We are Swansea Ramblers. Come with us and discover the pleasures of walking in the Swansea area and beyond. We look forward to seeing you on one of our walks.
Clive Rees
Join Clive for a walk in the heart of the Lower Swansea Valley Project.
There are some trees down which we must get around but it is otherwise, a leisurely walk. The first mile of the walk will be taken slowly to pass these trees over which we will help anyone in difficulty.
It is not many years since there were NO trees growing in this area because it was the most polluted piece of land in Europe.
The various chemical works in the valley closed down, the last one being the Swansea Vale Lead Works.
Following the departure of this industry, the City of Swansea (then still a town) set about trying to reclaim the land for leisure. They planted evergreen trees down the valley from the start point of our walk to the summit of Kilvey Hill.
The hill is familiar to us but the valley woodland they planted is less often walked because there are few formal footpaths through it.
Our woodland walk takes us through woodland on both sides of the Llansamlet bypass, following attractive woodland paths which eventually emerge at Pluck Lake near Morrisons.
We make our way back along the riverbank of the Tawe, into the industrial estate but through a forested lane and then back to the start via the Fendrod Lake.
Members will find it surprising how we manage to avoid both housing and industry in such a heavily industrialised setting.
Toilets: In the pub afterwards
Stiles: There are no stiles on this walk
Terrain: There may be some fallen trees to cross.
Social after walk:
Afterwards, we will go for refreshments the Colliers’ Arms
Directions:
• Head north on A4217
• Join A4217 bypass
• Take 1st exit off roundabout
• Turn left after Light controlled crossing
• Pass pic-up spares on left and Colliers on right
• Park on-street and walk to meet by the Colliers’ car park
Llansamlet: Jersey Road: Nantyffin Road South: Near Colliers Arms | Lat/Long: 51.6542, -3.9058
