The route starts at Maesteg Train Station, where you can take a short detour into the historic town centre, developed in the 19th century in the coal and iron hey-days. Explore the town’s spectacular town hall, its quirky antique shops and market boasting some fantastic stalls, art and cafes. For a real slice of local history visit Maesteg Ironworks just beyond the town centre.
From Maesteg Train Station, follow a short on-road section before taking a left at the bridge towards Maesteg Comprehensive School where you’ll pick up the traffic-free trail. Just beyond the school’s playing fields, you will find a land artwork, which has been designed to attract new biodiversity into the area.
Developed over a hectare of reclaimed land on the site of the former Maesteg Washery, the Llynfi Valley artwork boasts a wetlands area with a walkway; an impressive stone artwork feature; an array of flowers, plants and shrubs, and birch trees which have been attached to charred oak posts representing the rich industrial heritage of the area.
Here, you will also discover an impressive hand-carved oak bench artwork and the first of a series of 10 stone waymarkers, both inscribed with extracts of poetry written by children from Maesteg Comprehensive School about the beautiful Valleys landscapes.
Continue towards Caerau taking in the stunning views, and six more stone waymarkers which have been subtly dotted along the trail. You can also stop off at the BMX centre – one of the few national-standard BMX tracks in the UK.
The route connects with the Afan Valley Route at Croes Erw, where you can travel to the Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre over a few short hills, and on to Port Talbot.
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.