Cycling
If you are a keen cyclist or just an interested participant, then Bridgend County Borough is the place for you.
The main Celtic Trail cycle route, part of the National Cycling Network, passes right through the north of the county, with numerous local community routes branching from it.
Community Routes offer the best off-road and safety cycling around the area. These traffic-free paths for cyclists are available throughout the County Borough. They're mainly on old railway lines so gradients are gentle. The station at Tondu is an ideal place to start as many routes pass right by it. The Ogmore Valley cycle route can be joined at this point too. From there it's also possible to join the Garw Valley route as well as visiting Tondu Iron Park, which has a cycling centre within it's grounds. And as they link villages and towns they're good for commuting as well as recreation.
There are a number of accommodation providers who specialise in catering for cyclists and their equipment. Check out the accommodation section of this web site.
- The Ogmore Valley Community Route runs for about 8 miles (13km) from the outskirts of Bridgend to Nantymoel. It's shown on the Ordnance Survey Landranger Map 170 Vale of Glamorgan and Rhondda.
- The Garw Valley Community Route runs for about 8 miles (13km from Bryngarw Country Park, Brynmenyn to Blaengarw. It's shown on the Ordnance Survey Landranger Map 170.
- The Community Route between Cefn Cribwr and Pyle runs for about 2.5 miles (4km) from Bedford Park to the Frog Pond Wood Local nature Reserve. On the way it passes through the built-up area of Kenfig Hill.
- Another traffic-free path within easy reach of the Bridgend area is the 14 miles (22.5km) long cycleway in the Afan Forest near Maesteg. It's maintained and promoted by Forest Enterprise in association with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council and described in the Valley Forest Guide Map to Afan Forest Park. You can hire bikes, including special cycles for people with disabilities, from the Afan Argoed Countryside Centre.
- Minor roads in and around Bridgend County Borough are also good for cycling and many even have dedicated cycle areas clearly marked. There are opportunities for circular rides in the Porthcawl area, the Llynfi Valley and the Vale of Glamorgan.
There are plenty of historic villages and lots of outstanding rural and coastal scenery waiting to be explored. But don't forget to take a good map. The Ordnance Survey Landranger 170 Vale of Glamorgan and Rhondda is probably the best. And make sure you're familiar with the Highway Code. The leaflet Positive Cycling from the Cyclist's Touring Club may also be useful.
Further information on community Routes can be found in the leaflets "Access to the Countryside" and "Country Parks". Available from either of the Heritage Coast Tourist Information Centres.
Full details of any proposed routes is available from The Planning Department, Bridgend County Borough Council, Civic Offices, Angel Street, Bridgend, CF31 1LX. Telephone +44(0) 1656 643164.
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