Neath Port Talbot lies between Swansea and Bridgend, with a coastline on Swansea Bay and a series of steep valleys running up into the hills behind. It is a former industrial area where nature has reclaimed much of the landscape, and the walking is far more varied than many visitors expect.

Afan Forest Park. The Afan Valley is best known for its mountain biking, but the forest also has waymarked walking trails, a visitor centre and a museum telling the story of the valley’s mining history.

Neath and the waterfalls. Neath has the Gnoll Estate Country Park, with woodland, ponds and a historic cascade, along with the remains of Neath Abbey. A short drive away, Aberdulais Falls is a National Trust site, and Melincourt Falls near Resolven drops over a high rock face.

Pontardawe and Margam. Pontardawe lies in the Swansea Valley, with canal and riverside paths. Margam Country Park, near Port Talbot, has a deer park, a castle, an abbey and walks up into the woodland above.

Valley paths can be steep and muddy, and waterfalls are best visited with care after heavy rain.