Start
Whilst only some small areas are being actively logged at any one time, there is always the risk of meeting logging vehicles on these roads, so keep a ear out for lorries/other traffic. There is also a slight risk of joyriders at any time. I always ride bends/corners by taking a line that gives the best view through and around the bend, usually this is by following the OUTSIDE of the bend, not the inside, this has saved my skin on a few occasions.
Suitable for older children (10+) and adults, due to the gradients and distance involved. The route is all on Foresty Commission (FC) fire roads, well packed and wide, though a bit muddy in the wet.
This is an FC car park off a minor road. The easiest way to get there is to go to Llangynwyd village first. Head up the A4063 from Aberkenfig, heading north toward Maesteg. At the crossroads in Llangynwyd itself, just past the Post Office/Newsagent and Chinese takeaway (on the right), there is a crossroads, turn left uphill. This narrow road takes you to 'old Llan', follow it all the way to the village. The road forks at the perimeter of the high walled churchyard, take the left fork slightly downhill, passing the Old House pub on the left.
You will see a small crossroads/roundabout with a Celtic Cross. The Corner House pub is opposite right. Go straight on, past the side of the pub and follow this tarmac road for a few miles, passing open fields on both sides. Near the top of the hill you will see the edge of the forest, a little further on is a Left turn into the parking area. You have arrived at the start point... phew!
Start
Cross the road and follow the fire road uphill from the parking area, passing a green painted barrier, follow this road, with forest close on both sides. A slight downhill comes to a junction, follow the road to the right, gently uphill, with forest on the left and mixed deciduous trees/conifers on the right.
This will lead to a cattle grid and onto open farmland with sheep grazing. Follow the road uphill to the right. At the brow of the hill stop and look around at good views: SE to Bristol Channel and Somerset, NE are the tops of the Mountains surrounding Maesteg.
Turn Right
Follow the road downhill, bearing to the right, watch out for sheep poo.... lots of it! A sharp bend to the left and uphill to the next cattlegrid, straight on for a few minutes until the next crossroads, we need to turn right over another cattlegrid with clear fell both sides. Ignore the left turn downhill, keep bearing to the right.
Turn Right
Follow the road until you get to a large open area. You will see a road on your left dissapearing downhill, we will follow the road to the right and uphill.
Right Uphill
Shortly afterwards is another, smaller junction, with the road going straight on or right, we need to turn right uphill. This is the steepest part of the route but the gradient quickly eases. We ride up here with forest close on the right and clear fell on the left, if you ride quietly you are likely to spot deer around here.
Turn Right Uphill
At the top of the hill on the right, is a pond and a pile of rubble, I don't think the rubble is significant, but the pond is pretty. Stop here for a breather and enjoy fine views to the SE.
Near Pond
The road now gives you a freewheel downhill, enjoy the views but be carefull as you can pick up speed quite quickly. Follow the road down to a junction to the left.
Turn Left
There will be a small memorial stone at the right side of the road with views over Maesteg, Nantyfyllon,Caerau and Cymmer.You may even be able to see my old house from here!
Memorial Stone
So, we turn left, onto a straight and level road with clearcut on the left and forest on the right, following the road around to the next junction, we want the left turn uphill.
Left Uphill
Up and over the brow, stop, have a breather and look around. On the right/NW is Swansea, N looks onto the mountains of the Neath valley and beyond to the mountains around Merthyr. With good visibility I'm sure I can see some of the Beacons! On the left is Margam, views over the channel to Somerset and Devon.
Views
A gentle downhill with clearcut on both sides shows more of Margam Park on the left, at the cross roads we need to turn sharp left. This can be a good place to stop for food, though if it's windy it can feel cold and exposed.
Sharp Left
Views here take in some of Margam Park, the green fields on the shoulder of the mountain may have deer, a small pair of binoculars helps! I usually see some large birds of prey around here, they may be Buzzards (Buteo buteo), but I'm convinced that there is a pair of the much rarer Red Kite (Milvus milvus). If you look carefully you may make out the large standing stone at the 'pulpit' on the hillcrest above Margam Park.
We follow a straight road down a gentle slope, clearcut uphill on our left and also downhill on the right, we can see a large reservoir just beyond the M4 motorway, beyond that to the left is a smaller body of water, this is Kenfig Pool. Along the coast beyond that is Porthcawl. Over your right shoulder you should be able to see parts of Port Talbot Steelworks.
As the road begins a gentle climb uphill bearing to the left, the forest closes in on both sides for a short while. It then opens out on the right shortly before a downhill righthand bend. This is fairly steep so watch your speed, the downhill curves left and then immediately changes to uphill. There are good views on the right down the valley towards Margam.
Up and over the crest of the rise and you should be able to recognise where you are, the left hand uphill road is the steep section we did earlier, from here we retrace our tracks back to the car.
Straight On
Downhill to a large clearing, straight on into the forest, bear left, over the cattlegrid, bear left at the crossroads, downhill over the next grid, sharp right uphill, follow the road bearing left, downhill over last grid, gentle downhill to fork, left uphill, over rise and straight back into the parking area.
You've done a decent ride, hopefully seen some spectacular views, large birds and some deer. If you didn't, come back and try it again, it's worth it!
If you are particularly unlucky, you may come across these two characters.
Just smile and walk away quickly!
be very afraid!
© Andrew & Beverly Joseph. Sept. 2003