Cynon Trail

The Cynon Trail cuts through some proper Welsh countryside between Neath and the valleys beyond, following an old railway line that's been reclaimed as a walking and cycling route. You get the sort of landscape that makes you understand why people move to Wales - steep hillsides thick with trees, the river running alongside for stretches, and enough quiet to actually hear yourself think.

It's a linear trail rather than a loop, so you'll either need to double back or arrange transport at both ends. Most people do sections of it rather than the whole thing. The surface is decent enough for walking, though after heavy rain it can get boggy in places. Cyclists seem to use it regularly, and the gradient's gentle enough that you won't arrive sweating buckets.

Walkers will absolutely love this - it's the sort of route you can potter along at your own pace, spotting birds and plants without needing to navigate anything complicated. Families with younger kids can manage the flatter sections easily. You're not going to see dramatic viewpoints or ancient monuments, but that's rather the point. It's about the walk itself.

The nearest proper base is Neath, though if you're staying at Four Falls Glamping just down the road, you're perfectly positioned. No facilities along the trail itself, so pack water and a packed lunch. Go early to avoid the afternoon cyclists if you prefer peace, or time it for late afternoon when the light gets lovely on the hillsides. Allow two to three hours for a comfortable section walk.