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Walking and Cycling
South East Wales and the Vale of Glamorgan offer a diverse and extensive opportunity to walk or cycle to your hearts content.
The Taff Trail is a 55 mile route for walkers and cyclists starting in the historic town of Brecon and ending in the prestigious, modern waterfront of Cardiff Bay, it has both level sections for all abilities and challenging ones for the more experienced.
A journey along the Trail is full of contrasts, passing through some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes in South Wales. For more information about the Taff Trail call the Information Hotline 0800 243731 or e-mail.
The Celtic Trail is a 220 mile safe, cycle friendly route running from West Wales to the Severn Bridge. The high level route from Neath to Pontypridd is suitable for advanced cyclists only whilst the Bridgend to Caerphilly section is an easier option.
The National Cycle Route encompasses dozens of local cycling routes. Options are to cycle high into the Heritage Hills with spectacular views or explore the Vale country lanes stumbling upon numerous, picturesque, unspoilt villages, historic houses and churches or discover the dramatic rugged cliffs and tiny secluded coves of the Heritage Coast rich in wildlife and natural beauty , sprinkled in flora and fauna.
The Heritage Coast Footpath is a 14 mile walk of breathtaking coastal scenery starting in Aberthaw and following the coastline continually to Porthcawl.
Walking in the Vale of Glamorgan Valeways is a registered charity in the Vale of Glamorgan working to facilitate and promote country walking, hiking and rambling in the area. In addition to the Valeways Millennium Heritage Trail there are many circular walks throughout the Vale countryside and along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Visit their website to search a vast selection of walks between 3 and 25 miles in length.
The Valeways Millennium Heritage Trail is a 63 Mile Walk through the diverse and often spectacular Vale of Glamorgan countryside steeped in history. The trail is split into 16 easy to follow routes. A booklet and accompanying maps are available (with points of interest in the text highlighted on the maps) for £8.49 including Postage and Packing from Valeways, Unit 7 BCEC, Skomer Road, Barry, CF62 9DA, Tel 01446 749000.
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park near Penarth offers a short scenic walk with a variety of habitats (some designated SSSI), suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, plus a 3 Mile nature trail for the more adventurous.
The neighbouring County of Ogwr has a variety of walks,
some coastal including the following Circular Walks:
• Llangynwyd Village and Mynydd Margam- 9.5 Miles
• River Ogmore and Merthyr Mawr 5.5 Miles
• Newtown Porthcawl 5.5. Miles
• Old Industries & New Parks (from Tondu Station) 5.5 Miles
• Bridgend Circular Walk 5.5 Miles
• Kenfig Castle and National Nature Reserve 5 Miles
• Ewenny 3.5 Miles
• Nant Brynglas 2.5 Miles
Other longer non circular walks are:
Ogwr Ridgeway Walk- encompassing mountainous terrain from Mynydd Y Gaer to Llangynwyd with panoramic views of the coastal plains - 15 Miles
Dare Valley Country Park to Bryngarw Country Park From Sky to Sea over the Bwlch 16 Miles
Bryngarw Country Park to the Glamorgan Heritage Coast -From Sky to Sea through the Vale 19 Miles
Visit www.bridgend.org.uk for details of these walks
Bicycles are available for hire from:
• Simons Cycles of Cowbridge Tel 01446 www.simonscycles.co.uk
• Taff Trail Cycle Hire Tel 029 2039 8362
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Bicycling Books supplying routes and maps. Tel 01432 340666 or e-mail
Many of accommodation providers welcome walkers and cyclists and offer storage, clothes drying facilities and packed lunches. For further information regarding maps, hiking routes, cycle hire etc. please contact June Jenkins on 01446 774451 who also offers walking holidays of the Valeways Millenium Heritage Trail to suit individual requirements (including transport to the start and from the finishing points of the walk daily). Please click here for further information.
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