Wales Forest Trail: Hiking South Wales' New 50-Mile Path 2026

The Wales Forest Trail (Llwybr Coedwig Cymru) is a new 50-mile (80km) pilot hiking route that winds through the South Wales valleys, offering a fresh way to explore a landscape shaped by coal mining and now being reclaimed by nature. Running from Porthkerry Park near Barry to Pont Walby near Glynneath, this trail is the first section of what the National Forest for Wales hopes will eventually link woodlands across the entire country—a sylvan counterpart to the famous Wales Coast Path.

For walkers, it’s an invitation to discover untapped footpaths and a region often overlooked in favor of national parks or coastal routes. The trail passes through post-industrial communities and wild hills, telling a story of transformation from mining past to green future.

What Is the Wales Forest Trail?

The Wales Forest Trail is a pilot route launched as part of the National Forest for Wales initiative. It aims to connect woodlands and communities, providing a long-distance walking experience that showcases the country’s natural and industrial heritage.

Unlike the more established Wales Coast Path, this trail is still in its early stages, with the first 50-mile section now open. The route primarily follows existing public footpaths and bridleways, passing through diverse landscapes—from oak woodlands near the coast to open moorland with panoramic views.

The trail’s name, Llwybr Coedwig Cymru, reflects its dual purpose: celebrating Wales’s forests (coedwig) and offering a path (llwybr) through them. As the National Forest for Wales grows, the trail is expected to expand, eventually creating a network that links woodlands across the country.

Hiking the Trail: From Coast to Valleys

The pilot route starts at Porthkerry Park, a country park near Barry with easy access from Cardiff. From there, it heads inland, climbing into the hills above the Ogmore valley. The terrain varies from gentle woodland paths to more challenging moorland stretches, with some sections requiring careful navigation.

One highlight is the view from Tarren y Fforch, a plateau where hikers are rewarded with vistas stretching to the Gower Peninsula and the ochre peaks of Bannau Brycheiniog (formerly the Brecon Beacons). On a clear day, the patchwork of terraced houses in the valleys below looks like tiny constellations, contrasting with the wild moorland above.

The trail passes through several former mining villages, where the connection between community and landscape is palpable. As you walk, you’ll notice how nature has reclaimed former industrial sites—birch and oak trees now stand where collieries once operated.

Mining Heritage Along the Route

South Wales’s valleys were once the heart of the coal industry, and the trail offers a chance to reflect on that history. Many of the villages along the route grew up around mines, and the landscape bears the scars and stories of that era.

Interpretive signs and local museums, such as the South Wales Miners’ Museum in Afan Forest Park (nearby), provide context. But even without them, the remnants of tramways, colliery buildings, and slag heaps—now softened by vegetation—are visible reminders of the past.

The trail’s developers hope that by bringing walkers into these communities, the route will support local economies and encourage appreciation for the region’s heritage. It’s a chance to see how the valleys are moving from a post-industrial identity toward a greener future.

Practical Information for Hikers

Before setting out, it’s worth planning your hike. The trail is waymarked in places, but some sections may require a map and compass, especially on open moorland. The total distance is 50 miles, but you can break it into shorter day walks.

Accommodation is available in towns and villages along the way, from B&Bs to holiday cottages. Public transport links are decent, with train stations at Barry and Glynneath (via Neath), making it possible to hike point-to-point.

Here’s a quick comparison of the Wales Forest Trail with other long-distance paths in Wales:

Weather in Wales can change quickly, so pack waterproofs and sturdy boots. Also, check ahead for any path closures or diversions, as the trail is new and some sections may still be under development.

What to Expect: Scenery and Wildlife

The trail showcases a variety of habitats, from ancient oak woodlands to heather-clad moors. In autumn, bracken and heather ripple across the plateau, and bilberries carpet the ground. Wildlife includes red kites, skylarks, and various butterflies.

The route also passes through the Afan Forest Park, a popular mountain biking area, but walkers will find quieter paths. The views are constantly changing, from the urban edge of Barry to the remote feeling of the hills above Glynneath.

One thing that stands out is the sense of space and solitude. Despite being close to towns, the trail feels wild and remote in parts, offering a true escape.

Why the Trail Matters

The Wales Forest Trail is more than just a walking route; it’s part of a broader effort to reconnect people with nature and boost tourism in the valleys. The National Forest for Wales aims to create a network of woodlands that will benefit wildlife, climate, and communities. The background to this story is set out in Hike Europe's Wildest Pilgrimage Trail in Arctic Sweden. A related thread runs through Glyndwr's Way: Hiking Wales' Heroic Rebel Prince Trail. Earlier coverage in Andy Goldsworthy Art Trail: Epic Hiking in Haute-Provence shows how the argument developed.

For hikers, it provides an alternative to the crowded hotspots of Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons, spreading the economic benefits of tourism. It also encourages exploration of a region that has often been overlooked. A closer look at the same subject appears in Australia: latest articles. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Iguazu Falls Closure: El Niño Flooding Forces Argentina Shutdown. The same theme surfaces in NAB to Cut 2,500 Jobs in Major Restructure, which takes a different angle.

As the trail develops, it could become a significant long-distance path, attracting walkers from across the UK and beyond. For now, it’s a pilot—a chance to be among the first to experience this new route. Context on how this played out before sits in Canterbury Pilgrimage Trail: From Cathedral to White Cliffs. A companion piece, Volunteering in the Scottish Highlands: A Trail Repair Adventure, approaches the same subject from another angle.

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