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Activities

Activity Centres

If you want to try an alternative activity, what about riding along purpose built terrain over logs, bumps and through puddles on the back of a Quad Bike? Or how about getting your colleagues to help you construct a raft of a freezing cold lake in the middle of Winter? What a test that would be!

Boating

The County offers the opportunity for sailing, canoeing or taking a barge along Neath Canal.

Sailing

The Corus Sailing Club meets at the Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir, one of South Wales' Premier sailing and dinghy racing clubs. Racing is on Saturdays throughout the year, with a popular Winter series between November and March (Sundays).

Monkstone Sailing Club offers a private marina for 90 boats (visitor berths available), semi-submersible lifting gear for boats up to 20 ton and hard standing.

Canoeing

Canoeing can be enjoyed at Glyncorrwg Ponds.

Canals

There are two sections of the canal for visitors to enjoy. Experience working lock gates and tree-lined routes. The Thomas Dadford leaves Neath from Morrisons/B&Q daily during school summer holidays, and on Saturdays from April to September.

Contact Details:

Monkstone Crusing and Sailing Club
Telephone: 01792 812229
Corus Sailing Club
Telephone: 01443 227456
Website: www.corussailing.info
Glyncorrwg Ponds
Telephone: 01639 851900
Website: www.glyncorrwgponds.com
Neath Canal
Thomas Dadford – Tel 01792 772776
Enfys – Tel 01639 871173 or 01639 710576
Port Talbot Coastguard
Website: www.ptcg.co.uk

Call of the Wild

Call of the Wild offers a range of high adrenaline outdoor activities for all ages and abilities. Based in the majestic Brecon Beacons National Park the centre offers a wide range of Multi-activity and adventure weekend packages for stag and hen weekends, corporate team building events, school activity programmes and expeditions.

Licensed with the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority and Wales Tourist Board Accredited.

Contact Details:

Telephone: 01639 700388
Email: info@callofthewild.co.uk
Website: www.callofthewild.co.uk
Website: www.aswildasyouwantit.com

Cycling

Safe cycle routes can be enjoyed by all the family at a number of locations across Neath Port Talbot. Whether it's disused railways through glorious countryside or following canal towpaths past locks and bridges, there is a variety of family-friendly places just waiting to be discovered.

Some of the most popular cycle tracks include the Afan Low Level Routes which run along the base of Afan Forest Park. These are great trails for all the family with picnic and refreshment stops punctuating almost 32 kms of trail.

Forest Cycle Safety Code

If you have any problems on the cycle routes please call the Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre on 01639 850564. For your safety, we advise you to follow the cycle safety code:

Expect the unexpected! Keep your speed down.
Remember other vehicles use the forest roads as well as you!
Give way to walkers, be friendly towards other forest users.
Keep away from forest operations.
Cycle with care.
Do not pass any vehicle loading timber until you have been told to do so.

The Cwm Tawe Cycle path forms part of the National Cycle Network Route 43, which takes you through the heart of the Swansea Valley from Pontardawe to Ystalyfera. This section starts off on the tree-lined towpaths through the picturesque town of Pontardawe before heading north to Ystalyfera, meandering alongside the River Tawe.

The Celtic Trail is part of the National Cycle network and one of its most leisurely and enjoyable sections takes you along the promenade at Aberavon with its fantastic views across Swansea Bay. For something a little bit more adventurous try the High Level from the Rhondda Valley down into the beautiful Vale of Neath following the canal path to Briton Ferry.

Did you Know?

The Celtic Trail stretches some 308 miles along the South and West Wales Coast.

You can hire bikes at the Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre.

Contact Details:

Glyncorrwg Ponds – telephone 01639 851900
Webiste: www.glyncorrwgponds.com
Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre – telephone 01639 850564
Website: www.afanforestpark.co.uk

Other Useful Web Addresses:

Equestrian Centres and Trekking

The Vale of Neath and nearby Afan Forest Park boast some of the best riding in the country, with breathtaking views of the surrounding area high up in the forests. There are well over 64 km of bridleways and over 48 km of forestry tracks for your enjoyment. There is very little road riding, so most routes suit the absolute novice as well as more competent riders.

There are purpose built centres, ideal for beginners taking their first lessons and professionally led treks through the heart of the countryside. A number of centres cater for riding holidays for the family with a range of cosy log cabins and award winning guesthouses.

There are many equine related events to enjoy throughout the year, in particular the harness racing at Tairgwaith, which attracts competitors and spectators from all over the UK.

Contact Details:

Cimla Equestrian Holiday Centre
Telephone: 01639 644944
Afan Forest park Visitor Centre
Telephone: 01639 850564
Amman Valley Trotting Club
Telephone: 01269 823288

Useful Web Addresses:

Fishing

The waters in the County Borough offer coarse, game and sea fishing, providing excellent sport for both pleasure and serious anglers.

Managed by Skewen Angling Club, the hidden treasures of both Neath and Tennant Canals and the Square Pond contain pike, rudd and tench (Tennant) and roach, carp, bream, tench and eels (Neath).

Brown trout can be found in the Rivers of Neath and Dulais, run by the angling club of the same name. Seatrout (sewin) can also be found in the River Neath, where the salmon fishing is getting better and better.

Aberavon Beach offers all year round fishing for bass, flounder and white cod, with mackerel in the summer and pouting in the winter.

The Gnoll Estate, known for large carp and rudd is open to anglers from the end of June to mid March. Rainbow trout can be found in Margam Park which is open for fishing all year round.

Egwys Nunydd Reservoir, run by the Corus Game Angling Association, is the place for rainbow, brown and blue trout. The dry docks in Port Talbot are exceptional for bream fishing.

Contact Details:

Neath and Dulais Angling Association
Telephone: 01639 634148 or 01639 701899
Glyncorrwg Ponds
Telephone: 01639 851900
Margam Park
Telephone: 01639 881635
Corus Game Angling Association
Telephone: 01639 871111 ext 3368
Gnoll Park
Telephone: 01639 635808
Afan Anglers Club
Telephone: 01639 763757 or 01639 820150
Pontardawe and Swansea Angling Society
Telephone: 01792 844014
Skewen Angling Club
Telephone: 01639 639657 (membership secretary)
Fly Fishing Wales
Telephone: 01639 639076 or 07776 278483

Golf

If golf is your game, then why not use your skill and judgement to navigate your way around some of the most challenging courses in South West Wales. Just imagine being stuck in rough perched high on the mountainous Neath Golf Club overlooking the Vale of Neath or on the most demanding Links fairway looking into the sunset over Swansea Bay.

Whatever your handicap or ability there are many courses to choose from and most welcome guests if you contact the clubhouse in advance.

Contact Details:

Corus Golf course (9 hole course)
Telephone: 01639 871111 ext 3368
Earlswood Golf Course (18 hole course)
Telephone: 01792 321578
Glynneath Golf Club (18 hole course)
Telephone: 01639 720452
Gnoll Golf Course (9 hole pitch and putt course)
Telephone: 01639 635808
Lakeside Golf Course (18 hole course)
Telephone: 899959
Maesteg Golf Course (18 hole course)
Telephone: 01656 734106
Neath Golf Course (18 hole course)
Telephone: 01639 643615
Palleg Golf Course (9 hole course)
Telephone: 01639 842193
Pontardawe Golf Course (18 hole course)
Telephone: 01792 830041
Swansea Bay Golf Course (18 hole course)
Telephone: 01792 812198

Useful web addresses:

www.golf.visitwales.com

Leisure Centres / Swimming Pools

Afan Lido Leisure Complex
Telephone: (01639) 871444
Aquadome theme pool: The Sports Centre features badminton courts, weights/fitness area, squash courts, soft play area, indoor bowls centre, outdoor floodlit all-weather playing field. Wheelchair access and disabled facilities.
Blaengwynfi Social Welfare Centre
Telephone: (01639 850311)
In the heart of the Upper Afan Valley, the centre offers a full range of activities for all the family, including CV and fitness suite, multi-gym and weights room, snooker hall and sports hall.
Neath Leisure Centre
Telephone: (01639) 642827
Leisure pool with teaching area, Hydroslide, children's pool, squash courts, weights/fitness area, Jacuzzi, sauna, sunbeds, cafeteria. Wheelchair access and disabled facilities.
Neath Sports Centre
Telephone: (01639) 635013
Badminton courts, all-weather floodlit playing playing field, athletics track, crèche. Wheelchair access and disabled facilities.
Cymmer Community Swimming Pool
Telephone: (01639) 852051
25 metre swimming pool with teaching pool, wheelchair access and disabled facilities.
Dulais Valley Leisure Pool
Telephone: (01639) 701584
Freeform leisure pool, ideal for children and learners, wheelchair access and disabled facilities.
Hengwrt Community Sports Centre
Telephone:(01639 814331)
The centre offers a range of activities for all ages, including a sports hall, community room and fitness centre.
Vale of Neath Leisure Centre
Telephone: (01639) 720460
25 metre freeform pool with Hydroslide, solarium, fully-equipped gym and small sports hall. Wheelchair access and disabled facilities.
Pontardawe Leisure Centre
Telephone: (01792) 830111
Badminton courts, weights room, squash courts, indoor bowls centre, all-weather floodlit playing field, wheelchair access and disabled facilities.
Pontardawe Swimming Pool
Telephone: (01792) 863474
25 metre swimming pool with teaching pool, solarium. Wheelchair access and disabled facilities.
Llangatwg Swimming Pool
Telephone: (01639) 634700
Open some evenings and school holidays, please contact for further details. Wheelchair access and disabled facilities.
Tonmawr 2000 Sports and Fitness Centre
Telephone: (01639) 639457
A sports and fitness centre which includes an impressive sports hall where many organised sports activities are held and a variety of clubs meet. Why not work out in the fitness suite with its excellent range of equipment, which includes a fitness assessment programme, or simply relax and unwind in the luxury health suite with its sauna, jacuzzi, steam room and sun beds? Full cafe available.

Mountain Biking

If it's world class mountain bike excitement you are looking for then Afan Forest Park is the place to be seen. What can be said that hasn't been said already? The most wicked trails built in and across the most dramatic of landscapes await you.

Two trails to cut your teeth on first are the 16km 'Penhydd' and the 23km 'Wall' - why do you think they call it 'The Wall?'. Well you try cycling up it! Basing yourself at the Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre will give you direct access to these two trailheads. Then, on your return, a bike wash, cup of piping hot chocolate and a wedge of cake awaits you in the café or out in the picnic areas.

If you are the type whose stamina will stand up to the endurance test of Skyline (45km) and White's Level (15km), then head to Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre where both trail heads start and finish underneath the café.

Visit the purpose built centre with bike and repair shop, bike wash and showers, before rounding off your visit sipping one of speciality hot drinks and enjoying a bite to eat on the decked veranda, whilst watching the riders make their final descent.

Did you know?

Afan Forest Park was voted one of the top ten places in the world to ride before you die.
It's the fastest growing mountain bike centre in Great Britain.
Trail heads are connected via a disused railway line.

Contact Details:

Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre
Telephone: 01639 850564
www.afanforestpark.co.uk
Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre
Telephone: 01639 851900
www.glyncorrwgponds.com

Useful Web Addresses:

Dulais Valley Quads and Archery Centre

Take your breath away with the adventure and thrill of navigating the latest HONDA 250 cc Quad Bikes through 175 acres of hill and woodlands. Junior quads also available for 8-15 year olds.

Wales Tourist Board accredited, tuition and assessment is carried out by qualified staff.

Contact Details:

Telephone: 01639 701768 / 07970 720415
Email: griff@dulaisvalleyquads.com
Website: www.dulaisvalleyquads.com
Website: www.aswildasyouwantit.com

Surfing / Jet Ski

For surfing with a difference try Aberavon Beach. Renowned for its ability to hold big swells and big logs its reputation is growing as an alternative to Gower with the best spots alongside the jetty walls.

You can take surf lessons on Aberavon Beach with Gower Surfing Development (GSD), the only four star British Surfing Association surf school in Wales operating all year round.

Contact Details:

Gower Surfing Development
Telephone: 01792 360370
www.surfgsd.com

Aberavon Beach is also an ideal sport for launching your jetski. See Swansea Bay from a totally different angle as you skim across the water.

For information on Aberavon Beach and jetski registration contact:

Afan Lido
Telephone: 01639 871444

Walking

Waterfall walks, country parks, towpaths, seafront promenades and glorious countryside can all be enjoyed whilst walking in and around Neath Port Talbot.

With over three quarters of the County covered by forested hills and valleys, it is easy to see why Neath Port Talbot is a haven for walkers of all ages and abilities.

Just ask for a copy of 'Top Ten Walks' available from the Tourist Information Centre and attractions.

Countryside Code

Help us to make your visit a special one by observing the countryside code, and by ensuring that our countryside remains unspoilt.

Countryside Code - Advice for the Public
Be safe - plan ahead and follow any signs
Leave gates and property as you find them
Protect plants and animals, take your litter home
Keep dogs under close control
Consider other people