This gentle route starts in the peaceful haven of Bryngarw House and Country Park boasting a children's play area and a summer programme full of activities. The house itself is now a hotel, conference and wedding venue. Following on from here is a section of the old railway line, presently under restoration and in the care of the local preservation society - a unique attraction on this route.
The beauty of this ride is it offers plenty of pit stops for refreshments from the go. A cafe is situated halfway along the route at Pontyrhylm but for those who want to go off the beaten track, there are plenty of paths leading off into the green hilly glades of the Garw Forest - a haven for bird watchers.
Reaching the former mining town of Pontycymmer - the setting for the 2001 movie Very Annie Mary - the route takes you onwards to the former mining town of Blaengarw, a flashpoint for the 1984 Miners' Strike. The Garw Valley once had six deep pits and numerous drift mines, and the 300 seat Workmen's Hall at Blaengarw - now a musical theatre - is a living reminder of the town's mining past. The main route ends at the reclaimed colliery site in the town.
There are links with the Ogmore Valley Trail and routes to Bridgend, Kenfig Hill and the Celtic Trail from this route.
Would you like more route inspiration? Sign up to our enewsletter.
Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.
However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.
Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.
Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.