PANTYFFYNNON amman valley trail A wonderful 11 Kilometre long, traffic-free family friendly path that winds its way STATION SUSPENSION along, following the river Amman as it flows through the valley. The path passes BRIDGE through woodland areas, through a number of children’s play areas an through the Amman United rugby ground where Shane Williams used to play. Mountain Road END Rugby Club SA18 1SW SA18 2RE YNYS DAWELA FINISH garnant NATURE PARK Y NA M A N BR A NA M GL A N Folland Road Wern-ddu Road A474 RIVER AMMAN A474 G A R N A BLACK N M T NTA A N MOUNTAIN O CENTRE START Pontaman Road P 1 GLANAMAN A474 ammanford Amman Valley Trail BUS SERVICES 124 Ammanford - Brynaman Explore a former mining valley in the shadow of the Brecon Beacons on a beautifully meandering cycle trail, winding 7 miles from 126 the swiftly regenerating town of Ammanford to the characterful settlement of Brynaman beneath the imposing Black Mountain. Watch Ammanford - Cwmgwili for buzzards and red kites soaring above, inhale the scent of wild garlic and wildflowers in spring, and relax to the 129 Ammanford - murmur and gurgle of the River Amman as it gushes alongside the trail. This gentle traffic-free route is a popular family afternoon Carmarthen ride, with playgrounds on the way and refreshments at either end. Pantyffynnon Station Pontamman, half a mile east of the town centre. break. Across the river to the north is the site of Built alongside the Dynevor tinplate works, this Here the undulating track weaves between the old Palais de Danse, a cinema and dance hall venerable Grade II-listed station – dating from gnarly trees above the river, with the sound of the built in 1923. Now it’s a convenient car park and 1857 – has been lovingly restored, and is worth gushing water echoing through the woods, before picnic area. a look even if you’re not arriving aboard one emerging alongside lamb-grazed meadows. of the Heart of Wales line trains that stop here Ynys Dawela Nature Park on request. The main station building is a rare Suspension bridge East of Garnant the cycle trail again delves into example of a ‘Brunel chalet’, a standard design by A mile east of Pontaman, the path scoots around woods, emerging onto the rugby pitch on the the famous engineer, and the signal box – dating a little suspension bridge across the river. Gaze outskirts of Brynaman. To the north of the track from 1892, and also Grade II-listed – is the only north up to the edge of the Brecon Beacons and here is Ynys Dawela Nature Park, where footpaths surviving example on the line. A short section of Tair Carn Isaf, named for three Bronze-Age cairns weave among varied habitats home to birds, car-free trail to Ammanford starts just north of the built atop the hill some 3,500 years old. butterflies and other species. station. Glanaman Black Mountain Centre Ammanford The trail emerges into Glanaman, site of a now- In Upper Brynaman, this multi-purpose venue With a range of shops and places to eat, disused station on the Amman Valley branch line. hosts a post office, a small shop and a bright Ammanford is a fine starting point for your ride. Originally called Cross Keys, the station no longer café serving hearty home-cooked fare (including Be sure to call in at the Pear Tree Deli, a friendly, exists but the red brick signal box remains. Pause cyclist-friendly cooked breakfasts and coffees), stylish place proudly packed with local produce. to read the panel recounting a chapter in the story sandwiches and baked potatoes. There’s also local The deli counter is laden with sourdough loaves of Arthur’s hunt for the murderous, enchanted tourist information, changing heritage exhibitions, from a French baker in Brynamman, a spectacular boar Twrch Trwyth, who sought refuge in the works by members of the centre’s art group and array of home-baked cakes plus savoury muffins, Black Mountain. Described in the medieval tale of the wonderful Brynaman Mural painted by local scotch eggs, pasties and mighty, mouthwatering Culhwch and Olwen, the story is told on boards artists and depicting scenes of the village sausage rolls in a variety of flavours. The in-house along the valley and elsewhere in south Wales – and its heritage. For breathtaking views of the café brews terrific coffee, and serves hot meals read more at Black Mountain, and sandwiches – fuel up here before you set out, www.aattt.org.uk continue half a mile or finish with coffee and cake as a post-pedal treat. up the A4069 towards www.thepeartreedeli.co.uk Garnant the edge of the village Parc Golwg Yr Aman straddles the river on the site and the entrance to the Pontaman of a former tinplate works, the foundation stone Brecon Beacons Share the pavements with pedestrians to of which sits in the centre of the park. With grassy National Park. reach the start of the car-free trail proper at swathes to play in, this is a great mid-point for a www.brynaman.org.uk.