Afan Forest Mountain Bike Trails

The forest floor whips past your tyres at a proper pace here. Afan Forest, perched above Port Talbot in South Wales, is a mountain biker's playground - 60-odd kilometres of trails threading through dense woodland, ranging from gentle fireroad meanders to lung-busting descents that'll test your nerve. You'll find everything from cross-country loops to gravity-fed downhill runs, with names like The Wall and Wayfarer that should give you a sense of what you're in for.

Walkers and families shouldn't feel left out either. Plenty of the easier paths work brilliantly for a casual woodland stroll, though the bike trails can get busy on weekends, so timing matters. Spring and autumn are when the forest is at its best - firm trails, good visibility through the trees, and the crowds thin out midweek. Allow half a day minimum if you're actually riding; two hours for a gentle walk around the flatter sections.

The whole place is accessible from Port Talbot, though facilities are minimal once you're in the forest itself - bring water and pack a lunch. If you're based at Willow Springs Campsite just down the road, you've got the perfect setup for a day of riding without the faff of a long drive. The trails here genuinely reward a visit, whether you're chasing adrenaline or just after a decent forest hike away from the tourist trail.