1. As you leave the train travelling from either east or west, you need to head up to Ynysmaerdy Road above the station. From here head to your left to walk up the hill which becomes Brynhyfryd Road. Before you head left up the hill, across the road you’ll see the Lodge Café – this is the perfect place to grab some food to takeaway, or to stop off on your return from the walk.
2. After the crown of the hill follow the road down to the right which then becomes Giants Grave Road. Continue along this road until you reach the canal entrance on your right.
3. You are now following the historic Neath Canal, which was used to transport huge amounts of coal, but also iron, ironstone, iron ore, fireclay/bricks, silica, lime and gunpowder!
4. Keep on the main canal path being aware of other users such as cyclists. Keep an eye out for the variety of bird life that now lives here. You will pass under a few low bridges, so take care, and there are some small road crossings to be aware of that give access to some of the industrial buildings.
5. Keep on the well-marked path for approximately 2.5 miles walking alongside the canal until you reach the road crossing on Bridge Street with Zoars Pet Superstore on your left. You have now reached Neath Town Centre.
6. Bear right along Bridge Street under the railway bridge to reach traffics light with a crossing. Cross the road here to head straight into a large pedestrianised area by Morrisons.
7. Turn right here to head up New Street where you’ll find Ten 21, but also other good food and drink outlets. Having passed Ten 21, turn right at the crossroads to walk down Green Street which is the main shopping area of the town. Along this road you will also pass Neath Market which also has a great variety of food places and toilets.
8. At the end of Green Street, turn left and cross the road to reach Neath Train Station to enable you to head back to Briton Ferry.
