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Swansea Ramblers Walk


Rheola Forest and Sarn Helen

9th February 2014

Leader: Richard Beale




Richard led us into Neath Port Talbot to explore the forestry covering what was once Aberpergwm Mine.  The weather was not kind to us and we had a mixture of rain, wind, sleet, hail, snow and even sunshine!.  We walked high above the Neath Valley along the ancient Roman Road of Sarn Helen from where we could look across Swansea Bay to Mumbles!  We followed Neath Canal back to the start then made for The Farmers Arms in Resolven where we were made welcome and checked out the selection of Felinfoel Ale on tap.



Swansea Ramblers offer a range of walks for most abilities.

Try an easy walk of 2-3 hours or our longer strenuous mountain walks for the experienced walker.

Maybe you'd like to explore walking for the first time with a friendly group of people?
- Come with Swansea Ramblers!

If you'd like to try a Swansea walk then do come along and find out what the great outdoors is all about.

It won't cost you anything to come along and see if walking is for you.
You'll be very welcome to join us for three free walks.

If you enjoy walking with us and want to come on even more of our walks, just become a member.

When you join us for a Swansea Walk, ask us about the other walks and social events we do.






Photographs



Photograph of Walking Route - Image 1
Leader: Richard Beale


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Setting off for Neath Canal


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Approaching the canal bridge


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Heading north on the canal


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Lock gates


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Here the canal is culverted under the road and becomes a ditch


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But the heavy rains flood the towpath


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Didn't expect to have to paddle


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Up into forestry above the canal and the road becomes a river


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A raging torrent further up the hill


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And a cascade


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Long climb up the mountain


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A subtle hint we're on the right track!


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The Roman Road is nearby


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And the rain, wind, hail and snow came down


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and the hail hurt!


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Cold and wet


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and still it comes down


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Stopped for a minute


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Then it came back and heavy with it


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Snow then began to fall


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Sarn Helen under water


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Now what should we see through the mist?


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Swansea Bay and Yes! - Mumbles!


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Start to descend


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In the sleet


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Old tree covered in moss


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Rain


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and more rain!


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and more rain!


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Lots of water flowing


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and more rain!


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and more rain


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What rain?


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Did you see any rain?


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Couldn't see it for the hail


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Hang on - isn't that sunshine?


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Hey! Has it been sunny here all day?


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Nearly back


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Which way to the pub?





Ordnance Survey map of the route walked
Resizable and draggable
(Can be reset to original dimensions by refreshing the page)
Green Swansea Ramblers logo markers where present can be clicked to provide more information



All photographs Copyright  Andrew Morgan 2014
All rights reserved



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