WALK 2: MARGAM PARK CIRCULAR              

There is a choice of delightful circular walks in Margam Park radiating from the Visitor Centre, and whilst these vary in length, most of them involve some steep slopes where you are rewarded with fine views over Swansea Bay. Photo: Neath Port Talbot CBC

Map: OS Explorer 165 or Landranger 170

Distance: Approximately 2 miles; 3 kilometres.

Terrain: Easy to moderate on footpaths, but with some steep sections; allow 1½ hours.

Start: Margam Park A48 Main Road Entrance; Grid Reference SS800857

Bus there: First Cymru Service X1 from Swansea, Port Talbot Bus & Train stations (connections from Neath), also from Bridgend and Pyle; frequency: every hour daytime, Mondays to Saturdays, no service Sundays or Bank Holidays.

Walk: The bus stop is at the main gates and you take the access road (400 metres or a quarter of a mile) to reception; for people arriving without a car, entrance is free. From here, take the roadway up to the Visitor Centre at Margam Castle, from where there are a series of short, circular walks, all well way-marked which will bring you back to the Visitor Centre. Then retrace your steps to the main gates

Finish: Margam Park A48 Main Road Entrance; Grid Reference SS800857

Facilities: The Visitor Centre has a gift shop, refreshments and toilets

Bus back: First Cymru Service X1 to Port Talbot Train & Bus Stations (connections to Neath), and Swansea; also to Pyle and Bridgend; frequency: every hour daytime, Mondays to Saturdays, no service Sundays or Bank Holidays.

Tickets: First Day Swansea Bay tickets from Swansea; First Day Neath Port Talbot from Neath; First Day Bridgend & County from Bridgend. From Port Talbot and Pyle normal day return tickets are cheaper; holders of Welsh concessionary bus passes can travel free!