45) Afan Argoed Country Park- Former Cynonville Station

In the Afan Valley, between Pontrhydyfen and Cymmer, Port Talbot can boast the idyllic Afan Argoed Country Park. Back in my running days this was a great venue, and it’s very much a mecca for mountain bikers. Amongst the trails which pass through the park is one which is based on an old railway line. The track has long since been removed – during the 1960s Beeching reforms, I believe – but the platforms of the old Cynonville Station still remain, with a stone barbecue shelter having been obligingly built since. They are charmingly overgrown too, which all adds to the atmosphere of the place. Lovely.