4.3
(1522)
10,422
hikers
139
hikes
Hiking around Rheola Forest, located in the Neath Port Talbot region, features diverse landscapes suitable for outdoor activities. The terrain includes dense woodlands and river valleys, providing varied topography for trails. Hikers can expect to traverse wooded valleys, historic paths, and canal towpaths. The area offers options ranging from flat, leisurely walks along the water to moderate ascents on forest trails.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
4.0
(5)
9
hikers
6.51km
01:53
160m
160m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
3.0
(1)
5
hikers
5.73km
01:34
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(7)
12
hikers
6.32km
01:48
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
4.26km
01:07
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Path to falls currently closed due to a landslide. Can see the falls from a distance from the top path
1
0
A good natural ride some steep and challenging climbs, but a nice tarack.
0
0
Wonderful campsite secluded in the Afan Valley. Great, flat camping field, excellent facilities including a communal seating area, wood fired sauna & plunge pool. Itโs also well situated to access hiking & bikng trails.
2
0
The first place in the UK where I"ve been and didn't hear cars, airplains. Just the forest, sound of wind and rain. If you want to complete disconect yourself from a daily life, this is the right place.
2
0
Such a special campsite! They are super hospitable and itโs the perfect place to explore the Afan trails ๐บ๏ธ
3
0
Rheola Forest offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with 49 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, there are over 140 hiking routes throughout the forest.
Easy hikes in Rheola Forest feature diverse terrain, including dense woodlands, tranquil river valleys, and historic canal towpaths. You'll find options ranging from mostly flat, leisurely walks along the water to gentle ascents through the forest.
Yes, the impressive 80-foot Melincourt Falls is a major highlight and easily accessible. You can experience it on routes like the Melincourt Falls โ Resolven Canal Basin loop from Resolven, which combines the waterfall with a section along the canal.
Many of the easy trails in Rheola Forest are suitable for families. The varied landscapes, from canal paths to forest strolls, offer engaging experiences for all ages. Routes like the Path to the Wind Turbines โ Glyncorrwg Ponds loop from Glyncorrwg provide gentle paths and interesting sights.
Rheola Forest is generally dog-friendly, with many trails suitable for walks with your canine companion. Always ensure your dog is under control, especially around wildlife or other hikers, and check for any specific signage regarding dog access on individual routes.
Yes, Rheola Forest features several excellent circular easy walks. For example, the Glyn Castle โ Resolven Canal Basin loop from Resolven offers a pleasant circular route through wooded areas and alongside the canal.
The region is rich in history. You can walk along sections of the ancient Roman Road of Sarn Helen on some trails. Additionally, routes like the Resolven Canal Basin loop from Abergarwed allow you to experience the historic Neath Canal Path and its locks.
The easy trails in Rheola Forest are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 1,200 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, the tranquility of the woodlands, and the accessibility of natural features like Melincourt Falls.
Yes, parking is generally available at various access points for trails within Rheola Forest. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route pages or local information boards.
Beyond Melincourt Falls, easy trails often lead through dense woodlands and along picturesque river valleys. Some routes, like the Path to the Wind Turbines โ Glyncorrwg Ponds loop from Glyncorrwg, offer views towards wind turbines and pass by scenic ponds.
Absolutely. The Melincourt Falls โ Resolven Canal Basin loop from Resolven is a great example, allowing you to visit the impressive waterfall and then enjoy a peaceful walk along the historic canal basin.
The duration of easy hikes varies, but many can be completed within 1.5 to 2 hours. For instance, the Glyn Castle โ Resolven Canal Basin loop from Resolven typically takes about 1 hour 34 minutes.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.