AFAN FOREST PARK

The Afan Valley boasts the nationally renowned Afan Forest Park, one of the most popular centres for mountain biking in Britain, with a wealth of cycle and mountain bike trails, varying in difficulty from easy level rides along former mineral railway lines to the steepest and most challenging of mountain bike routes. There is also a huge choice of superb way marked walking routes, including linear routes which can be shortened by using the regular 23 or 159 bus services which run parallel to the main riverside walk and cycle ways.

There is an excellent visitor centre, with exhibitions, a cafeteria, shop, toilets and picnic areas and from where mountain bikes can be hired for the day.

The Afan Forest Park is also somewhere to relax and to discover nature; mature woodlands rich in birdlife, small mammals, insects and wildflowers. But there's also the area's remarkable industrial history. Close to the Visitor Centre is the South Wales Miners' Museum, created by former local miners themselves to give an insight into life in this once mighty Welsh industry. Exhibits include a large engine house, a pithead wheel and blacksmith shop, and displays tell the often tragic stories of children working in the mines in Victorian times.

There is a delightful Japanese Garden at Rhysllyn (close to the Pontrhydyfen Oakwood bus terminus).

Afan Forest Park is open daily with free entry. For details of bicycle hire and events, phone 01639 850564 or log on to www.afanforestpark.co.uk

Bus 23 from Port Talbot serves the Visitor Centre and 159 from Swansea and Neath provides a connection via Pontrhydyfen. It is also possible to alight from 23 and 159 at Pontrhydyfen and access the Park at its western end.

159 & 23 from Port Talbot and Swansea Daily.