Walks from Pyle

Mainly flat and on tarmac, following a former railway/tram route (National Cycle Network Route 4) through woodland for about six miles and with a couple of short stony sections that are well bedded in. Good for wheels; some parallel off-tarmac paths offer variety on foot. Follows National Cycle Network Route 4. The route runs alongside Parc Slip nature reserve and is buzzing with wildlife; Aberkenfig near the end has shops, pubs, cafes and a bakery.

Woodland: a quarter under tree cover.

Time: 2h30–5h

1 lunch spot: Parc Slip Visitor Centre café

End-of-walk reward: Aberkenfig, near the end, has shops, pubs, cafes and a bakery.

Warnings: One alternative track in the Fountain Parkland section is narrow, boggy and rough underfoot; the surfaced cycle track is the better option.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Stunning, through countryside woodlands with beautiful views. Starts uphill out of Maesteg town, then a narrow, overgrown lane leads to an unwalkable nettly marsh that has to be bypassed via roads through a housing estate. The middle through countryside woodlands is stunning with beautiful views and before housing estates and a fairly busy road into Pyle. A mix of climbs and varied surfaces.

Woodland: two fifths under tree cover.

Time: 4h–7h30

Lunch: There are a few shops at the start and end but no visible toilet stops.

Warnings: An overgrown, nettly marsh section is unwalkable and must be bypassed by road through a housing estate. Best walked in daylight, as the busy-road section may be hazardous at night.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Travels through quiet roads or off-road cycle lanes through the suburbs of Bridgend, into Laleston, across Stormy Down and down into Pyle. A short walk across boggy fields and with overgrown stiles between Upper Park Farm and Laleston. Passes the Old Bridge (Yr Hen Pont) built in 1425 at Bridgend.

Time: 3h–5h30

Lunch: Laleston has a pub, shops and cafes (though the pub may be closed); shops and facilities in Bridgend and Broadlands.

Warnings: A series of old stone stiles between Upper Park Farm and Laleston are overgrown with brambles and nettles and in one place barred by gates; the route into and out of Laleston is hard to find.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A very direct, efficient and mostly flat route, largely following National Cycle Route 4 on segregated and traffic-free cycle paths, pavements and quieter lanes. Mainly urban and alongside dual carriageways and not especially scenic; tarmac narrows to about a metre leaving Pyle and is poorly maintained in places. Follows National Cycle Route 4 and shares signage with the Wales Coast Path; a detour into Margam Park (free for walkers) would greatly enhance the walk.

Time: 3h–5h30

Warnings: Follows a busy road for half of the walk. Mostly runs alongside busy dual carriageways; the path narrows to about a metre wide leaving Pyle and is poorly surfaced in places.

Walk details: Slow Ways.