Afan-A-Blast 200km route - Bikepacking the Afan and Neath Valleys

A challenging and rewarding, mostly off road, bikepacking route starting and finishing at the Glyncorrwg Ponds mountain bike centre and made in conjunction with the bike shop and campsite there, Afan a Blast. The Afan Valley is home to a great selection of off road riding, from the gentle gradients and smooth surfaces of the disused railway lines, Blue graded mountain bike trails and skills parks, to Red and Black graded longer and harder routes taking in the extensive collection of hand built trails. There's also a huge network of forest roads and ancient byways criss-crossing the valleys, which also link the Lynfi, Rhondda, Neath and Swansea valleys. Then from the beach at Aberafan sands to the Brecon Beacons National Park via the Neath and Tenant canal, Sarn Helen Roman Road and some fantastic forest roads and trackways.This route is primarily a mountain bike route, while you don't necessarily need suspension, it would certainly help. Of course there'll be those that are happy to ride it on a gravel bike, and while most of it would be ok, beware that even the forest roads around the valleys are pretty rough and rugged, so big tyres are recommended.There's loads of accommodation options here, even on the route or nearby. You might have to change the distances around to be able to stay inside every night.