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: 4½ miles; 7 kilometres.

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

Start: Tanygroes Street, Taibach, Port Talbot; Grid Reference SS775896

Bus there: Mondays to Saturdays: First Cymru X3 or South Wales Transport service 66 from Swansea Bus Station and Port Talbot Bus & Train Stations (bus or train connection from Neath; frequency, every hour daytime. Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays: 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 road named Wildbrook bearing right in the estate until you get to the start of the Goytre-Bryn Cycle Way (sign posted). This takes you into Cwm Duffryn where you follow the trail 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 or bus to Neath; bus X1 to Swansea); frequency, every hour daytime.
Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays: no service

Bus times

Tickets

From Swansea: First Day Swansea Bay; prices as of spring 2011, £4.40 adult, £2.80 child
From Neath: First Day Neath Port Talbot; prices as of spring 2011; £4.00 adult, £2.80 child

If you are using the SWT 66 on outward journey, separate tickets will be needed.