Cwmgwrach - Resolfen Loop

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 10.5km loop offers an ideal balance of terrain for runners looking for a scenic, mostly paved route with just enough vertical gain to keep it interesting. Starting in Cwmgwrach, you'll tackle the gentle ascent into the Rheola Forest, where the shaded, well-maintained tracks provide a crisp, woodland atmosphere. With 122m of elevation gain concentrated early on, the second half of the run transitions into a fast, flat finish. Crossing the River Neath, the route joins the historic Tennant Canal towpath, providing a tranquil waterside stretch perfect for dialling in your 10k pace or enjoying a steady recovery effort on a predictable, smooth surface.

The Neath Valley is steeped in industrial heritage, and this route passes through the heart of it. Rheola Forest once formed part of the grand Rheola Estate, designed by the renowned architect John Nash, while the canal towpaths served as the lifeblood of the coal and iron industries in the 19th century. Running here today, you’ll experience the peaceful "Green Valley" transformation, where nature has reclaimed old transport links to create a haven for local wildlife. Keep an eye out for herons along the canal and enjoy the juxtaposition of the rugged Vale of Neath hills against the engineered calm of the waterways—a quintessential Welsh running experience.