Wales has launched the first section of the Llwybr Coedwig Cymru Trail, an 80km forest route linking woodland sites across south Wales as part of the National Forest for Wales.
The pilot section runs from Porthkerry Park in the Vale of Glamorgan to Pont Walby viaduct near Glynneath and connects National Forest sites along the route. People following the trail will be able to visit 12 National Forest sites and 24 woodlands in total.
Visitors will never be far from trees, with around 50 per cent of the route under tree canopy cover.
The trail is just under a 24 hour walk in total, though it has been divided into manageable sections so people can explore it more gradually. It follows the existing rights of way network and includes areas suitable for a range of users including walkers, wheelchair users, cyclists and horse riders.
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who officially opened the trail, said:
“This is the beginning of an exciting journey. Wales will be amongst the first nations to have a national forest trail.
“The trail will stretch the length and breadth of Wales and showcase our National Forest sites and woodlands, for everyone to enjoy.”
The trail has been delivered in partnership with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and local authority rights of way teams in the Vale of Glamorgan, Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Neath Port Talbot, alongside a range of stakeholder groups.
Further work will take place over the coming months to enhance the pilot section, including additional signage and waymarking, improvements to gates, benches and information boards, and events with local communities.
The aim is to develop the route into a high quality demonstrator section by the end of the year, setting a benchmark for future phases of the trail.
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language Mark Drakeford said the trail will showcase the variety of National Forest sites and improve connections between them, while also helping people connect with woodland and nature.
Learn more about the National Forest for Wales and explore woodland walks and nature experiences on Visit Wales.