WALK 12: PONTRYHYDYFEN-CWMAFAN "RICHARD BURTON TRAIL"

Named after the world famous actor who was born in Pontrhydyfen, this trail, opened in 2011, is dedicated to his memory. It is largely surfaced, way marked and gently graded; and follows old railway tracks.

Map: OS Explorer 165 or Landranger 170

Distance: Approximately 3 miles; 4.8 kilometres

Terrain: Moderate walking with some steps and rough surfaces; allow 1½ to 2 hours.

Start: Oakwood Bus Interchange*, Pontrhydyfen [further information on Oakwood Interchange bus stops (pdf., 500kb)]; Grid Reference: SS796940

Bus there: Mondays to Saturdays: First Cymru Service 23 from Port Talbot (X3 from Swansea) and Cwmafan; every hour daytime. Service 159 from Neath; every hour daytime.
Sundays: First Cymru Service 159 from Neath (158 connection from Swansea); most hours daytime

Walk: From the bus interchange, walk back down the hill towards Pontrhydyfen, cross the River and turn immediately right following a track until you get to the Rhyslyn Picnic Site. From here, retrace steps to the right and cross the valley on a former aqueduct, turning right and following the lower trail towards Efail Fach. When you reach the parallel trail, double back over the red brick viaduct, after which it is a gently downhill slope to Cwmafan, ending at the Community Centre.

Finish: Cwmafan Community Centre; Grid Reference SS784923

Facilities: There are a number of pubs in Cwmafan serving bar food and drink.

Bus back: Mondays to Saturdays: First Cymru Service 23 to Oakwood and Port Talbot (X3 connection to Swansea); at Oakwood, change for Service 159 to Neath; every hour daytime
Sundays: Ridgeway’s Service 1 to Port Talbot Bus Station; every hour daytime (separate tickets needed). There is no service to Oakwood; alternatively walk back and take 159 to Neath and Swansea.

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.