WALK 1: GOYTRE (PORT TALBOT) - BRYN

A very pleasant, level walk through a deep wooded valley followed by a short stretch of open countryside with mountain views Photo: J. Davies

Map: OS Explorer 165 or Landranger 170

Distance: 3½ miles; 5.5 kilometres.

Terrain: Easy – level walking on road or track throughout; allow two hours.

Start: Goytre bus terminus, Port Talbot; Grid Reference SS787897

Bus there: South Wales Transport (Neath) Service 66 from Swansea, Baglan and Port Talbot Bus & Train Stations (connections from Neath); frequency: every hour daytime, Mondays to Saturdays, Sundays or Bank Holidays no service.

Walk: The walk largely follows the track bed of the original Port Talbot Railway where you are suddenly ‘a million miles’ away from industrial Port Talbot. Alighting from the bus, take the minor road north westwards up Cwm Duffryn for ¾ mile (just over 1km) to a point where it abuts the old railway. From there follow the former track through to Bryn on a very gently rising grade until you reach the B4282 road near the Royal Oak pub.

Finish: Bryn Royal Oak; Grid Reference SS819920

Facilities: the Royal Oak at Bryn has drinks, snacks, bar meals and toilets

Bus back: First Cymru Service X3 from Bryn Royal Oak to Port Talbot Train & Bus Stations (connections by train to Neath; bus X1 to Swansea); frequency, every hour daytime.
Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays: no service

Tickets: You will need separate tickets for each leg of the bus journey as 66 and X3 are operated by different companies whose tickets are not inter- available; holders of Welsh concessionary bus passes can travel free!