen, Rhos, Ystalyfera, Aberdulais, Glynneath, Seven Sisters.
Return to the main travel overview: Wales.
