National Cycle Network

Go Traffic Freein south and west Wales

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“It’s great to be on a bike.”The sense of freedom, the pleasure of moving under your own steam, the feeling of arriving somewhere and parking right outside. It’s no wonder we never forget.

The National Cycle Network can bring you this feeling every day. Whether cycling or walking to work or school, going to the shops or getting out into the countryside, the Network is there to take you where you want to go.

There are 12,000 miles to explore in the UK, 1,200 in Wales alone.A third of the Network is completely traffic-free, along riversides and through parks, old railway lines and canal towpaths,

and the rest on quiet lanes and minor roads.

The Network is co-ordinated by Sustrans, the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity, in partnership with local authorities. Our vision is a world in which people choose to travel in ways that benefit their health and the environment.

Sustrans is a doing charity working with many partners to bring about real change. Our thousands of supporters have enabled us to change this great world of ours one mile at a time. You can too.

Join the movement today at

www.sustrans.org.uk

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What better way to explore the spectacular scenery of South and west Wales than bike or foot?

Follow coastal paths, riverside trails and old railway lines as the National Cycle Network takes you on a journey of discovery through the wonderfully diverse south Wales.

Whether on bike or foot south Wales offers a fantastic network of traffic-free paths that provide variety, fun and adventure for you, your friends and family to enjoy. Soak up the majestic landscapes of the south Wales Valleys; discover some of the UK’s most stunning coastlines, and explore Wales’ capital city at its best. The traffic-free walking and cycling paths across South and west Wales offer all this and more.

This booklet will give you an insight into the very best of the National Cycle Network in South and west Wales. Use it to plan your traffic-free adventures around these beautiful parts of Wales.

Whatever you decide, detailed maps with more information on all these rides are available from the Sustrans shop: www.sustransshop.co.uk and you can also find route information and suggested routes from cyclists throughout Wales at:

www.routes2ride.org.uk/wales

0845 113 00 65Registered Charity No. 326550 (England and Wales) SCO39263 (Scotland)

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Cardigan/CilgerranCardigan to Welsh Wildlife Centre

Category Riverside pathDistance (one way) 1.5 milesGradient EasySurface / terrain Tarmac / dustRail stations N/AParking Station Road, Cardigan or Welsh

Welsh Wildlife Centre, CilgerrenBike hire New Image Bicycles, Cardigan

01239 621275Tourist information Cardigan TIC 01239 613230Maps Lôn Las Cambria and Lôn Teifi

Starting south of the old bridge over the river in the pretty coastal town of Cardigan, this short scenic ride travels along the tidal estuary of the River Teifi to the village of Cilgerran.

Take in the history of the area as you travel along the top of a causeway, which was built of furnace waste in 1885 to carry the Whitland & Cardigan railway over the marshlands of the Teifi estuary.

The trail ends in the historic villiage of Cilgerran, where there are plenty of opportunities for refreshments. A visit to Cilgerran Castle is highly recommended. One of the most picturesque castles in Wales, this castle stands above a gorge of the Teifi valley between Lechryd and Cardigan on the southern Pembrokeshire side of the river, offering a perfect spot for a picnic.

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Brunel Trail - Pembroke Neyland Marina to Johnston

Category Railway pathDistance (one way) 4 milesGradient Easy / gentle incline.Surface / terrain Tarmac / dust Rail stations Johnston; Pembroke Dock;

HaverfordwestParking Neyland MarinaBike hire Mike’s Bikes, Haverfordwest,

01437 760068Tourist information Pembroke TIC 01437 776499Maps Celtic Trail West

The Brunel Trail is a lovely shared-use path linking Neyland, once the western terminus of Brunel’s Great Western Railway, with Johnston and Haverfordwest.

The trail begins at Neyland Marina and follows the picturesque Cleddau estuary through Westfield Pill Nature Reserve before continuing along the now disused Great Western Railway line to Johnston. This railway line was built between 1852-1856 under the direction of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the most famous of all Victorian engineers.

From Johnston, you can continue north to Haverfordwest along a path which runs parallel to the railway.

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The Dramway - SaundersfootStepaside to Saundersfoot Harbour

Category Railway pathDistance 2.5 milesGradient EasySurface / terrain Tarmac Rail stations SaundersfootParking Ironworks Heritage Centre, StepasideBike hire Cross In Stores, Broadmoor,

Saundersfoot. 01834 813266Tourist information Saundersfoot TIC 01834 813672Maps Celtic Trail West, Brunel Trail Leaflet

This short and spectacular ride into the heart of the popular seaside resort of Saundersfoot takes you from a quiet wooded valley, along a wonderful raised promenade up above the crashing waves of Carmarthen Bay and through a series of short tunnels carved into the cliffs.

Starting at the Ironworks Heritage Centre at Stepaside, the trail winds through trees alongside the stream to the beach at Wisemans Bridge. You may even be lucky enough to see an otter or two on your way.

The last stretch to Saundersfoot travels through two tunnels and along The Strand to the harbour in Saundersfoot Village, the perfect spot for a cup of tea or ice cream.

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Millennium Coastal ParkLlanelli

Category Coastal pathDistance 12 milesGradient EasySurface / terrain Tarmac / dust Rail stations Llanelli, Burry PortParking Discovery Centre in Llanelli,Bike hire Millennium Coastal Park Visitor

Centre 01554 777744Tourist information Llanelli TIC 01554 772020Maps Celtic Trail West and Celtic Trail East

See the stunning Millennium Coastal Park at its best by taking advantage of this spectacular 12 mile traffic-free path that hugs the coastline along the park’s entire length.

Previously an area of industrial wasteland, the park has been transformed into a tranquil green corridor offering superb views of the Gower Peninsula and a variety of attractions. Starting at the Discovery Centre in Llanelli, this section passes Sandy Water Park, Ashpit Ponds and the new marina at Burry Port before reaching Pembrey Forest, where there are many other tracks to follow around the country park.

To extend your journey, follow the trail east from Llanelli to the Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre and to Loughor Bridge.

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Swiss Valley - LlanelliMillennium Coastal Park to Tumble

Category Railway lineDistance 11 milesGradient Moderate, gradual inclineSurface / terrain Tarmac / dustRail stations LlanelliBike hire Millennium Coastal Park Visitor

Centre 01554 777744Tourist information Llanelli TIC 01554 772020Maps Celtic Trail West

The Swiss Valley Cycle Route follows a disused railway line that climbs gently from the Millennium Coastal Park into the rolling hills above Llanelli, passing Sandy Water Park, Llanelli Rugby Ground and the Felinfoel Brewery. Further on, you reach the peaceful Lliedi reservoirs where you can enjoy superb views of the Gwendraeth Valley.

From Tumble, the route continues past the Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park to Cross Hands where there is the option of a link to the National Botanic Garden of Wales at Middleton Hall.

Traffic-free and well-surfaced throughout, this route is ideal for families and inexperienced cyclists alike.

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Swansea Bike PathSwansea Marina to Mumbles

Category Coastal Distance 6 milesGradient EasySurface / terrain TarmacRail stations SwanseaParking MumblesBike hire Action Bikes 01792 464640Tourist information Swansea TIC 01792 468321

Mumbles TIC 01792 361302Maps Celtic Trail West and Celtic Trail East

Running along the line of the old Mumble tramway, the Swansea Bike Path is one of the oldest traffic free paths in Wales, just metres from the beach for the whole stretch between the Observatory and Mumbles, in a large horseshoe shape.

And if the lovely coastal ride wasn’t enough, there is plenty to see and do enroute. You can stop off for an ice-cream at one of the many cafes, visit Swansea’s National Waterfront Museum, or wander along Mumbles Pier taking in the fantastic views over Swansea Bay.

If you are feeling particularly energetic, you can follow NCN 4 from Swansea seafront, along the Clyne Valley cycle path and link into the Millennium Coast Park towards and beyond Llanelli, with only a short stretch of road between Gowerton and Loughor.

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Swansea ValleyClydach to Swansea Observatory

Category Railway path, riverside pathDistance 8.5 milesGradient EasySurface / terrain Tarmac / dust Rail stations Llansamlet; SwanseaParking Marina / town centreBike hire Action Bikes 01792 464640Tourist information Swansea TIC 01792 468321Maps Celtic Trail East

Explore Swansea Valley’s industrial past and regenerated present as this trail takes you on a journey through the industrial heart of the Swansea Valley.

Take in the Liberty Stadium as you pass it on the same riverbank that just a mile or two before took you past old brick warehouses left over from the early 20th century. Pass under the huge railway viaducts dating back to the 1800s, and travel across the pedestrian bridges built within the past decade. The ride ends with a meander around the re-developed marina area before emerging on the Swansea promenade outside the space observatory.

Extend the ride to Mumbles, or to Pontardawe or Ystalyfera in the opposite direction. Check out the Clydach to Ystalyfera, Port Talbot to Kidwelly and Port Talbot to Neath routes for other ways to extend your journey. Alternatively extend the ride by going either west or east along the Celtic Trail.

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Port Talbot/SwanseaAberavon Promenade – Port Talbot

Category Seaside promenade, cycle pathDistance 1.5Gradient EasySurface / terrain TarmacRail stations Port TalbotParking Aberavon promenadeBike hire Action Bikes 01792 464640Tourist information Llandarcy TIC 01792 813030Maps Celtic Trail East

Enjoy the sea air and take in the stunning views of Swansea Bay, Mumbles and the Gower as you cycle alongside Aberavon seafront, one of Wales’ longest Blue Flag beaches.

There are plenty of places to stop off for refreshments along the way and the many grassed open spaces offer great picnicking spots. Families can also take advantage of the Aquasplash playground and children’s play areas located along the promenade.

The Promenade, which forms part of the Celtic Trail National Route 4, offers an opportunity to extend the ride to both to Margam and Afan Forest Parks as well as the city of Swansea.

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Port Talbot to NeathCategory Riverside walking and cycle pathDistance 9 milesGradient EasySurface / terrain TarmacRail stations Port Talbot; NeathParking Port Talbot town centreTourist information Llandarcy TIC 01792 813030Maps Celtic Trail East

Linking two of south Wales traditional industrial towns, this route provides an excellent afternoon ride, and thanks to the main line rail stations located at each end, it can be easily accessed from either direction.

From the centre of Port Talbot the route picks up the riverside path out towards the coast and then follows the Aberavon seafront. Moving inland the route heads towards the old Britton Ferry Bridge, half of which you cross before dropping down to the old Neath canal. The towpath takes you right into the heart of Neath along a beautiful wildlife habitat created by the disused but partially restored canal.

For a longer ride the route can be extended to Swansea or up the Neath valley towards Glynneath, almost entirely on traffic free paths.

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Afan Forest Park Circular Afan Forest Park – Port Talbot

Category Railway pathDistance 9 milesGradient EasySurface / terrain Tarmac / dustRail stations Port TalbotParking Rhyslyn, Tymaen,

Afan Forest Park Visitor CentreBike hire Skyline Cycles 01639 851100

Afan Forest Park Visitor CentreTourist information Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre

01639 850564Maps Celtic Trail East

There’s no better way to explore the gorgeous windswept hilltops and glistening green valleys of Afan Forest Park than on bike or foot.

Take the circular route option between Cymer and Pontrhydyfen and enjoy the beautiful mature woodland that embraces the remains of abandoned mines in Afan Valley. The railway sections that head from Cymer to Blaengwynfi and Glyncorrwg offer shorter linear routes.

As part of Sustrans Connect2 project, a new bridge and path now connects Afan Forest Park with the surrounding communities, making it possible to ride almost completely traffic free down to Aberavon via Cwmavon. Be sure to look out for the Afan Valley ‘Portrait Bench’ where three local heroes, Richard Burton, Rob Brydon and local man Dick Wagstaff, have been immortalised in weathering steel.

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Garw ValleyBridgend

Category Railway pathDistance 5 milesGradient EasySurface / terrain Tarmac / dustRail stations Tondu, BridgendParking Bryngarw Country ParkBike hire Garw Valley Leisure Centre

01656 870 886Tourist information Bridgend TIC 01656 654906Maps Celtic Trail East

Starting at Bryngarw House and Country Park, this historic ride takes you along the line of the old railway up to Pontycymmer and Blaengarw. Uniquely to routes in this area, a section of the old railway still exists, which provides a wonderful feeling of the history of the valley.

Various footpaths and forest tracks linking from the trail can be used to extend the route into the beautiful Garw Forest and onto the hills, while the main route itself finishes at the reclaimed colliery site at Blaengarw.

Link with the Ogmore Valley Trail and routes to Bridgend, Kenfig Hill and beyond to extend the route.

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Ogmore Valley Trail BridgendAberkenfig to Nantymoel

Category Railway pathDistance 8 milesGradient EasySurface / terrain TarmacRail stations Tondu, BridgendParking Brewery Field Rugby GroundBike hire Ogmore Valley Life Centre

01656 815 161Tourist information Bridgend TIC 01656 654906Maps Celtic Trail East

On one of the many former south Wales Valley railway lines, the Ogmore Valley trail offers a ride of reasonable distance but without the hills. The gradual gradient from Brewery Field Rugby Ground in Aberkenfig takes you along the valley floor.

Away from traffic, and in woodland for most of the route, this ride offers an excellent opportunity to get away from it all.

For a longer ride, start at Bridgend Rugby Gound and follow the mainly traffic-free route 885 to the Celtic Trail. The Ogmore Valley trail can also be linked with the traffic free routes of the Garw Valley Trail and a section of National Cycle Route 4 to Kenfig Hill.

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Church Village Community RouteLlantrisant to Tonteg

Category GreenwayDistance 4 milesGradient EasySurface / terrain TarmacRail stations Pontyclun, TreforestParking Cross InnTourist information Pontypridd TIC

The recently opened Church Village Community Route is one of the first traffic-free trails to be completed as part of the ‘Valleys Cycle Network’, an extension of 100 miles of new National Cycle Network across the old south Wales coalfield.

From the Cross Inn in Llantrisant, this scenic trail runs north of the Church Village Bypass, to the edge of Tonteg, providing a great opportunity for both visitors and commuters to enjoy the rich valleys landscape and the rural environment.

Learn about the abundance of wildlife, including a rare species of butterfly that can be found along the trail and don’t forget to keep an eye out for the lovely artwork - a 6foot Victorian vent displaying images of future modes of transport designed by children from a local primary school.

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Taff Trail – North of MerthyrCefn Coed to the Brecon Mountain Railway

Category Railway pathDistance 5 milesGradient Easy, gradual inclineSurface / terrain TarmacRail stations Merthyr TydfilParking Merthyr Tydfil CollegeTourist information Merthyr TIC 01685 379884

Brecon TIC 01874 622485Maps Celtic Trail East

This section of the Taff trail follows one of the many old railway lines around Merthyr Tydfil and takes you into the heart of the Brecon Beacons. The route begins at the former cottage of Joseph Parry which is now a charming Museum, past the iron works and over the spectacular Cefn Coed viaduct. It then heads north at a gradual incline through a narrow valley toward Pontsticill and the Brecon Mountain Railway.

The traffic free section does not reach the reservoir or railway, and you will instead have to join a quiet back road to complete the full ride.

Alternatively, it is possible to extend the ride, or do something completely different, by heading south from the museum, past Merthyr Tydfil and down the valley towards Abercynon. From this section it is possible to link easily with the rail station in the centre of Methyr Tydfil.

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Taff Trail - CardiffBute Park to Castell Coch

Category Railway pathDistance 6 milesGradient Easy, except steep climb to Castell

CochSurface / terrain Tarmac / dustRail stations Cardiff CentralBike hire Pedal Power, Cardiff. 02920 390713Tourist information The Old Library, The Hayes, Cardiff

02920 873573Maps Celtic Trail East

Starting from the pretty gardens of Bute Park, this ride takes you through Cardiff alongside the River Taff to Tongwynlais and the fairy tale Castle of Castell Coch.

The first couple of miles take you past Cardiff Castle, through Sophia Gardens and beautiful parkland, and continues through open playing fields and beautiful green woodland.

The final stretch to Castell Coch is on road and quite steep, but it’s definitely worth the effort! For a longer ride follow the Taff Trail northwards where you can join the Celtic Trail at Nantgarw and head towards Caerphilly Castle, or continue along the Taff Trail into the Valleys. Or southwards you could extend your trip by visiting Cardiff Bay.

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