Port Talbot to Kidwelly Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Part of the Celtic Trail, the 34 miles of mostly traffic-free cycling between Port Talbot and Kidwelly is cycling bliss. Just be aware from the outset that it isn’t a continuous traffic-free ride – there are segments on shared pavements, short sections on quieter urban roads, and some parts on quiet rural lanes.
The route map starts right by the Port Talbot train station, and ends at the train station in Kidwelly. This means you can cycle the whole route, and catch the train back, but do read my Bikes On Trains guide first.
All the photos, and most of the information in this guide was provided by Ade, Craig Ellis and Chris Humphreys. All errors are mine alone.
Surface
The surface varies. Most of it is on either good, or acceptable tar. Some of it is on self-compacting gravel, and short sections has a looser unsealed surface. It can get muddy after rain in certain parts
There are segments where near-permanent sandbanks overspill onto the path, and there’s a very narrow section later on, by the canal.
Bikes
The route is suitable for normal bikes. Trikes and many cargo bikes may struggle in parts.
Toilets
Available at the train stations at the start and end, and at several points along the ride.
Ratings
Safety: ⭐⭐⭐
Hilliness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Refreshment stops: ⭐⭐⭐
Barriers: ⭐⭐
Surface: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐
Points of Interest
Look out for the rich industrial heritage around the area, which is now rapidly being redeveloped.
Between Llanelli and Burry Port you’ll cycle past the spot where Amelia Earhart landed her plane, becoming the first woman to fly across the Atlantic.
The National Closed Road Racing Circuit is nearby. Unless there’s an event on, it’s open to all, and free.
Routes in South West Wales
Barriers
There is at least one set of gates, but recumbent trikes should be able to get through. A bigger barrier to trikes is the very narrow segment later on, by the canal.
Forecast for the Port Talbot to Kidwelly route
Because of the distance of this route, there are two forecasts.
What it looks like
More Routes
To find more routes, click this link.
Interactive map for this route
You can download the GPX file from the map below, simply by clicking the GPX button. Hovering over the elevation profile will show the elevation for that point along the route, in both metres and feet. It will also show the gradient.
And finally…
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