Pontrhydyfen Viaduct – Widow Maker (Blue Scar Trail) loop from Port Talbot Parkway

Mountain biking trails

Pontrhydyfen Viaduct – Widow Maker (Blue Scar Trail) loop from Port Talbot Parkway

Moderate

riders

Pontrhydyfen Viaduct – Widow Maker (Blue Scar Trail) loop from Port Talbot Parkway

04:23

50.4km

850m

Mountain biking

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 21, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that goes up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 9.34 km for 13 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

4.15 km

Afan River Cycle Path

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

Mostly level or gentle down slope.

Tip by

6.42 km

Pontrhydyfen is a small former coal mining community at the confluence of the River Afan and the Afon Pelenna. It is distinguished by two large 19th-century bridges that span the valley: a railway viaduct (the red bridge) and a former aqueduct, known as Y Bont Fawr ("The Big Bridge").

Tip by

10.1 km

Afan Valley Cycle Route

Highlight • Trail

A beautiful & easy cycle trail suitable for most bikes

Tip by

11.1 km

Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre

Highlight • Rest Area

Afan Forest is very well known for its mountain biking and well, there is a lot of it! There are trails for all abilities, but the main focus here is the red graded trails, which are great and really well maintained, very gravely but can be ridden in all weather.

There are a lot of elevation changes so some good fitness here will be required. As well as the trails there are a number of fire roads, bridleways and a bike path so great for some gravel riding too.

Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre is one of two parking and start areas for the trails. From here you can ride The Rookie, Blue Scar, Penhydd and Y Wal and W2 mountain bike trails.

There is also a cafe, bike shop and bike hire, toilets and showers. Parking is paid.

Tip by

13.7 km

Gravel Road Climb on Coed Morgannwg Way

Highlight (Segment) • Forest

It might seem like a lot of uphill, but this climb is well worth it when you see what comes next on 'widow maker'! Enjoy the scenery and spin up in a low gear, you'll need the energy for the singletrack!

This forestry road forms part of the Coed Morgannwg Way.

Tip by

15.0 km

Widow Maker (Blue Scar Trail)

Highlight • Trail

A brilliant, flowing descent, you've earned this one with the big fireroad climb! Rated blue or moderate, it's not the most challenging singletrack trail, but one that everyone will no doubt enjoy.

The trail is really well surfaced so it's good to ride year round.

Tip by

42.5 km