Plans are in the pipeline to create a walking and cycling trail in the Afan Forest Park.
The three mile trail will highlight special points of interest to the life of world famous actor Richard Burton who was born locally in the village of Pontrhydyfen.
Called the Richard Burton Trail Interpretation project, it is intended to extend the trail to Taibach in Port Talbot where Richard lived for some time as a youngster.
The proposed route in Pontrhydyfen and Cwmavon will link into the new route presently being developed under the UK wide Sustrans Connect2 scheme which will provide cyclists and walkers with a safe route along the Afan Valley.
To commemorate the project, the Afan Forest Park welcomed the family of the late actor to the newly refurbished Afan Lodge over the bank holiday weekend.
Brother Graham Jenkins, sister in law Hilary, and nephew Philip Thomas visited the newly named ‘Burton Room’ at the Lodge.
Originally a Miners’ Welfare Hall, it holds special memories for the family as Richard and his brother performed at the Hall in their youth.
Owners Richard and Louise Davies hosted a traditional Welsh breakfast for the family.
Gordon Andrews, Head of Economic Development at Neath Port Talbot Council, said, “I was delighted to be invited to represent the Council and to join Richard and Louise in welcoming the family to Afan Lodge as we are keen to help ensure that the memory of Richard Burton is kept alive in the place of his birth – the Afan Valley.
“We are working with several groups to create a walking and cycling trail using existing trails and networks in Afan Forest Park.
“The proposed trail of three miles will highlight points of interest relating to the life of Richard Burton and other attractions within Afan Forest Park.”
Following breakfast, the family made their way to witness the unveiling of a ‘Portrait Bench’ – an art installation in the Afan Forest Park honouring Richard Burton, local legend Rob Brydon and head Ranger Dick Wagstaff who has devoted thirty years to developing the Afan Forest Park.
Professor Chris Williams, Director of the Richard Burton at Swansea University said: “As well as always being very conscious of his roots in the Afan valley Richard Burton was also concerned with environmental issues. Both these themes emerge strongly from his diaries and I am sure that he would have been delighted to see an initiative of this kind being launched in his birthplace.”
