Starting on a gently sloping hill leading out of the Bridgend suburb of Aberkenfig, this peaceful pathway takes you along the valley basin where the Lynfi and Ogmore Rivers meet.
Without a car in sight and relatively flat, this is a chance to get away from it all walking and cycling through woodland never too far off the beaten track. Rusted railway ramparts visible on the way are evidence of the area's great locomotive past when the Ogmore Valley Railway transported huge loads of coal between the seaside town of Porthcawl and Nant-y-Moel.
Past the town of Bryncethin, the route continues on the A4061 and on to Ogmore Vale via Cemetery Road. Ogmore Vale was nothing more than a small community of farmers until 1865 when the railway was built. The village's Gwalia Stores, built-in 1880, can still be visited in all its former glory at the St Fagan's National Museum in Cardiff after being transferred and rebuilt there brick by brick. The former mining town of Nant-y-Moel is finally reached on this route. Lynn the Leap - long jump Olympic gold medallist in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics - grew up here. Also to be discovered here is the former Nant-y-Moel Workingmen's Hall and Institute turned arts theatre.
For a longer ride, start at Bridgend Rugby Ground and follow the mainly traffic-free route 885 to the Celtic Trail. The Ogmore Valley trail can also be linked with the traffic-free routes of the Garw Valley Trail and a section of National Cycle Network, Route 4 to Kenfig Hill.
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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.