Walks from Port Talbot by bus
The four principal valleys in the area have a superb range of walks of varying grades. All shown here are easily reached by bus from Port Talbot. Where the walks come back to the same point, then the same bus services are to be used both ways; where there is a linear walk, both outward and return bus services are shown.
The linear walks are also equally accessible for those coming by car; either park at the end point and take a bus to the start of the walk and walk back to your car or vice-versa. The great advantage is to obviate the need for cars to be positioned at each end saving time and trouble!
For bus timetable information see Neath Port Talbot timetable (pdf).
Walks
Waterfall, Walks and Hidden Wonders leaflet (pdf)
Waterfalls, Walks and Hidden Wonders leaflet (Welsh version) 
Short walks
Melincourt Waterfall Walk:
a short walk (moderate grade) of 0.4mi/0.6km through a steep-sided
valley with dense woodland takes you to the spectacular Melincourt
Waterfall. Catch First Cymru X4 to Neath to connect with X5 from Neath, alighting at Melincourt.
Neath Canal Walk: Resolven to Maesgwyn: an easy and attractive walk of 2mi/3km each way through open countryside in the wide central part of the Vale. Catch First Cymru X4 to Neath to connect with X5 from Neath, alighting at Resolven John St.
Rhyslyn Walk:
a circular walk of 3.5mi/5km through the forested slopes above the Afan Valley returning partly along a former mineral railway trail; moderate grade; alternative option is to continue to Cymmer following the former R&SB railway trail which is a level, easy walk; 4.5mi/7km. Bus 23 from Port Talbot Bus Station, alighting at Pontrhydyfen Oakwood; return to Port Talbot on Bus 23 from Afan Forest Park Centre or Cymmer Interchange. No service from Port Talbot Sundays & BHM. Parking is available at Rhyslyn, close to bus stop at Oakwood; take Buses 23 or 159 to Afan Forest Park Centre or Cymmer Interchange and do the walk in reverse. Bus 23 operates on Weekdays only.
Richard Burton Trail: yet to be formally named, this is part of a longer trail that commemorates the internationally famous actor who was born in Pontrhydyfen. An easy, surfaced walk, 1.5mi/2.5km, gently downhill to the town of Cwmafan. Bus 23 from Port Talbot Bus Station alighting at Pontrhydyfen Oakwood; return to Port Talbot on Bus 23 from Cwmafan; no service from Port Talbot Sundays & BHM. Parking is available at Cwmafan Community Centre; return on Bus 23 to Cwmafan; no service Sundays & BHM.
Afan Woodland Walk:
one of a number of circular walks from the Afan Forest Visitor Centre taking you through deep mixed woodland (1.5mi/2.5km) moderate grade. Bus 23 from Port Talbot Bus Station, alighting at Afan Forest Park Centre; return from same stop on Bus 23; no service Sundays & BHM.
Railway Trail Blaengwynfi to Cymmer: a level, easy walk (2mi/3km) following the former R&SB railway line between the two villages. Bus 23 from Port Talbot Bus Station, alighting at Blaengwynfi Terminus; return to Port Talbot on Bus 23 from Cymmer Interchange; no service Sundays & BHM.
Glyncorrwg Ridgeway Walk:
one of a number of circular walks from the Glyncorrwg Ponds Visitor Centre taking in the steep mountainside, partly forested, above Glyncorrwg; 3.5mi/5km moderate/strenuous grade. Bus 23 from Port Talbot Bus Station alighting at Glyncorrwg Bridge St; return to Port Talbot from same stop on Buses 32 or 36; no service Sundays & BHM.
Kanji Woodland Garden Walk:
a unique woodland donated by a Japanese family who loved the area; 0.5mi/0.8km walk from Rhyslyn. Bus 23 from Port Talbot Bus Station, alighting at Pontrhydyfen Oakwood; return from same stop; no service Sundays & BHM.
Margam Park Walks: the 800 acres of Margam Park provides the perfect backdrop for a walk in the country and there are four self-guided way-marked trails, each colour coded, starting from outside the Visitor Centre. Ranging from 1.5mi/2.5km to 3.5mi/5.5km in length and from easy (Craig-y-Lodge Trail) through moderate (Pulpit Trail, Monastic Trail) to strenuous (Cwm Philip Trail). A walks booklet is available from the main entrance kiosk or the shop. Buses X1 from Port Talbot Bus & Train Stations alighting at Margam Park Main Gates; no service Sundays & BHM.
Goytre to Bryn Walk: a very pleasant, level walk (3.5mi/5.5km) through a deep wooded valley followed by a short stretch of open countryside with mountain views. Walk directions and transport details.
Longer Walks
All these walks, though generally on well waymarked paths and trails, are designed for experienced walkers. All need boots and warm outdoor clothing, and some map reading skills. Carry with you, rainwear, the recommended large scale maps, sufficient food and drink for the day and a compass. Listen to local weather forecasts and avoid going on the hills in low cloud, heavy rain, snow or misty conditions.
Tonmawr to Blaengwynfi: this walk provides a perfect introduction to the dramatic Afan Valley and demonstrates the amazing ‘re-naturing’ of former industrial areas into a magnificent countryside of mountain and forest; 7.5mi/12km moderate/strenuous grade. This is a walk for seasoned ramblers, fully equipped for all weathers. Walk directions and transport details.
Bryn to Margam Park Walk: a 7.5mi/12km walk along the hillsides and forest above Maesteg and Port Talbot and a dramatic route into Margam Park. Taking in the southern section of the 36 miles long Coed Morgannwg Way to finish in one of the loveliest Country Parks in South Wales, where there should be time to explore some of its many attractions and enjoy refreshment before your return bus. This is a walk for seasoned ramblers, fully equipped for all weathers. Walk directions and transport details.
Melincourt to Glyncorrwg: this steep cross-mountain walk links the Neath and Corrwg valleys, starting near the magnificent Melincourt Falls then over the summit of Cefn Mawr with its hill top wind turbines, before descending through an area of magnificent forest into Glyncorrwg. This is a walk for seasoned ramblers, fully equipped for all weathers. Walking directions and transport details.