Vale of Neath and Glamorgan

Vale of Neath
Glamorgan

Click here for details of the walks we do in this area.

Vale of Neath

The Vale of Neath is probably best known for it's waterfalls at Aberdulais and Melincourt. Over one hundred and and sixty milion litres of deep green water course over the rocks of Aberdulais falls every day, which were once used to power a variety of mills and factories over the years. Water power was first harnessed back in 1584 to use in a copper work that later developed into a corn mill, iron works and finally a tin-plating unit in the 19^th century. The area, mainly mountainous, provides a variety of forest walks for all levels.

Glamorgan

The majority of Glamorgan is predominantely farm land with a patch of mountainous dunes that stretch from the outskirts of Porthcawl, but boasts a 14 mile long (22 Km) geologically-important Heritage Coast which is largely ignored. This coastline exhibits some of the most attractive rugged features of an unspoilt British coastline - a must for those romantics who love to stroll in the fresh breezes dabbling your toes in the sea!

Our walks in the area

Glamorgan Heritage Coast - Grade A

We head down south a bit to the coast around Cardiff. Expect some spectacular cliffs and great views.

Photos from this walk are available here - For a map covering the walk area click here.

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Blaengarw Valley - Grade B

This new walk takes us round the head of the old coal mining Garw Valley at Blaengarw. We start near Pontycymer climbing up onto a rounded hillside with views of the surrounding area. This ridge is followed round the head of the valley allowing a clear view of the mining community. Can you spot the Foreman's cottage set apart from the workers' terraced housing? After the head of the valley we have a short steep climb to enjoy views all the way to Swansea Bay.
The second half of the walk is downhill all the way with a woodland walk through some coniferous trees along tracks and then through more woodland to arrive at the old railway station pub in Cymer for a well deserved pint. Estimated distance: just under 10 miles (16km), with 555m climbing and 495m descent

For a map covering the walk area click here.

Melin Court Falls - Grade B

A night walk where we got very lost two years ago!! It looked quite nice, so we're going to do it in the day soon to see if we were right!