Afan & The Vale of Neath
Picture lush, grassy countryside, a dramatic landscape punctuated by waterfalls – and some of the most adrenalin charged mountain biking in the World! (Don’t take our word for it – Afan Forest Park is one of the ‘World’s Top 10 places to ride’ according to ‘What Mountain Bike’.)
We call it ‘Waterfall Country’, and with good reason. The Neath Valley has some of Wales’ finest waterfalls hidden away in green gorges. Sgwd yr Eira (which means ‘the fall of snow’ in Welsh), is a waterfall you can walk behind without getting (too) wet! Bring your walking boots and your sense of adventure – you’d be forgiven for thinking you were on the set of ‘The Hobbit’!
You can find out how all this water-power was put to good use at the National Trust’s Aberdulais Tin Works and Waterfall, where you can see Europe’s largest generating waterwheel in action. One just like it has been going strong in Aberdulais since 1584!
For a mega mountain biking experience head to Afan Forest Park – these purpose-built trails are an off-road heaven for both newbies and experts. For a gentle woodland ride try the Rookie Trail or push yourself on rugged tracks like the epic Blade Trail.
Time for something calmer? Margam Park has acres of parkland to relax in, including ornamental gardens, a deer park and even a narrow-gauge railway. Okay, thrill seekers, you’re never far away from your next adrenalin fix – Margam Park’s Go Ape takes you into the treetops for a healthy dose of high wire adventure!
After catching your breath, head down to the Aberavon Seafront and jump on a surfboard to complete your activity adventure. If you prefer to watch others take the plunge, Aberavon is also great for a stroll along the Prom, flying a kite or just chilling (sorry!) with an ice-cream.
Things to do & places to stay:
