Afan and Pelenna Valleys Circular

• Partial closure: Forestry operations are ongoing in Afan Forest Park, temporarily closing portions of the park. For more information, please visit https://naturalresources.wales/days-out/places-to-visit/south-west-wales/afan-forest-park-visitor-centre/.

This walk begins near the village of Pontrhydyfen - the birthplace of the actor Richard Burton. It shows you something of the Afan river and valley, then follows the route of chapel goers of the past, up the mountain to Gyfylchi where the ruins of the chapel are now next to a centre used by mountain bikers. The walk then goes along forest tracks and paths to stream-filled older woodland and through to the River Pelenna where reed beds remove impurities from water flowing from old mine workings. Near the village of Tonmawr, it brings you back up to Gyfylchi and along a deserted upland road with extensive views stretching across Neath and Swansea Bay. Then back down above Pontrhydyfen to Rhyslyn. This area is surprisingly remote and this walk gives a day out in the quiet and the wild.

There is a lot of uphill walking which is why the route has a 4 boot difficulty grading. You will also need to negotiate a number of kissing gates, steps and stiles along the way.