From The Cross Inn in Llantrisant, this scenic trail runs north of the Church Village Bypass, to the edge of Tonteg, providing a great opportunity for both visitors and commuters to enjoy the rich Valleys landscape and the rural environment.

Learn about the abundance of wildlife, including a rare species of butterfly that can be found along the trail and have a picnic on an eco bench on the way. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the lovely artwork - a 6foot Victorian vent displaying images of future modes of transport designed by children from a local primary school.

The Cynon Trail is linked to the Cynon River Park where a network of cyclepaths is being developed to connect with the surrounding towns and villages. The trail is particularly attractive to cycle as it joins sites of wildlife, recreation and historical interest.

The route leads along sections of an old canal, constructed from the early 19th century which runs parallel to the Afon Cynon for most of its length. An old railway line, now followed by the trail, was built later as coal production increased in the valley. Many of the collieries were linked to the railway by branch lines and sidings. However, the economic viability of the canal – in common with the majority of canals at the time – was jeopardised by the arrival of the railway; the canal owners managed to withhold consent to build bridges over the canal until a court ruling in 1851.

Enjoy the tranquil setting typical of a river bank, with wildlife aplenty, while simply taking a walk or short ride, or when you are on the way to the shops or other amenities in Glanaman or Garnant.

The route also provides excellent views north and east towards the western end of the Brecon Beacons range and the Betws mountains.

Take in the Liberty Stadium as you pass it on the same riverbank that just a mile or two before took you past old brick warehouses left over from the early 20th century. Pass under the huge railway viaducts dating back to the 1800s, and pass over new road and pedestrian bridges built within the past decade.

The ride culminates with a meander around the re-developed marina area before emerging on the Swansea promenade outside the space observatory.

Extend the ride to Mumbles, or to Pontardawe or Ystalyfera in the opposite direction. Check out the Clydach to Ystalyfera, Port Talbot to Kidwelly and Port Talbot to Neath routes for other ways to extend the route.

Starting from Coed Gwilwm Park, the route picks up the canal towpath and takes you into the heart of Pontardawe. Moving away from the Canal and following the river bank, you find your way onto the old railway line. This takes you through woodland alongside the river before emerging on the edge of Ystalyfera.

The ride can be halved in length if you stop in Pontardawe, while it can also be extended by riding in the opposite direction. If you are feeling particularly energetic it is possible to ride from Clydach to Mumbles almost entirely on traffic free paths.

See the Clydach to Swansea, Port Talbot to Kidwelly and Port Talbot to Neath routes fro other sections that you could mix and match to create your own rides.

The contrasts don’t just stop there. The route utilises many path types, from old railway line converted to dust cycle path, to forest roads, undulating forest paths, minor roads and canal towpath. There is conifer and deciduous woodland, open heath-land and agricultural hedge lined fields.

Very few routes can offer such a wide range of scenery types and points of interest.

Due to the range of path surface types, a road bike is probably not suitable.

This is a very pleasant ride along the valley floor, with only short hills (albeit some are quite steep). There are many tree lined sections, which regularly open out to give views over the river and across the valley.

For more information take a look at the Lon Las Cymru South cycling map.

Things really get going however as you get towards and head beyond Trefin. Running mainly on a ridgeline just inline from the coast, the route is less hilly (although still expect a few climbs) and the views along the Pembrokeshire Coast are stunning. If you don’t mind a steep climb back to the route, it’s possible to branch off down to small coves and the cliffs.

On the other side you can enjoy the scene provided by the Preseli Hills and its rugged landscape created by many burial cairns.

Due to the popularity of St Davids, even the minor roads can get quite busy as you approach the small and unique city, and it’s famous cathedral, but don’t let the thought of the traffic put you off as the scenery is fantastic and the setting provided by St Davids is truly wonderful.

This section of the Celtic trail is one of complete contrasts. Between Port Talbot and Swansea the route snakes through some of Wales’ remaining industrial and urban landscape, between Swansea and Gowerton you experience enclosed woodland and a city by the sea, and finally the Millennium Coastal Pathand Pembrey Country Park shows off the wilder side of the welsh coastlines, with plenty of sand dunes and open spaces.

From Port Talbot, you travel along Aberavon promenade, over the old Britton Ferry bridge. You pass the gradually redeveloping area near Jersey Marine on the way into Swansea, before picking up the Swansea Sea Front and Clyne Valley cycle Paths.

At around half distance you pass through Gowerton, before linking across to the Millennium Coastal Path which takes you past Llanelli and Burry Port. The route finishes with a ride through Pembrey Country Park.

The longer route takes in the Monmouthshire to Brecon Canal, passing Fourteen locks, before entering the Sirhowy Valley Country Park, passing over Hengoed Viaduct, through Parc Penallta Country Park and onto the Taff trail through Pontypridd, passing Castle Coch on the way into Cardiff.

The shorter option takes in Tredegar House just outside Newport, Caerphilly Castle and Riverside Way, and then passes Castle Cosh on the Taff Trail.

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